9BR > London, England > Set Profile

9BR Chambers
9BR
11/12 South Square, Gray's Inn
London
WC1R 5EY
England

Email firm Visit website 020 7 489 2770 020 7489 2828

London Bar > International human rights and criminal law Tier 2

9BR Chambers is praised as ‘a set with a formidable reputation across the spectrum of criminal law’ with the members of the set handling high-profile conflict and humanitarian crisis cases before the ICC, ECHR and international tribunals. Leading Gillian Higgins, Steven Kay KC represents the government of South Sudan against ongoing claims of war crimes and crimes against humanity before the ICC. Joshua Kern represented the International Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists in the ICJ advisory opinion on The Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

Leading Silks

Steven Kay KC – 9BR Chambers ‘Steven is particularly good at seeing the big strategic picture. He is very collaborative, and he uses his court-honed advocacy skills to present complicated issues very clearly and succinctly.’

Ranked: Tier 1

Leading Juniors

Gillian Higgins – 9BR Chambers ‘Gill is quite simply one of the foremost minds in international law, current and emerging, with an unrivalled experience in the trenches. Her advocacy is concise, informed and uncompromising, a position she can hold because of her prominence in her field.’

Ranked: Tier 2

Sarah Bafadhel – 9BR Chambers

Ranked: Tier 2

Joshua Kern – 9BR Chambers ‘Josh is a skilled advocate with an impressive breadth of knowledge in international criminal law and human rights. He is experienced both in the UK and international courts. His methodical, incisive, and highly strategic approach to the presentation of cases is highly engaging. His oral advocacy skills are matched by his rigorous and intelligent written work.’

Ranked: Tier 2

Zacharias Miah - 9BR Chambers

Ranked: Tier 3

Kirsty Sutherland – 9BR Chambers ‘Knowledge base exceptional. Excellent research. Experience of private and government sectors. Hardworking.’

Ranked: Tier 3

Ben Joyes – 9BR Chambers

Ranked: Tier 3

Testimonials

‘9BR is a reputable set with a strong reputation for international criminal law.’

‘Interactions have always been positive and timely.’

‘Market leaders in international criminal law, international humanitarian law with first class results and service to states, corporations, international institutions and individuals. They cover trial and pre-trial situations involving crimes of universal jurisdiction and provide strategic advice in situations that are developing into international crises.’

‘Very strong set that brings together a wealth of experience in knowledge. Not afraid to take on difficult challenges and win.’

‘9 Bedford Row is a set with a formidable reputation across the spectrum of criminal law. It has a solid cast of juniors.’

London Bar > Crime Tier 3

9BR Chambers is ‘one of the top sets in London’ for criminal law work, with a number of silks and juniors regularly acting in major cases. Peter Glenser KC has a long-running track record of cases involving firearms, while defence specialist Graeme Logan has over 25 years’ experience practising exclusively in criminal law, with particular expertise when it comes to organised crime conspiracies. Jane Bickerstaff KC defends and prosecutes in a broad range of cases, particularly murder and sexual offences cases. She stands out for her experience dealing with children and vulnerable adults – she recently defended the mother, suffering from severe depression, anxiety, and PTSD, of a one-year-old child murdered by her abusive husband. Martin Secrett retired as chambers director in April 2024; Adrian Chapman is now the chambers manager.

Leading Silks

Jane Bickerstaff KC – 9BR ‘Jane is a phenomenally experienced advocate working on the most serious cases. She fights passionately and tirelessly for her clients to achieve excellent results and she is somebody who sensitively deals with vulnerable clients and also acts on some cases that require the utmost sensitivity.’

Ranked: Tier 2

Abbas Lakha KC – 9BR Chambers 'Abbas is an exceptional advocate. He has real presence in court and inspires confidence in clients. He is able to instantly respond and adapt to the often dynamic nature of proceedings and has the ability to readily grasp and master complicated technical evidence, often involving expert evidence. Abbas is a brilliant negotiator and is able to achieve incredible outcomes for his clients.'

Ranked: Tier 3

Justin Rouse KC – 9BR Chambers ‘Justin is an excellent lawyer. He is meticulous in his preparation and is able to assimilate complex facts and detail quickly. He has a commanding presence in court and is well respected by the judiciary and his legal peers.'

Ranked: Tier 3

Peter Glenser KC – 9BR Chambers

Ranked: Tier 3

Leading Juniors

Corinne Bramwell – 9BR Chambers ‘Corinne is incredibly astute, especially when dealing with vulnerable witnesses and sensitive issues that arise in difficult cases. She is also very calm under pressure, whether it be pressure from defence counsel or the judge. Her ability to master and assess the real issues in the case, in particular the unused material, is also key to her success.’

Ranked: Tier 2

Tessa Shroff – 9BR Chambers ‘Tessa is excellent on her feet, prepared and hardworking. She is an excellent barrister who has an excellent future ahead of her and prosecutes and defends with equal skill. Tessa manages vast amounts of material with apparently effortless ease. She is really strategic on a case - dealing with the bigger picture as well as the minutiae.'

Ranked: Tier 2

Maximilian Hardy – 9BR Chambers ‘Max is very able, extremely dedicated to his clients and cases, and very classy. He is also a strong jury advocate.'

Ranked: Tier 3

Daniel Higgins – 9BR Chambers ‘Daniel has an approachable and reassuring style with clients as well as real attention to detail and awareness of the required tactical approach to achieve results. His advocacy is also first rate.'

Ranked: Tier 3

Will Noble – 9BR Chambers ‘Will has an enviable reputation with the judiciary and is very much someone who always has the ear of the court. He is a top-notch junior, it is only a matter of time before he takes silk.'

Ranked: Tier 3

Sean Sullivan – 9BR Chambers 'Sean is unnervingly sharp whilst being impossible to rattle. He is calm, smooth and staggeringly intelligent. Sean produces extraordinarily precise and persuasive legal arguments to which opponents find it difficult to effectively respond. Clients are always reassured that they are in the most capable hands.'

Ranked: Tier 3

Ruth Becker – 9BR Chambers ‘Ruth is a superstar and juggernaut. She is direct, down to earth, clever, wily and staggeringly hardworking. She is always on top of the work, fantastic with clients, and shoots down the opposition with precision. Ruth is one of the rare barristers who is great in court, excellent with clients, and always thorough with preparation.’

Ranked: Tier 4

Katrina Charles – 9BR Chambers ‘Katrina is a clever, hard-working and determined advocate. She has good judgement and advances arguments in a constructive, yet well-judged way.’

Ranked: Tier 4

Alex Matthews – 9BR Chambers ‘Alex is a force to be reckoned with as an advocate.’

Ranked: Tier 4

Emma Heath – 9BR 'Emma is extremely good at communicating with and gaining the trust of young, vulnerable clients - her down to earth and friendly approach goes a long way with them. Her advocacy in court is excellent.'

Ranked: Tier 4

Rhiannon Sadler – 9BR Chambers 'Rhiannon is a first-class advocate. Her advocacy is always measured, forceful and backed by a vice-like grip on the facts of a case. She has an intimate understanding of the law in her area and is much admired by fellow lawyers.'

Ranked: Tier 4

Graeme Logan – 9BR Chambers ‘Graeme has a real roll up your sleeves attitude and puts his clients first. His advice to both clients and solicitors is always clear and concise which is reflected in his advocacy. He is proactive in his preparation and often raises new issues and aspects to consider in a client’s case.’

Ranked: Tier 4

Testimonials

‘Russell Good in particular is a great clerk.’

‘Russell Good and Jordan Haisman are very helpful and easy to approach over the telephone or email.’

‘9BR Chambers has a broad breadth of talent.’

‘9BR is one of the top sets in London.’

‘A top set of barristers especially in criminal law.’

‘The chambers has some good advocates who are in high demand.’

‘The service in the clerks’ room has always been efficient and helpful.’

Work highlights

London Bar > Extradition Tier 3

9BR Chambers' 'dynamic' extradition team is well-versed in appearing on behalf of requested persons and international governments, and has expertise in handling prosecution and defence work. Jonathan Swain is a highly regarded extradition law specialist, and Ben Joyes garners praise as 'one of the most fearless, talented and strong advocates within the extradition Bar'. Stefan Hyman is experienced in assisting with cases involving human rights issues. The 'meticulous' Douglas Wotherspoon is 'an impressive advocate'.

Rising stars

Douglas Wotherspoon – 9BR Chambers 'Has a gravitas and maturity beyond his years' call. A barrister that really enjoys the intellectual rigour of extradition. In court he has a calm, authoritative and informed style that judges and clients appreciate.'

Ranked: Tier 1

Leading Juniors

Jonathan Swain – 9BR Chambers ‘Jonathan is a high calibre barrister. He is devastatingly efficient both in terms of his oral and written advocacy. He can transform cases and will always spot good points.’

Ranked: Tier 2

Stefan Hyman – 9BR Chambers ‘Stefan has an encylopaedic knowledge of case law. In addition, his knowledge and experience in European jurisprudence and law set him apart from many contemporaries. He has a relaxed but persuasive demeanour in court and is hugely personable.’

Ranked: Tier 3

Ben Joyes – 9BR Chambers ‘Ben is very easy to work with and is very intelligent. He has a deep knowledge of extradition law and fights extremely hard for his clients. His advocacy is brilliant and he is well respected at Westminster Magistrates Court. He will not take bad points and his written work is first class. He is becoming one of the standout practitioners at the extradition Bar.’

Ranked: Tier 3

Testimonials

‘Jordan Haisman is a good clerk.’

‘Jordan is a major asset to chambers.’

‘Great strength in depth.’

‘A good all round team.’

‘An excellent set for extradition.’

‘Strong extradition offering.’

London Bar > Licensing

Leading Silks

Peter Glenser KC – 9BR Chambers ‘Peter is a brilliant advocate who delivers with flair and precision.'

Ranked: Tier 2

London Bar > Fraud: crime

Leading Silks

Abbas Lakha KC – 9BR Chambers ‘Abbas has great strategic vision and superb judgement. A fantastic leader with wonderful client handling skills, and his advocacy is targeted, persuasive and effective.'

Ranked: Tier 3

Leading Juniors

Kabir Sondhi – 9BR Chambers ‘Kabir's greatest strength is his meticulous preparation. He is always well prepared, and has an encyclopedic knowledge of the law and procedure.'

Ranked: Tier 3

London Bar > Professional disciplinary and regulatory law

Leading Juniors

Katie Mustard – 9BR Chambers ‘Katie is without doubt a natural at regulatory and disciplinary work. She gives very sound advice and wins the confidence of her clients.’

Ranked: Tier 4

9BR Chambers is widely respected as one of the leading sets specialising in all aspects of criminal law. Whilst it is a progressive and proactive set it still retains its traditional core values. At the heart of its business is the commitment to providing a professional, approachable and result-driven service to our clients. In its drive towards digital working Chambers uses modern technology and traditional knowledge based resources to provide the best possible support to members of chambers and clients.

Work undertaken

Crime: This continues to be 9BR Chambers core practice area covering offences ranging from murder to burglary. Chambers has a well-respected group of practitioners with extensive experience of prosecuting and defending murder, manslaughter, terrorism, firearms, fraud, drug trafficking, cybercrime, modern slavery, knife crime and sexual offences. In serious crimes, we focus particularly on active case management and team leadership. When prosecuting, we provide a full case preparation service, aiming for a robust, efficient and effective trial. Defending, we can advise solicitors on case preparation and management at an early stage – on occasion before charge. Chambers has specialised youth and sexual offences teams who are fully trained in dealing with children and vulnerable witnesses whether victims, witnesses or defendants. We have direct access to leading experts in forensics – in areas such as DNA, blood spattering, fingerprints, fibres, handwriting, ballistics, voice and facial analysis, and mobile telephony.

Disciplinary/Regulatory: Members have substantial experience of acting both for regulators and regulated professionals in fitness to practise and disciplinary proceedings. Their practice encompasses proceedings across a range of sectors including healthcare, accountancy, financial services, police, education and architecture.

Members practise in sports law including sitting on panels, advising on anti-corruption, safeguarding and ethics and appearing at disciplinary proceedings. Their experience includes matters related to the British Horse Racing Association, England Boxing, the Football Association, the Rugby Football Union, the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation and Sports Resolution.

Dispute Resolution: Chambers has a small team of experienced commercial litigation barristers, with a range of expertise across a broad range of areas including civil fraud and asset tracing, company law, contractual disputes and insolvency cases. We regularly appear in commercial cases in the Business and Property Court, Commercial Court, Insolvency and Companies Court as well as the Central London County Court and local County Courts. We have extensive experience working closely with solicitors, accountants and other professional advisors and pride ourselves on our collaborative and accessible approach. Some of our members are licensed to litigate.

Extradition & Interpol: 9BR Chambers is a leading extradition set with a distinct international profile.

Team members assist requested persons and requesting states at every stage of extradition proceedings, from pre-arrest advice to appellate proceedings at all levels. The team combines dependable service in core European cases with a global outlook which has seen members work in complex, high-profile cases from across the world. Our client focus and depth of experience also enables us to assist in niche areas lying outside core extradition practice.

Comprehensive extradition service – Team members offer high standards of litigation and client care in cases before Westminster Magistrates’ Court, the main first instance extradition court, where all members are well known and well regarded. We draw on trusted international networks to obtain evidence and help clients achieve pragmatic outcomes such as sentence transfer to the UK or alternative measures which spare them the ordeal of extradition. Members provide strategic ability, build strong cases and pursue them in appeals and even international forums, acting in cases which develop the law such as FK v Germany, Enasoaie v Romania, Szatkowski v Poland or Balaz v Slovakia (High Court); Konecny v Czech Republic (Supreme Court); and Case C-648/20 PPU PI (Court of Justice of the EU).

European and international outlook – All members undertake regular work in core European cases. Team members provided some of the most visible analysis during the transition from European arrest warrant to the new EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement and are regularly instructed in complex matters for both requesting states and individuals. However, the team, as part of 9 BR’s international group, also boasts a truly “global” extradition practice. Members have been instructed by the Governments of, among others, Armenia, Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, Switzerland and the USA, and by requested persons in Interpol or extradition cases from the Russian Federation, Ukraine, Egypt, Malaysia, India and many more. These include sensitive and high-profile cases involving political figures, which often see counsel acting as part of international teams working in different forums.

Thinking outside the extradition box – 9 BR’s team recognises that client needs extend beyond the boundaries of routine extradition proceedings. Members draw on tested experience in less common areas where advice is at a premium, such as pre-emptive challenges to INTERPOL red notices; the nexus of extradition and deportation; and “import” extradition to the United Kingdom. We are also able to assist solicitors and lay clients by working with foreign lawyers to pursue cases in and against requesting states themselves, e.g. proportionality submissions leading to the withdrawal of an arrest warrant in Gibraltar and an ongoing challenge to a breach of the specialty after extradition in a major Spanish case.

INTERPOL, sanctions and international human rights litigation – The team’s broad outlook means members can also assist international clients in other areas, even if they present no connection to UK extradition proceedings. We offer the valuable commodity of genuine, acquired experience in the now well publicised area of INTERPOL red notices. We also accept instructions (either alone or as part of international legal teams) to assist clients with international actions such as challenging EU or UN sanctions; providing human rights arguments for use in foreign litigation; and applications to the European Court of Human Rights or UN human rights bodies, e.g. in relation to asset seizures, fair trial rights or arbitrary detention. In some cases, this work can be undertaken for individuals on a public access basis.

The core team is composed of Ben Joyes, Stefan Hyman, Jonathan Swain, Stuart Allen, Alex Tinsley and Josh Kern, who together account for all of the work described above. The team writes exclusively for Crime Line’s Extradition Hub and has lectured and published widely on the subject of extradition. The clerks’ room understands this sector and is at your disposal.

Financial & Corporate Law: Global initiatives against bribery and corruption have brought additional complexity to business – with organisations affected by legislation not just in their home countries, but also in local markets around the world. A number of Chambers’ barristers have worked in specialist prosecuting authorities such as the SFO and FCA, while others have worked for HNW individuals and heads of state. Members are experienced in POCA, restraint and confiscation hearings and have advised on Unexplained Wealth Orders. We have direct access to Forensic accountants when required.

Firearms: Chambers has an outstanding reputation in the areas of firearms licensing and gun control, hunting and conservancy. Members advise and represent individuals and organisations in this field and are regularly instructed in criminal cases that involve forensic analysis of firearms.

Immigration: Chambers accepts instructions in matters before the First-tier Tribunal, Upper Tribunal and High Court, including appeals, error of law hearings, emergency injunctions, substantive judicial review matters and unlawful detention. Members of Chambers also cover a range of delicate asylum cases involving unaccompanied minors, sexual orientation claims, human trafficking and religious persecution.

International: Members, including the Head of Chambers, Steven Kay KC, have appeared in some of the highest-profile cases heard in international courts and our experience and reputation guarantees access to a broad network of legal experts across Europe and beyond. Chambers has expertise in international and domestic human rights law, international crisis management, and cross-border complex financial crime, including bribery and corruption law. In 2020 Chambers set up the UK Bribery Act International Advisory Service.

Investigations: Members of this team have experience of both International and Domestic Investigations. The team specialises in investigating and advising both individuals and corporates on all aspects of criminal and regulatory law but with particular experience in fraud, money laundering, bribery & corruption, cartel offences, facilitation of tax evasion, insider dealing and market abuse.

Members investigate and advise on corporate crime. These issues often surface following internal audits, or a whistle-blower (including financial journalists) coming forward.

Some members have experience of high level employment investigations and some conduct serious private criminal investigations such as suspected murder/manslaughter.

Licensing: This has always been an important practice area within Chambers, because of the overlapping expertise gained from criminal and regulatory law. We have developed a specialist expertise in firearms licensing and legislation with Peter Glenser KC being recognised an leader in the area.

Mediation: Counsel can be instructed to act as a mediator in civil and commercial disputes, community mediations, workplace mediations and in pre/post conflict situations.

Military: Chambers has an outstanding reputation in the area. Chambers has a number of members who are ex- military and take pride in providing high quality advice and presentation to military personnel and their families. Members have appeared in many Court Martial hearings in England and abroad and represented interested parties at Inquests.

Private Prosecution: Barristers practising in this area are members of the Private Prosecutors Association, are widely respected and experienced in this rapidly developing area of law, and are able to offer a comprehensive service.

Public Access: Many members accept instructions direct from the public under the Bar Council Public Access Scheme. Members are able to provide this service over a diverse legal spectrum, from Chancery and Commercial Court actions to private prosecutions and motoring offences. Some members are also licensed to conduct litigation.

Driving: Members are specialists in the field of road traffic defence. We advise and represent clients in a wide range of driving related cases, from causing death or injury by dangerous driving to speeding.

Department	Name	Email	Telephone
Chambers Manager	Adrian Chapman	[email protected]	0207 489 2805
Clerking Manager	Russell Good	[email protected]	0207 489 2804
Senior clerk	Paul Outen	[email protected]	0207 489 2802
24 hour Duty Clerk			0797 115 3192
Member of Chambers	KAY KC, Steven (1977)
Member of Chambers	MARSH KC, Elizabeth (1979)
Member of Chambers	LAKHA KC, Abbas (1984)
Member of Chambers	HUGHES KC, Ignatius (1986)
Door Tenant	POWER KC, Nigel (1992)
Member of Chambers	BICKERSTAFF KC, Jane (1989)
Member of Chambers	ROUSE KC, Justin (1982)
Member of Chambers	GLENSER KC, Peter (1993)
Door Tenant	BRADY KC, Michael (1992)
Door Tenant	WORSLEY KC, Nick (1998)
Member of Chambers	MAY, Patricia (1965)
Member of Chambers	BURGESS, David (1975)
Door Tenant	HARTMAN, Michael (1976)
Member of Chambers	TRAVERSI, John (1977)
Door Tenant	HIGGINSON, Tim (1977)
Member of Chambers	HUGHES, David (1980)
Member of Chambers	KING, John (1983)
Member of Chambers	ROBERTSON, Jollyon (1983)
Member of Chambers	SUMMERS, Gary (1985)
Member of Chambers	HUGHESTON-ROBERTS, Justin (1986)
Member of Chambers	STIRLING, Simon (1989)
Member of Chambers	MIAH, Zacharias (1990)
Member of Chambers	AKINSANYA, Jonathan (1993)
Member of Chambers	KRIKLER, Alex (1995)
Door Tenant	EARLE, James (1996)
Member of Chambers	SELBY, Lawrence (1997)
Member of Chambers	HIGGINS, Gillian (1997)
Member of Chambers	LOGAN, Graeme (1998)
Member of Chambers	CHARLES, Katrina (2000)
Member of Chambers	NOBLE, Will (2000)
Member of Chambers	HAKME, Mustapha (2000)
Member of Chambers	HIGGINS, Daniel (2003)
Member of Chambers	SULLIVAN, Sean (2004)
Member of Chambers	HARDY, Max (2004)
Member of Chambers	BECKER, Ruth (2004)
Member of Chambers	SADLER, Rhiannon (2004)
Member of Chambers	PATON-PHILIP, Richard (2004)
Member of Chambers	BOUSFIELD, Andrew (2004)
Member of Chambers	BRAMWELL, Corinne (2005)
Member of Chambers	KWONG, Joey (2005)
Member of Chambers	CLARKE, Jessica (2006)
Member of Chambers	POULSEN, Lennart (2006)
Member of Chambers	SHROFF, Tessa (2009)
Member of Chambers	HOLMES, Joe (2009)
Member of Chambers	BAFADHEL, Sarah (2009)
Member of Chambers	RALPH, Simon (2009)
Member of Chambers	SUTHERLAND, Kirsty (2010)
Member of Chambers	SONDHI Kabir (2010)
Member of Chambers	JOYES, Ben (2010)
Member of Chambers	SWAIN, Jonathan (2010)
Member of Chambers	MACPHERSON, Caroline (2011)
Member of Chambers	MATTHEWS, Alex (2012)
Member of Chambers	BECKER, Dréa (2012)
Member of Chambers	KERN, Joshua (2013)
Door Tenant	BOLT, Matthew (2012)
Member of Chambers	FATANIA, Nutan (2013)
Door Tenant	TRUELOVE, Nicholas (2013)
Member of Chambers	MUSTARD, Katie (2014)
Member of Chambers	SANTOS-SINDES, Jordan (2014)
Member of Chambers	HYMAN, Stefan (2015)
Member of Chambers	DOLAN, Gary (2015)
Member of Chambers	HEATH, Emma (2016)
Member of Chambers	MAK, Tihomir (2016)
Door Tenant	MAGILL, Sarah (2016)
Door Tenant	SIMPSON, Matthew (2018)
Member of Chambers	STEELS, Rebecca (2018)
Member of Chambers	KIRKE, Adam (2018)
Member of Chambers	PECK, Jessica (2018)
Member of Chambers	MORRIS, Jennifer (2018)
Member of Chambers	JUDGE, Andrew (2019)
Member of Chambers	KINDER, Lucy (2020)
Member of Chambers	WOTHERSPOON, Douglas (2020)
Member of Chambers	JOHNSON, Justin (2020)
Member of Chambers	WATERSTONE, Lucy (2021)
Member of Chambers	STEVENS, Sophie (2022)
Associated Door Tenant	SCHABAS KC, Professor William
Associated Door Tenant	OWEN OBE, Margaret
Associated Door Tenant	PLESCH, Dr Dan
Associated Door Tenant	JACOBS, Dr Dov
Associated Door Tenant	ROHAN, Colleen
Associated Door Tenant	DIECKMANN, Jens
Associated Door Tenant	GUY-SMITH, Gregor
Associated Door Tenant	GROULX, Elise
Member of Chambers	WILD, Ben
Associated Door Tenant	HELENA BOXBERG, Miriam
Associated Member	ROMA WILSON, Mónica
Pupil	MEREDITH, James
Pupil	WEEKES, Keren
Pupil	ROSE, Andrew

Name	Position	Profile
Jonathan Akinsanya	Jonathan is a defence specialist who is dual-qualified in England & Wales…	View Profile
Sarah Bafadhel	Sarah specialises in international criminal law, public international law and human rights…	View Profile
Dréa Becker	Dréa defends in serious and complex cases. She is experienced in handling…	View Profile
Dréa Becker	Dréa defends in serious and complex cases. She is experienced in handling…	View Profile
Jane Bickerstaff KC	Jane is a first-class advocate who prosecutes and defends in all areas…	View Profile
Matthew Bolt	Matthew is an experienced Service Courts practitioner who has successfully represented defendants charged with…	View Profile
Michael Brady KC	Since taking Silk in March 2020 Michael has been instructed to both…	View Profile
Corinne Bramwell	Corinne has practised at the Bar for almost 20 years. She has…	View Profile
David Burgess	David has 40 years’ experience defending cases of serious crime including homicide,…	View Profile
Katrina Charles	Katrina has an established defence and prosecution practice. A persuasive criminal advocate…	View Profile
Jessica Clarke	Jessica specialises in criminal and military law. Jessica’s practice has always been…	View Profile
Jens Dieckmann	Jens Dieckmann is a German Lawyer. He is Founding and Senior Partner…	View Profile
James Earle	James is a practitioner with over twenty years’ experience at the Bar…	View Profile
Nutan Fatania	Nutan predominantly specialises in crime and has conducted cases in the Crown…	View Profile
Peter Glenser KC	Peter both prosecutes and defends very serious offences, in particular murder, serious…	View Profile
Elise Groulx Diggs	Elise Groulx Diggs practices international human rights law and international criminal law,…	View Profile
Gregor Guy-Smith	Gregor Guy-Smith is a is a recognised international criminal lawyer with a…	View Profile
Mustapha Hakme	Mustapha is a leading junior barrister with a successful criminal defence practice.…	View Profile
Maximilian Hardy	Specialising in criminal and regulatory law, Max is a persuasive and experienced…	View Profile
Michael Hartman	Michael Hartman practices in the civil bar mainly in Chancery matters involving…	View Profile
Emma Heath	Emma defends and prosecutes in all aspects of criminal law in the…	View Profile
Daniel Higgins	Daniel is a criminal barrister with a formidable reputation, whether he’s defending…	View Profile
Gillian Higgins	Gillian is a senior international criminal lawyer and Head of the International…	View Profile
Tim Higginson	Tim specialises in the fields of civil and commercial law, professional negligence…	View Profile
Joe Holmes	Joe is an international lawyer who operates in diverse national and international…	View Profile
David Hughes	A widely experienced leading junior, specialising in the defence of serious crime.…	View Profile
Ignatius Hughes KC	Ignatius Hughes is a specialist crime and regulatory practitioner. Ignatius’s practice has…	View Profile
Stefan Hyman	Stefan’s practice comprises extradition, human rights, international criminal cooperation, and English criminal…	View Profile
Dr Dov Jacobs	Dr. Dov Jacobs has been working in the field of international law…	View Profile
Ruth Jones	Ruth is a defence barrister with a great deal of experience in…	View Profile
Ben Joyes	Ben specialises in international criminal law, extradition, international human rights and complex…	View Profile
Mr Andrew Judge	Andrew has a busy practice prosecuting and defending in the Crown Court. …	View Profile
Steven Kay KC	Steven Kay KC is a leading international criminal lawyer with a global…	View Profile
Joshua Kern	Joshua Kern is instructed in matters at the cutting edge of international…	View Profile
Lucy Kinder	Lucy has developed a broad prosecution and defence practice. She acts in…	View Profile
John King	Delivering consistent results over thirty odd years, John represents and assists clients…	View Profile
Adam Kirke	Adam has a busy practice prosecuting and defending in the Crown Court.…	View Profile
Alex Krikler	Alex has been instructed in a number of high profile cases, both…	View Profile
Joey Kwong	Joey was called to the Bar in 2005 and has a busy…	View Profile
Abbas Lakha KC	Abbas Lakha KC is widely regarded as one of the UK’s most…	View Profile
Graeme Logan	Graeme is a highly experienced and skilful advocate who has both prosecuted…	View Profile
Caroline Macpherson	Caroline specialises in international criminal law, and British fraud and financial regulation.…	View Profile
Mr Tihomir Mak		View Profile
Elizabeth Marsh KC	Elizabeth is a leading criminal silk specialising in murder, serious violence, financial…	View Profile
Alex Matthews	Alex has a strong practice prosecuting and defending. She performs deftly in…	View Profile
Alex Matthews	Alex has a strong practice prosecuting and defending. She performs deftly in…	View Profile
Patricia May	Patricia May is renowned for her expertise in the criminal field, as…	View Profile
Zacharias Miah	Zacharias is a leading international and UK criminal lawyer. He is regularly…	View Profile
Katie Mustard	Katie prosecutes and defends in the Crown Court and Youth Courts. In…	View Profile
Will Noble	Will is a well regarded barrister with extensive experience defending and prosecuting…	View Profile
Margaret Owen OBE	Margaret Owen is a human rights lawyer focusing on women’s and children’s…	View Profile
Richard Paton-Philip	Richard Paton-Philip is a criminal and regulatory barrister acting for both the…	View Profile
Dr Dan Plesch	Dr Plesch is currently Director and Reader at the Centre for International…	View Profile
Lennart Poulsen	Introduction Lennart is an international criminal barrister with an excellent reputation and…	View Profile
Nigel Power KC	Nigel is a specialist criminal barrister who also practises in family and…	View Profile
Jollyon Robertson	Jollyon Robertson is an experienced Leading Junior, appearing on a regular basis…	View Profile
Colleen Rohan	Colleen Rohan is an expert in criminal defence litigation in both domestic…	View Profile
Justin Rouse KC	Justin is a silk with a strong record in defending grave and…	View Profile
Rhiannon Sadler	Rhiannon is a dynamic advocate with broad experience in criminal, court martial…	View Profile
Jordan Santos-Sindes	Jordan has a rapidly growing criminal practice. His experience encompasses both prosecuting…	View Profile
Professor William Schabas OC	Professor William A. Schabas is professor of international law at Middlesex University…	View Profile
Lawrence Selby	Lawrence is an experienced barrister who specialises in defending high profile and…	View Profile
Tessa Shroff	Tessa has a successful practice, prosecuting and defending at all levels. She…	View Profile
Matthew Simpson	Matthew practises in criminal law and the complementary areas of police law,…	View Profile
Kabir Sondhi	Kabir has built a strong practice prosecuting and defending across a full…	View Profile
Rebecca Steels	Rebecca is building a busy criminal practice, both prosecuting and defending in…	View Profile
Simon Stirling	As a committed criminal law practitioner for more than 30 years Simon…	View Profile
Sean Sullivan	Sean is a calm and focused barrister who both prosecutes and defends…	View Profile
Gary Summers	Gary is a highly respected UK and/or Irish and/or DIFC (UAE) barrister…	View Profile
Kirsty Sutherland	Kirsty specialises in international criminal law and military law. She is particularly…	View Profile
Jonathan Swain	Jonathan is a specialist extradition barrister, who is listed in the Legal500…	View Profile
John Traversi	John Traversi is an established criminal law practitioner, defending and prosecuting in…	View Profile
Nicholas Truelove	Having completed pupillage at 9 Bedford Row, Nicholas has pursued a practice…	View Profile
Nick Worsley KC	Nick defends and prosecutes all areas of criminal law with particular experience…	View Profile
Douglas Wotherspoon	Douglas specialises in extradition, inquiries, and investigations. He has experience advising and…	View Profile

Clerks : 7
Administrator : 1

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At 9 Bedford Row we believe that access to the Bar should be open to all, regardless of background, age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability or gender identity. We are opposed to all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination, victimisation and harassment. Drawing on the stability of decades of successful domestic criminal practice, and our leading experience in international criminal and human rights law, we have worked hard to adapt to meet the growing needs of a diverse society. To meet this challenge we have in recent years seen a rapid increase in recruitment of women and members of ethnic minorities, achieved through modernised selection procedures free from prejudice that place merit above background. Despite Chambers’ expansion in recent years we operate in a friendly, inclusive atmosphere. We realise that a diverse Chambers like ours comprises many different individuals: to maximise individual potential we support individual needs with tolerance and respect, and will not differentiate between tenants, pupils, staff, professional or lay clients in that regard

We adhere to our obligation to regular Diversity Data collection and record our results with the Bar Council.

Our commitment to Equality and Diversity is reflected in a comprehensive policy which applies equally to members of Chambers, pupils, mini-pupils, staff, pupillage and tenancy and staff applicants. Our policy is fully consonant with obligations imposed by the Bar Code of Conduct. All members of Chambers and staff are obliged to receive regular Equality and Diversity training and those involved in recruitment and selection are equally obliged to take specialist recruitment training.

In conjunction with our Equality and Diversity policy Chambers adheres to sub-policies on the following:

Fair Access to Work
Harassment
Parental Leave
Flexible Working
Reasonable Adjustments
Equality Monitoring

Chambers is proud of its partnership with the Social Mobility Foundation, and regularly hosts seminars for both sixth form and undergraduate students from under-privileged and/or ethnic backgrounds, as well as providing e-mentor assistance to aspiring lawyers.

Chambers Equality and Diversity Officers are Alex Krikler and Nutan Fatania. Our Diversity Data Officer is Julian Bradley.

CLIENT: Robert Borwick
COMPANY/FIRM: ABV Solicitors
TESTIMONIAL: 9 Bedford Row is an excellent set who provide a superb legal service. The clerking team led by Martin Secrett is extremely professional, knowledgeable yet helpful and flexible where necessary. They have real strength in depth in terms of Barristers. Of particular note is Jane Bickerstaff QC who is regularly instructed by a range of Solicitors at ABV. She has a meticulous attention to detail and her client handling skills are first class. She is incredibly able in sexual, sensitive and high-profile cases. Her handling of vulnerable witnesses is second to none and she is hugely respected by the Judiciary.

CLIENT: Stephen Bennett
COMPANY/FIRM: Gardner Leader LLP
TESTIMONIAL: I have instructed many different members of 9 Bedford Row since 1985. Whether the brief was to the most junior pupil or to one of their most prominent silks has made no difference to the high levels of courtesy and efficiency with which instructions have been received and dealt with both by the clerks as well as by the practitioner concerned. As an instructing solicitor the choice of counsel is a crucial part of the strategy in any piece of criminal litigation. Being able to rely on the confident advice of the senior clerks is essential. Knowing that the barrister chosen will deal with your client in the same professional way that you would yourself is a necessary comfort.

CLIENT: Abigail Ashford
COMPANY/FIRM: Reeds
TESTIMONIAL: I have been instructing 9 Bedford Row for over 10 years now, which in itself speaks volumes as to the level of trust I have in them. They house some of the best Counsel that I have had the pleasure of working with, many of whom I have instructed consistently; and the outstanding calibre of their barristers runs from their pupils, right through to their QC’s. The level of service I have consistently received is exceptional – the clerks are all friendly, highly professional and very responsive; always willing to help – and proactively offer pragmatic solutions if any problems arise.

CLIENT: Ben Thomas
COMPANY/FIRM: Sternberg Reed
TESTIMONIAL: I have instructed 9 Bedford Row regularly over the last 24 years. I have no hesitation in commending 9 Bedford Row to deal with all manner of criminal cases, both domestic and with an international dimension.

The set has huge talent at all levels. Counsel have been instructed on both a private and legal aid basis. Their professionalism has been exemplary, irrespective of the funding arrangements.

Chambers administration is well led by Martin Secrett with particular mention due to the senior criminal clerk Paul Outen and Russell Good. The service provided is efficient and has integrity. The clerks are approachable , proactive and have good contacts so, often, they will provide speedy resolution to urgent issues. They take pride in knowing their lay clients, professional clients and Counsel to attain excellent matches.

CLIENT: Philip Hill
COMPANY/FIRM: Shaw Graham Kersh
TESTIMONIAL: A specialised Criminal set with extensive expertise and depth of experience, 9 Bedford Row provides the all-round service from pupils and junior tenants covering overnight cases on Saturdays in Magistrates Courts to QC’s taking apart the most serious Crown Court prosecutions. It has an array of Barristers prepared and equipped to tackle any type of case at every level and a Clerks room which delivers effective and reliable service flagging up and resolving the inevitable listing difficulties which occasionally arise. Elizabeth Marsh QC is merciless in exploiting prosecution weaknesses whilst also providing no nonsense advice to solicitors and defendants alike. Ruth Becker fights every case with the same tenacity and is well liked by both clients and solicitors.

CLIENT: Nick Seeley
COMPANY/FIRM: Lawtons
TESTIMONIAL: The Chambers of 9 Bedford Row has been the first port of call for Lawtons Solicitors for many years for first rate Counsel to cover cases from the Magistrates Courts to the Court of Appeal and beyond.

From the initial contact with the Clerks’ office who are always friendly and extremely helpful with any request being dealt with efficiently, expeditiously and professionally. No matter what level of Counsel instructed they are unfailingly excellent advocates, who keep us up to date with the cases

and provide clients with the best service. We are constantly being thanked by clients for the instruction of Counsel from 9 Bedford Row.