Jonathan Elystan Rees KC
'Jonathan is a go-to for anything serious and complex. He has an eye for detail that is unparalleled.'
‘Very strong set at all levels’ Apex Chambers is praised as ’an excellent chambers with a significant number of able advocates’. Jonathan Rees KC prosecuted in a murder and manslaughter trial arising from a fatal attack in a pub. Lee Reynolds prosecuted sixteen defendants in a multi-million-pound fraud involving illegal tobacco and nitrous oxide, and is recommended as ‘a very good advocate and detail-focused’. John Ryan, described as ’a star performer’, brings extensive experience in serious criminal law, particularly in cases involving homicide and sexual offences. Nicholas Gedge secured an acquittal for a defendant charged with multiple counts of rape against a teenager.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Craig Mansfield is helpful.'
- 'Craig Mansfield is a very experienced senior clerk who is reliable and always tries to resolve problems without delay.'
- 'The clerks at Apex are always friendly and happy to assist in whatever way they can.'
- 'The clerks are all good.'
- 'Apex Chambers has the best strength in depth on the circuit in crime.'
- 'Apex Chambers is a good set.'
Lawyers
Leading Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
Leading Juniors
Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.
Lee Reynolds
'Lee is an experienced advocate who is knowledgeable, always well-prepared, and assuredly presents the case. He presents his case with tact yet also with firmness.'
John Ryan
'John is a powerful and effective advocate. His strength lies in giving clear and concise advice in difficult circumstances. He has an eye for detail and will often consider new and effective ways of approaching a case to help achieve a positive outcome.'
Nicholas Gedge
'Nicholas is an excellent advocate who has infinite patience and engages well with clients and those instructing.'
Andrew Kendall
'Andrew is an excellent advocate and is on top of the brief at all times. His manner and interpersonal skills are also fantastic.'
Hashim Salmman
'Hashim's case preparation is meticulous. He has an innate ability to assimilate masses of material in complex cases to get to the crux of what is required. His manner with lay clients and those who instruct him is excellent, which inspires confidence.'
Ruth Smith
'Ruth is professional, experienced, knowledgeable and personable. She is of great assistance when fully preparing cases for trial. She can build an amazing rapport with the client, which assists in the smooth running of the case.'
Clare Wilks
'Clare has a calmness in everything she does. She is a go-to barrister for cases where a subtle and effective approach is required. She has a collaborative approach to case preparation.'
Rising stars
Rising stars at the Bar are defined as barristers between four and eight years’ call who are seen as up-and-coming members of the Bar in their respective practice areas by clients and peers alike. They will already be instructed in high-profile, complex, and high-value contentious and non-contentious matters, working with and opposite more experienced leading counsel.
Martha Smith-Higgins
'Martha is a superb advocate. She is bright, diligent and compassionate. She is as adept with technical points before judges as she is sensitive with handling juries.'