“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.”
Robert Borwick
ABV Solicitors
“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.”
Stephen Bennett
Gardner Leader LLP
“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.”
Abigail Ashford
Reeds
“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.”
Ben Thomas
Sternberg Reed
“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.”
Philip Hill
Shaw Graham Kersh
“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.”
