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.
1
Louise Oakley
5KBW
 ‘Louise works as hard as anyone and gets on so well with all her opponents.’
1
Colin Witcher
Church Court Chambers
‘Colin is a completely brilliant junior. He is always on top of the facts, excellent with both solicitors and lay clients, and has an ability to command the attention of his audience. He is a formidable opponent and certainly a KC in waiting.'
2
Clodaghmuire Callinan
15NBS Chambers
‘Clodaghmuire is fearless in her defence of clients while commanding the respect of the judiciary and her opponents. She is driven, fiercely bright and a master tactician who thinks out of the box. Clients adore her for her down to earth nature, meticulous preparation and firm, realistic advice. She is a compelling advocate who is going places - she is silk material.'
2
Daniel Jameson
Garden Court Chambers
2
Ruby Selva
Garden Court Chambers
3
Sam Barker
2 Harcourt Buildings
‘Sam is an exceptional advocate for his call. He combines excellent knowledge with common sense practical application.’
3
Oliver Cook
Libertas Chambers
‘Oliver is supremely intelligent and is a genuine expert on how mobile telephones work. There are very few barristers that can claim to understand telephone cell site data as he does. He is an incredibly hard-working barrister with endless energy.’
3
William Davis
5KBW
 ‘William is a star in the making. He is approachable, balanced, unflappable and extremely helpful. Nothing is ever too much trouble. That said he is determined, steely and focussed. William is a great lawyer and first-class advocate. An excellent all-rounder.’
3
Patrick Hill
Three Raymond Buildings
 ‘Patrick is one of the most gifted, able and brightest juniors at the criminal Bar. He is incredibly bright, very hard-working and a complete pleasure to work with. Several judges have praised him for the quality and clarity of his written word. Patrick is a complete superstar.’
3
Jeffrey Israel
25 Bedford Row
 ‘Jeffrey is a stellar performer. He is extremely hard-working and a seasoned professional. He has a strong courtroom presence and a powerful and persuasive manner in cross-examination. Jeffrey is a class act and a silk in waiting.’
3
Matthew Lawson
Libertas Chambers
 ‘Matthew is incredible on his feet. He commands control of a courtroom and he is tactically one of the best advocates around. One of Matthew's strengths is his ability to structure some of the most complex legal arguments in an eloquent manner that result in the judges ruling in his favour. He stands at the pinnacle of his profession.'
3
Philip Misner
4BB
‘Philip has a wealth of experience to call upon and combines it with boundless energy and natural ability. On his feet he is calm, his instincts are outstanding and he has the right answer at his fingertips. He is an honest, hardworking and thoughtful man which translates into an effective and capable barrister.'
3
Yasin Patel
Church Court Chambers
‘Yasin is thorough with his work, able to quickly identify weaknesses in evidence, address legal arguments that might be applicable and provide written advice when sought. He will always go over and above to help clients. His advocacy is best described as elegant. He is persuasive in his legal arguments where he is calm and collected and charms the jury with his wit.'
3
Gerwyn Wise
Garden Court Chambers
'Gerwyn's meticulous case preparation is absolutely unrivalled; he devotes enormous amounts of time to forensically analysing all prosecution evidence, and prepares lengthy schedules of evidence to assist solicitors. He has a deep understanding of the intricacies of legislation and case law, particularly in areas such as modern slavery, gang evidence and county lines operations.'
4
Natalia Constantine
2 Harcourt Buildings
‘Natalia combines razor-sharp intellect with an ability to deal robustly, but still courteously, with multiple experienced defence counsel. She takes responsibility for her aspect of the work without unnecessarily troubling others in the team. Natalia is an incisive advocate who gets to the real issue very quickly.’
4
Gulam Ahmed
Libertas Chambers
4
Stephen Akinsanya
15NBS
‘Stephen is an excellent and experience advocate with a thoughtful and careful manner. He is a barrister of high integrity and dedication who secures the trust of judge and jury. His advocacy combines intellectual rigour with emotional intelligence. He is a talented criminal barrister who is always determined to do his best for his client and to go that extra mile to help those who are in need of his help.’
4
Jon Anders
Libertas Chambers
‘Jon’s advocacy skills are by far some of the best around. He is determined and tenacious and will fight doggedly to achieve the best result for his lay client to the extent that he has a wealth of clients who repeatedly come back to him. His work ethic is unrivalled and he is a true defence barrister.’
4
Irfan Arif
9 Lincolns Court
4
Natalie Bird
2 Bedford Row
‘Natalie is very thorough and persuasive. Her cross-examination is first class and she is very compassionate when she needs to be, and can easily work with vulnerable clients.’
4
Jenny Burgess
2 Harcourt Buildings
 ‘Jenny is an excellent advocate. Her meticulous attention to detail is obvious from the ease with which she takes the jury through large volumes of evidence. Her sound judgement and confidence means that she knows which points to take and which to leave.'
4
Ed Butler
15NBS
‘Ed is hard-working, super intelligent, and has an excellent grasp of the law and evidence.’
4
Edward Culver
4 King’s Bench Walk
 ‘Edward is very good at untangling complex cases and getting to the nub of the issue. His cross-examination is fearless and direct.’
4
Dominic D’Souza
Goldsmith Chambers
‘Dominic is a jury man who is also loved by clients.'
4
Robert Dacre
Cloth Fair Chambers
 ‘Rob is an outstanding junior destined to be a true star of the Bar. He is a charismatic, fearless and enthralling advocate, whose legal analysis is second to none. His work rate is prodigious and he is also a delight to work with.’
4
Sarah Day
Libertas Chambers
 ‘Sarah is an excellent advocate. She is highly persuasive and detailed in her approach. Both her written and oral advocacy are outstanding. She is brilliant with clients, building trust even in difficult circumstances.’
4
Marie de Redman
Furnival Chambers
 ‘Marie is a compassionate and resolute barrister with an excellent work ethic. Marie engages brilliantly with clients; especially vulnerable ones, and juries are mesmerised by her clear and concise arguments.’
4
Clare Dowse
15NBS
‘Clare is a formidable barrister. She is well-prepared and, as a result, unflappable. Her speeches are engaging and always persuasive.'
4
Bill Evans
Garden Court Chambers
4
Rory Field
15NBS
‘Rory is an extremely intelligent barrister who puts his heart and soul into cases. His advocacy skills are unbeatable and he is a tenacious cross-examiner. Rory is very logical and pays great attention to detail.'
4
Toby Fitzgerald
2 Harcourt Buildings
4
Jane Greenhalgh
Libertas Chambers
‘Jane has had to deal with some very vulnerable young and challenging clients charged with some of the most serious offences. She is able to deal with these lay clients with calmness, efficiency and resilience. She is a great advocate, very easy to work with, compassionate and caring.’
4
Gerard Hillman
Libertas Chambers
 ‘Gerard is an exceptionally diligent and detail-oriented advocate. He is proficient in legal matters and adept at navigating tribunals, consistently proving himself as an outstanding barrister overall.'
4
Gavin Holme
4 King’s Bench Walk
‘Gavin’s advocacy is of a very high quality. He is a talented lawyer who is able to spot good points and deploy them to his advantage. He is a good tactician who picks his battles carefully. He is clearly trusted by the judges he appears in front of.’
4
Frederick Hookway
5KBW
‘Frederick is an extremely accomplished prosecutor with an impressive command of the details of complex cases and a wonderfully light touch style of advocacy which is extremely effective with juries. Above all he is scrupulously fair throughout and a pleasure to appear against both in and outside of court.’
4
Jack Jennett
Farringdon Chambers
 ‘Jack has an unbelievable knowledge of criminal law and is a great tactician when it comes to handling both complex criminal cases and clients during very stressful and challenging situations. His advocacy skills are excellent and are often praised by both judges and clients.’
4
Nadesh Karu
QEB Hollis Whiteman
‘Nadesh is a brilliant advocate. His closing speeches hit the mark, and both the jury and the judge sit up and listen.’
4
Islam Khan
Church Court Chambers
‘Islam is a very competent advocate with the requisite qualities that cause him to be an outstanding criminal lawyer. He is always extremely well-prepared and presents submissions with great eloquence and focus. He also possesses sound judgement, and knows which battles to fight, which is an important, but-all-too-frequently absent, skill in many advocates.’
4
Soraya Lawrence
Kenworthy's Chambers
 ‘Soraya has many strengths but in particular what stands out is her client care. She is able to put a client at ease often in the most stressful time of their life. She also has an expansive knowledge of criminal law and the ability to identify the key issues from the outset. Soraya is also a strong defender in court.’
4
Jane Oldfield
Red Lion Chambers
‘Jane is a star whose forensic and legal skills will ensure that she rises to the top of the legal profession. Her knowledge of the law is first class, which she deploys to good effect and very skillfully.’
4
David Osborne
5KBW
'David is very skilled at conducting technical legal arguments. His knowledge of the law is impressive. He is very experienced, as a former solicitor he knows how to run a case as a litigator as well as an advocate, which leads to a very hands-on approach from the point of instruction. David is a highly skilled trial advocate, appreciated by the judiciary and juries alike.'
4
Catherine Pattison
5KBW
‘Catherine’s advocacy is direct and effective. She cross-examines in a way that is both intelligent and effective.’
4
Abigail Penny
4BB
 ‘Abigail is an outstanding junior who combines brains, hard work and empathy. Her kind manner and gentle approach results in people underestimating her at their peril.'
4
Michael Polak
Church Court Chambers
4
Kyan Pucks
QEB Hollis Whiteman
‘Kyan is an absolutely first-rate barrister with a golden future ahead of her. She is thorough and comprehensive in her case preparation, works tirelessly, and has great strategic sense and judgement, which is all rounded off with great advocacy skills. She presents as significantly ahead of her years. A star.’
4
Marie Spenwyn
Libertas Chambers
‘Marie is an excellent advocate and an instinctive tactician. When faced with difficulties in cases she meets them by making difficult but very sound judgement calls. Her speeches to juries are eloquent and persuasive. Marie has a straightforward and accessible style yet has a gravitas that commands attention.’
4
Lucy Sweetland
2 Bedford Row
‘Lucy is one to watch for the future. She is always superbly prepared and has a concise but persuasive advocacy style as well as superb interpersonal skills.’
4
Alejandra Tascon
5KBW
‘Alejandra is poised, thorough, and insightful, with steely determination. She is an emerging talent who is not afraid of any task and always ready for more. No opponent should underestimate her - they will pay a price if they do.’
4
Sam Thomas
2 Bedford Row
‘Sam is an exceptional advocate with excellent client care. He follows brief whilst bringing his own experience and views to a case. His representation is first class and he also has the appropriate manner for presenting sensitive mitigation. Sam is a persuasive advocate who consistently achieves excellent results.’
4
Estelle Thornber
Furnival Chambers
‘Estelle has a fantastic grasp of the details in cases. Although relatively junior, she quickly gains the respect of the court and all around her. Juries love her. Her cross-examination is skilful and effective, but also succinct. She is one to watch.’
4
Karl Volz
Farringdon Chambers
 ‘Karl is an expert in skilled cross-examination and a fine orator. He is personable and well-liked by juries.'
4
Polly Dyer
QEB Hollis Whiteman
'Polly is incredibly hard-working and astute at getting to grips with the detail of a case. She is very approachable and has a good relationship with instructing solicitors and lay clients alike. She is a confident and skilled advocate with a considered and tactical approach.'
4
Jessica Tate
Foundry Chambers
‘Jessica’s advocacy is engaging and elegant. She has extremely good delivery and presence and goes above and beyond to ensure cases are properly prepared. Jessica can be trusted to handle complex and important parts of advocacy.’
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.
Soraya Bauwens
Furnival Chambers
 ‘Soraya is phenomenal. She is a hard worker and cares deeply about each client. Her advocacy is always pitched right.’
Alex Davidson
2 Bedford Row
‘Alex has a tremendously sharp legal mind, is charming and confident on his feet, and extremely hard-working. He is a star of the criminal bar in the making.’
Tommy Dominguez
4BB
‘Tommy is very hardworking with an approachable, down-to-earth style who gets on well with solicitors and clients alike. His client-care skills and advocacy are impressive, demonstrating his thorough preparation and research from start to finish of his cases.’
William Goss
2 Harcourt Buildings
‘William is an outstanding advocate. He has great flair in court, cross-examines beautifully, and has the ability to deal with opponents with courtesy but firmness. His instincts are superb, and his work is always of the absolute highest quality. He is quite obviously a star in the making.’
Tom Worden
187 Chambers
‘Tom has a very calm and methodical approach to his work, and great attention to detail. He creates a great rapport with all his clients, who wholeheartedly trust him in his advocacy and preparatory skills, and this completely shows when he conducts his cases in court with great professionalism. Tom is a skilled advocate who will no doubt go on to achieve much in his career.’