Drystone Chambers

Adam Norris is an experienced specialist in criminal law. His practice encompasses all aspects of crime and regulatory (quasi-criminal) offences, both prosecuting and defending, appearing predominantly in the Crown Court, the Court Martial, the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Court Martial Appeal Court. Adam is an eloquent and persuasive advocate with a global approach, an eye for detail and a tenacious but relaxed style. His goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for any client. Adam is adept at explaining the intricacies of the justice system to his clients with clarity and sensitivity. He provides pragmatic and tactically astute advice and welcomes the opportunity to be involved as early as possible in the decision-making of a case. He relies not only on his legal knowledge, but also on the depth and breadth of his experience from his former career in a government department. Adam served in the Army for 12 years before studying for the Bar and has particular expertise in cases involving service law and/or military personnel. For further details, please see his Military Law experience. Adam is qualified to accept instructions through Direct Access. Adam enjoys foreign travel and outdoor pursuits. He is seldom happier than when up a mountain somewhere. He volunteers as a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award group leader.

Ahmed Muen

Ahmed Muen is an experienced Barrister with a focus on criminal and regulatory law, undertaking both defence and prosecution work. Ahmed is often instructed on cases of a serious and complex nature. He has expertise in financial crime, having dealt with large scale money laundering cases and complex frauds. often concerning millions of pounds moving across various jurisdictions. He is experienced in dealing with hawala transfers, cross-border transactions, and cash forfeitures. Professional and lay clients have often credited Ahmed’s fearless advocacy and ability to quickly identify legal issues. Clients have often commended his ability to build when dealing with their cases. Ahmed is fluent in Arabic and has strong connections within the Arab community, having represented and advised many of them on sensitive legal issues. As well as this, Ahmed is the president of the Arab Lawyers Association. He is also qualified to accept instructions under Direct Access.

Alex Cameron

Alex regularly appears in the Crown Court, Magistrates’ Court and Youth Court defending clients accused of a broad range of offences involving violence, possession of weapons, drugs, dishonesty, fraud, sex, public disorder, driving and breaches of court orders.

Alexander Shanks

Alex Shanks was called to the bar in 2022 and became a member of Chambers in October 2024 upon the successful completion of his pupillage. Alex has a busy practice both prosecuting and defending across a wide range of offences including violence, drug related crime, sexual offences and driving matters. Alex accepts instructions in the magistrates’ court, Crown Court and youth court. In his first Jury trial, Alex’s client was unanimously acquitted of ABH and affray following a four-day trial at Southwark Crown Court. He has since completed further trials within the Crown Court where he has been complimented by the judge for his advocacy and management of the case. Alex prides himself on his ability to build genuine rapport with clients from the outset as well as fearless advocacy. Alex has considerable experience in dealing with young and vulnerable defendants in a calm and empathetic manner. Prior to joining Chambers, Alex was a paralegal at a Legal 500 criminal defence firm, assisting with a wide range of criminal cases including murder, serious violence and sexual offences, large scale encrochat conspiracies, fraud and money laundering. Alex was often first port of call for clients, providing excellent client care and supporting the partners and solicitors with their caseloads. As part of his LLM, Alex completed his dissertation on ‘The controversial use of drill music as evidence in criminal trials’ and remains particularly interested in this area. In his spare time, Alex is a keen sportsman and enjoys playing cricket and gol

Allison Summers KC

Allison Summers KC is Head of Drystone Chambers. A formidable court advocate, known for her meticulous case preparation and exceptional client care, Allison is a go-to criminal law barrister for heavyweight cases. With a national defence-based practice, she specialises in cases involving homicide, other serious violence, and sexual offences. She is routinely instructed in cases involving young and vulnerable defendants and witnesses. Notably, her youngest client was 13 years old (charged with murder); her oldest was 92 years old (charged with historical sexual abuse). It’s these complex and emotionally charged cases where Allison excels. She has extensive experience of dealing with vulnerable defendants with mental health problems and other behavioural conditions including Aspergers, Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Where cases require cross-examination of vulnerable witnesses, she is robust and fair. Her familiarity with the use of intermediaries for both prosecution and defence witnesses make her a versatile and sought-after counsel. This considerable expertise mean that Allison is frequently instructed by solicitors on cases involving difficult or unusual features. Knowledge gathered over many years gives her great insight when it comes to identifying and instructing appropriate experts. In respect of her expertise in somnambulism where she has previously represented a man charged with attempted murder she has also undertaken rape cases involving sexsomnia. She appeared in the 2022 BBC documentary Sexsomnia: Case Closed? which looked at some of the legal issues relating to prosecuting and defending cases when sexsomnia was raised. When necessary, Allison can draw on her skill as an Assistant Coroner to undertake cases involving extensive or complex medical issues and has appeared in several cases of homicide where medical causation has been an issue.

Andrew Campbell-Tiech KC

Fraud - crime (including money laundering and asset forfeiture) - Leading silks Professional Discipline Public Law Consumer Law Regulatory Prosecutions Extradition

Andrew Price

Andrew specialises in fraud, proceeds of crime, criminal and regulatory law. He has defended and prosecuted numerous jury trials across the whole criminal spectrum and was appointed in 2009 to the Attorney General’s grade ‘C’ list of Counsel to prosecute for the Serious Fraud Office. Andrew is also a level 3 CPS Prosecutor. He is qualified to receive instructions direct from members of the public.

Azza Brown

Azza Brown is a highly sought after barrister that both defends and prosecutes. She is fearless, and fights tirelessly for her clients. Azza is regularly instructed in the most serious cases of murder, serious violent and sex offences, organised crime, and large drug conspiracies. Azza is described by those that instruct her as incredibly hard working, strategically astute, straight talking, and having a meticulous eye for detail. Judges that she has appeared in front of have said how concise and attractive her submissions are, and how effective her cross-examination is.

Barnaby Shaw

Barnaby Shaw prosecutes and defends in Hampshire and Dorset and defends in Cambridgeshire and London. His practice covers the full range of criminal law particularly serious violence, drugs importations and supply, sexual assault, violence and cruelty against children and VAT fraud. Defence work includes appearances before Courts Martial in England and overseas.

Benedict Peers

Called to the bar in 1998, Benedict Peers is a bright and diligent advocate who has spent over twenty years prosecuting and defending in criminal courts across the South Eastern and Midlands circuits. He has a wide-ranging experience of criminal law cases, however his practice mainly involves cases concerning: serious violence – including use of firearms and other offensive weapons sexual offences- rape, sexually violent assault and historic abuse drug trafficking and fraud.

Charles Myatt

Charlie Myatt prosecutes and defends in all areas of criminal law. This includes being regularly instructed in murder cases both prosecuting and defending as junior Counsel to silk and also in his own right. His particular area of expertise is in prosecuting and defending in the full range of sexual offences both as leading Counsel and junior Counsel to silk with a particular focus on historic child sexual abuse cases. Charlie is a Grade 4 prosecutor and is on the CPS rape panel. In addition, Charlie has been involved in prosecuting and defending in a number of high value drugs conspiracy cases and is also instructed from time to time to prosecute complex frauds for the CPS.

Christopher Jeyes

Christopher Jeyes was called to the bar in 2005. He has specialised in criminal law for over 20 years. He has a broad range of experience, prosecuting and representing defendants charged with the most serious of offences. He has been instructed in numerous murder cases, drug importation and supply cases, and those involving serious offences of violence, as well as a number of multi-million pound frauds. He has been instructed as leading junior and junior alone. Chris is known for his skill in efficiently dealing with paper heavy and legally complex cases, and those requiring legal argument. Chris is currently a Grade 3 Prosecutor and is Public Access accredited. Chris’ legal career has encompassed a wide variety of experience, including the most serious of criminal work, high level appellate advocacy, and complex civil work (both private and public law). He has also worked in niches ranging from international corporate disputes, to aviation law and airport safeguarding. A Senior Scholar of Gray’s Inn, Chris was Called to the Bar in 2005, having graduated in 1997 with First Class Honours in Politics and Modern History at Brunel University, come top of his year with Distinction on the Postgraduate Diploma in Law at Nottingham Trent University in 2003, and achieved a “Very Competent with Outstanding aspects” grade on the Bar Vocational Course. Chris was also the overall Gray’s Inn mooting champion in 2005 and represented the Inn on its mooting tour of US universities. As well as the civilian courts, Chris has appeared before the Court Martial, and has an interest in military affairs. In his spare time Chris is an instructor in the Army Cadet Force, and recently raised nearly £2,000 for military charities.

Christopher Wing

Christopher Wing is a highly skilled criminal law barrister with over 37 years’ experience. Christopher is a Grade 4 Prosecution counsel and on the RASSO panel. He has considerable expertise in sexual offences involving vulnerable witnesses and has delivered training on the vulnerable witness course to for the Western Circuit. He has undertaken training for International Criminal Court and has been admitted to the list of defence counsel. Christopher has undergone the training for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon and has also advised on the status on the status of Indian prisoners of war for an application to the Indian Supreme Court in Delhi. In addition to his criminal practice, Christopher has considerable working knowledge of Military Law and has regularly appeared in the Military Court in both the UK and abroad.

Claire Howell

Claire Howell specialises in the most serious complex criminal cases and regulatory law with a particular emphasis on murder, fraud and regulatory offences. Claire is often instructed by solicitors in cases involving high profile or professional clients. Her practice mainly focuses on defence work, but she has been a Grade 4 panel advocate for over a decade, is appointed to the list of specialist advocates in Health and Safety, and acts in cases prosecuted by Local Authorities and Trading Standards. She also has a particular interest in mental health in the context of criminal cases and was asked to contribute to the review undertaken by ‘Justice’. Chambers and Partners describes her as ‘highly sought after’.

Claire Matthews

Claire Matthews works across the South Eastern Circuit, with an exclusively criminal law practice. With a practice almost equally divided between prosecuting and defending, she has been instructed in cases including armed robbery, serious violence, firearms, child abuse, serious sexual offences, major drugs, and mental health cases. She is regularly instructed in criminal cases involving expert evidence, complex third party issues, and cases with a particular emphasis on infant death/serious injury/neglect. She has also been instructed as junior counsel in cases of murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, firearms offences, serious fraud and money laundering. She has recently both prosecuted and defended parents/guardians in murder and manslaughter cases of alleged ‘Shaken Baby Syndrome’, and has a professional interest in medico-legal evidence.

Duncan O"Donnell

Duncan O’Donnell undertakes all aspects of serious crime (including murder, fraud, serious drugs offences and organised crime), both for prosecution and defence and has appeared as leading junior. He advises on disclosure of sensitive material and public interest immunity applications. He is a designated rape prosecutor and a preferred prosecutor in cases of domestic violence in Cambridgeshire. He practices mainly in Norwich, Cambridge, Peterborough and Ipswich.

Gemma Gillet

Gemma Gillet is currently on sabbatical. Gemma Gillet is an experienced Regulatory junior specialising in Professional Discipline and Financial Services Regulation. For several years prior to this she was instructed across the full range of criminal cases including, dishonesty, violence, sexual offences, trading standard offences and others. Gemma advises and acts in proceedings before a wide range of professional bodies including the Health and Social Care Professions Council, the General Dental Council, the General Medical Council, the Nursing and Midwifery Council, the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, the General Optical Council and the Teaching Agency. She also appears on behalf of individuals and organisations at Coroners’ Inquests. Gemma has lectured in Tort and Land Law at BPP on a freelance basis. She has also taught Criminal Litigation on the BPTC at the College of Law. Gemma is currently seconded to a major bank to assist with the FCA-lead review into the mis-selling of Interest Rate Hedging Products, specifically in relation to consequential loss claims.

Giles Fleming

Giles joined Chambers in 2017, and became a tenant in June 2018 on completion of his “third six” pupillage. He appears regularly in the Magistrates, Youth and Crown Court, and has also had success in the Court of Appeal. Giles both defends and prosecutes, using the experience and knowledge gained in one role to his clients’ advantage when performing the other. He is on the CPS advocates panel, as well as prosecuting for local authorities. In this course of his pupillage and his previous position with another leading Chambers in London, Giles gained a wide range of experience in a number of areas. He worked with the team prosecuting the LIBOR and EURIBOR litigation, an SFO prosecution of complex inter-bank trading fraud; was involved in the leading case of R v Joseph & Others [2017] EWCA Crim 36 on the defences available to victims of human trafficking; and as a result also assisted in the preparation of the practitioner text Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery: Law and Practice (Southwell, Brewer and Douglas-Jones), focussing in that context on the prosecution of the perpetrators of trafficking.

Gordana Turudija-Austin

Gordana Turudija-Austin was called to the bar in 2006. She is an experienced criminal defence advocate who appears in trials involving a wide range of serious criminal offences, including large scale drugs supply, firearms cases, serious violence, kidnap, blackmail, robbery, arson, perverting the course of justice, sexual offences and many others. She is known for her calm manner, thorough preparation and a keen eye for detail. Gordana is a compassionate advocate who builds a personal rapport with her clients, especially the vulnerable clients who need more attention and support. She is fully committed to her cases and fights fearlessly to achieve the best results for her clients. Gordana has also successfully appeared in the Court of Appeal. Gordana is a Grade 2 CPS Prosecutor.

Grace McConnell

Grace became a member of Chambers in May 2024 following the successful completion of her third-six pupillage at Drystone Chambers. Prior to her third-six, Grace undertook her pupillage with the CPS in Wessex and qualified as a Crown Prosecutor. Since joining chambers, Grace has built a busy practice both defending and prosecuting. Grace is most regularly instructed in the Crown Court, accepting instructions also in the Magistrates’ Court, Youth Court, and the Court Martial. Grace is rapidly building a strong defence practice. Defending in her first jury trial, she saw a not guilty verdict returned within an hour after a three-day trial. Grace has also had success in the Court Martial, with her client acquitted of matters where dismissal from service was at stake. Grace has also secured acquittals in trials in the Magistrates’ Court including matters of domestic violence. Grace prides herself on building genuine rapport with professional and lay clients alike. Having qualified within the Crown Prosecution Service, Grace has an understanding of how cases are internally prepared, an insight which is invaluable to both her prosecution and defence work. Within her pupillage, Grace prosecuted many Magistrates’ Court trials and experienced dealing with interpreters and child witnesses. These included offences such as threatening with a bladed article in a private place, ABH including strangulation, harassment, and driving offences. Grace also regularly prosecuted remand courts, which has given her the ability to get to grips with cases quickly, a skill that helps immensely in the instructions she now receives within chambers. Grace continues to build upon her prosecution practice, regularly receiving instructions within the Crown Court. Grace has recently been instructed to prosecute a case solely reliant on res gestae evidence. Grace has provided detailed advice on the case, which will be subject to legal argument. Prior to pupillage and during her legal studies, Grace volunteered for the British Red Cross in Portsmouth as a Refugee Support Caseworker and worked for a small local legal services firm in her hometown in Cornwall, who provided unreserved services.

Helen Easterbrook

Helen Easterbrook is a thoughtful but fierce advocate. She combines efficient and accurate case management with an ability to put clients and witnesses at ease, by making them feel that their case is her sole focus. Relied upon by the prosecution and defence alike, she is routinely instructed in cases involving serious violence, substantial frauds and sensitive sexual assaults including rape. Her highly technical background means she is able to handle cases involving mobile phone evidence, crypto currencies, and other cyber-related elements with ease. Known for her ability to quickly identify and analyse a case, her pragmatic but highly tactical advice reflects the thorough nature of her case preparation, often identifying points overlooked by others. When Covid 19 hit, and the Crown Courts largely closed their doors, Helen immediately joined in the fight against the pandemic by stepping back into her role as a Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Naval Reserve. After almost a year of helping to ensure hospitals, vaccination centres and fuel lorries were fully crewed she came back to the Bar in Jan 2021 hitting the ground running with some of her most significant cases to date and being appointed to the CPS Grade 3 Advocates Panel. Building on almost a decade of teaching courtroom skills as part of the College of Policing cell-site course she has continued to keep her technical skills up to date by qualifying as a CISCO CyberOps Associate. Similarly, with the pandemic forecast to cause a wave of mental health problems she qualified as a Mental Health First Aider to better support clients, witnesses and fellow advocates alike.

Isobel Ascherson

Isobel is an experienced barrister who defends and prosecutes the most serious matters in Court centres across the South East and East Anglia. Her caseload includes murder, kidnap, fraud, GBH and serious sexual offences.Isobel specialises in serious sexual offences and has forged a reputation as an extremely capable advocate over the last 15 years since specialising in this area. These cases range from allegations against professionals including Doctors and Teachers, historic allegations and allegations by very young complainants. She has particular expertise in dealing with complainants or defendants who need support due to vulnerabilities including special needs and mental health difficulties. She is lauded for her ability in communicating with very young complainants and defendants in particular.Recent cases include a defendant of 16 diagnosed with the abilities of a 7 year old, defendants and complainants with diagnosed mental illnesses, dementia and conditions leading to findings of being unfit to plead. Isobel also advises retrospectively on the bases of convicted defendants, and has already taken a number of such cases to the Court of Appeal.

Jo Morris

Jo Morris has a busy and successful practice in criminal law, military justice and public law including the law of armed conflict, both prosecuting and defending. Jo’s experience is wide-ranging and includes terrorism, homicide, sexual offences, serious violence, firearms and fraud. Solicitors describe her as proactive, diligent and with exceptional inter-personal skills, and she is praised for her ability to work with clients who are often vulnerable, stressed and finding the legal process hard to manage. She is respected for her ability to challenge and cross-examine expert witnesses upon matters such as impression and marking evidence, DNA, cell site analysis, blood spatter evidence and firearms residue. Jo is a Grade 4 Prosecutor in the CPS general crime group and is on the RASSO, counter terrorism and serious crime panels. She is also on the disclosure panel of the Serious Fraud Office. Jo is police station accredited and has many years’ experience acting in the best interests of her client from the point of investigation onwards. Her knowledge of police powers and procedures gives her an advantage when conducting jury trials and identifying points of law. She easily identifies breaches of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. Jo is also experienced in representing clients in appeals against both conviction and sentence. She gives pragmatic advice on the prospects of success on appeal. In addition to her domestic practice, Jo is Vice Chair of the working group of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers. She is a prosecutor and defender at the International Criminal Court. Jo is a pupil supervisor, a Middle Temple advocacy trainer and a facilitator of the Vulnerable Witnesses training.

Joanne Mary Eley

Joanne Eley was called to the Bar in 1997 and joined One Paper Buildings in 2007, having previously practiced at a Chambers in Chelmsford. She practices on the South Eastern Circuit, predominantly in East Anglia. She is an experienced practitioner, specialising in serious sexual offences offences and in particular child abuse. She is regularly instructed in cases involving young and vulnerable witnesses and defendants, prosecuting and defending in equal measure. Joanne Eley has extensive experience of drugs conspiracies, attempted murder, violence and dishonesty. She also has experience of dealing with offences involving child cruelty, in particular cases of serious injury and neglect. Her practice focuses heavily on serious sexual offences, including rape and sexual offences involving children. This year she has been involved in a number of cases involving very young children, the youngest being 4 years of age, requiring a departure from traditional cross examination and a clear under standing of the Advocates Gateway. She is frequently instructed in both contemporary and historic sexual allegations. Last year she defended in 2 particularly serious cases; the first involved a young man charged with a serious sexual assault on a 16 month old baby, causing what were described as horrific injuries, of a sexual nature. This involved detailed cross examination of a number of expert paediatricians, who specialised in child sex abuse. She was also instructed to represent a man charged with historic sexual abuse over a period of 30 years, the complainants include a number of family members. Joanne Eley led Junior Counsel in this case, which resulted in an acquittal by the Jury on all counts. She has particular expertise in cases involving mentally disordered defendants and children. These cases requiring a particularly sensitive approach. Joanne Eley has led Junior Counsel in a drugs conspiracy. Miss Eley has recently been instructed as Junior Counsel to prosecute a multi handed brothel conspiracy (she is being led by Charles Myatt). The investigation and allegations cover a number of counties in the U.K. She is currently prosecuting a particular serious allegation contrary to sections 18 of the Offences against the Person Act 1861, it is alleged the defendant set fire to another individual causing serious injury. Last year she gained experience prosecuting an individual for animal cruelty (R. v. Trevor Lay). The prosecution arose out of a contravention of the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species, which therefore involved a breach of EU Regulations under the Control of Endangered Species (Enforcement) Regulations of 1997. In the past she has been instructed as Junior Counsel in serious cases of fraud.

John McNally

John McNally has had a broad common law practice and has appeared in matters as varied as a civil ‘rape trial’ to EC law on the rights of free movement and education for workers. This breadth of experience has been sought by solicitors when they need Counsel who can deal with cases involving matters as esoteric as donatio mortis causa or secret trusts. In recent years John has had a broad spectrum of Criminal work (including Trading Standards and Environmental Law) but also undertakes matters involving Regulatory and Public Law. He has advised or appeared in matters concerning the General Medical Council, the Hearing Aid Council and the GCC as well as in relation to Coronial Inquisitions. He is a Grade 4 approved Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service.

Jonathan Green

Jonathan is a leading junior with considerable experience in a wide range of offences. He defends and prosecutes on behalf of Local Authorities, and accepts instructions on a Direct Access basis. He has a very high level of experience and expertise in cases involving IT and computer technology, and heads the Dyers Chambers IT team. He is frequently involved in training solicitors and other legal professionals and is acknowledged for his practical and down to earth approach. His ability to understand and explain sometimes highly technical matters is appreciated by solicitors and lay clients alike. In addition to conventional instructions, Jonathan is regularly requested to advise on discrete aspects of larger cases, and has often been able to provide advice which proved vital to a successful outcome.

Kaja Reiff-Musgrove

Kaja acts as a junior and leading junior in a broad spectrum of serious criminal cases. She has been instructed in numerous murder, attempted murder, kidnap, firearms, drugs, fraud, blackmail, rape and child cruelty trials. She has particular experience in defending allegations made against professionals by children and other vulnerable complainants, cases involving complex medical issues and mental health. In addition to her defence practice, Kaja is a level 3 approved prosecutor for the CPS and is on the specialist rape prosecution panel. Kaja has also been instructed in many inquests including those involving deaths in custody. Her regulatory work has included food safety, proceedings before the GTC, now the Teaching Agency and police disciplinary proceedings.

Karen Walton

Karen Walton specialises in serious crime and maintains a practice that involves both defending serious criminal matters and prison law work. She is an experienced, heavyweight criminal practitioner with a proven record in dealing with the most serious of offences. She has been instructed in multiple defendant violence and fraud requiring meticulous analysis of complex case papers. She has extensive experience in the sensitive handling of vulnerable defendants/witnesses. Karen is finding that she is increasingly instructed in matters relating to ‘Gangs and Guns’ and is beginning to build a specialism in this area. Her practice includes serious sexual assaults (recent and historic), serious violence, child cruelty, drugs cases, cases involving victims and defendants with mental health problems and learning disabilities, confiscation proceedings. Her led work has included murder, serious violence, historic sexual abuse by multiple family members, fraud and large scale drug offences. In 2018, Karen represented a significantly higher number than usual of defendants with mental health problems and comunication or learning difficulties such as austism and aspergers. As a consequence she has extensive experience of instructing intermediaries or expert witnesses to act for the defence. She has also undertaken a significant amount of cases involving complainants who are under 10 and therefore represented defendants under the new protocol to try and achieve trial within 8 weeks of charge. Karen is one of the most experienced members of a team within Drystone Chambers who specialise in serious sexual offence matters. This team offers seminars on all areas of sexual offences trials, providing short bespoke seminars or larger networking events. Karen is also a qualified vulnerable witness training trainer, Middle Temple.

Karim Khalil KC

Karim Khalil appears in many of the most serious and high profile cases across the UK. He also advises and represents people in cases involving issues of foreign jurisdiction and/or cross border matters. He is equally happy to work with hard copy or digital materials and has a formidable reputation for working quickly and effectively. He took Silk in 2003 prior to prosecuting the Soham Murders, having been called to the Bar in 1984 and becoming one of the youngest Assistant Recorders/Recorders. His advice and advocacy is sought across diverse fields including murder, gross negligence manslaughter, 'baby-shaking’, serious fraud (including Inland Revenue, Customs & Excise and MTIC), Health & Safety, drug trafficking and sexual offences. Karim has a special interest in cases involving forensic experts across a wide spectrum. Karim has represented those seeking to avoid extradition when accused or convicted of multiple homicides in foreign jurisdictions. He advises those considering private prosecutions and is a qualified Mediator and mediation advocate. His close association with Cambridge University enables him to draw on significant expertise and has contributed to making him one of the Directory ranked leading Silks in the cross-examination of experts in may fields. He wrote the chapter on Confiscation Law for Lexis Nexis and has been asked to contribute to a new journal on palynology (plant based forensics). Karim successfully resisted criminal proceedings against one of the government scientists in the Porton Down investigation. He has been involved in many trials involving Police informants. He has represented prisoners before the Discretionary Lifer Panel and regularly represents appellants in the Court of Appeal, often superseding trial Counsel. Karim has long championed the increased use of digitally presented evidence and was the keynote speaker at the inaugural conference for SIOs across the country, working closely with Acume. He was invited to become a member of the British Academy of Forensic Sciences following his keynote speech on the “The science of the Soham murders”. Since their launch, Karim has consistently been placed among the top ranked list of Silks in the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners Directories.

Kenniesha Stephens

Kenniesha Stephens is an incredibly hardworking advocate, specialising in serious and complex crime. She has a particular interest in financial crime, serious violence and sexual offences. Kenniesha also specialises in regulatory crime. She has experience across the full range of regulatory crime, including trading standards, food safety, environmental, fraud and restraint and confiscation proceedings. Kenniesha has been described as a “safe pair of hands” with her meticulous approach to case preparation and fierce representations in both her oral and written advocacy. She has the ability to understand facts of cases quickly. She possesses excellent case strategy and is entrusted to undertake serious and complex cases above her year of call. Kenniesha is a personable and approachable advocate, allowing her to effectively engage with vulnerable defendants and witnesses. Prior to coming to the Bar, Kenniesha worked at HMRC as a Paralegal working in the strategic litigation team on high profile, complex tax avoidance cases. She also worked at the London Borough of Camden on housing litigation (antisocial behaviour cases and possession proceedings). Furthermore, Kenniesha worked at Surrey Police as an Intelligence Analyst.

Lidia Iancu

Lidia has built a successful practice since becoming a tenant in August 2023. Lidia prosecutes and defends before the Magistrates’ Court and the Crown Court. She also prosecutes on behalf of Local Authorities and the Insolvency Service on a range of matters. Of note, Lidia obtained an acquittal in the Crown Court within 30 minutes. This was her first Crown Court trial. The trial was in front of the Resident Judge who complemented Lidia for her calmness and advocacy. Lidia also persuaded the Crown Prosecution Service to drop charges against her client in a cultivation of Cannabis case, where the amount of Cannabis was over 100kg. The defendant’s case was that he had been trafficked to the UK and that he played no part in the cultivation of the Cannabis. Lidia secured an acquittal in the Magistrates’ Court for a defendant who was accused of assaulting a care home resident. The allegation had been reported by another member of staff. Prior to pupillage, Lidia worked for over 4 years as a Legal Adviser in the Magistrates’ Court. Lidia completed an internship at the European Court of Human Rights where she drafted reports and decisions on cases where the applicant had been a victim of rape, convicted of bribery or drug trafficking. One of her draft decisions was put before the Third Section of the Court and it is now a published judgment (Toran and Schymik v Romania).

Lynne Shirley

Lynne Shirley is a highly respected jury advocate, whose practice encompasses all areas of serious crime, predominantly sexual offences, drugs and fraud. Lynne is a Grade 3 prosecutor. She has a special flair for dealing with serious sexual offences and has a wealth of expertise in this regard. With an ability to easily gain the confidence of and quickly establish a rapport with lay and professional clients as well as witnesses, Lynne has a wealth of experience with defendants and witnesses who are young, vulnerable and have a range of medical and mental health difficulties. A robust advocate, Lynne tirelessly fights her lay and professional clients’ corner. She is meticulous in preparation and detail; a persuasive advocate who receives the respect of both lay and professional clients alike, along with the tribunal she appears in front of. Lynne comes from a military and medical background, having been a serving officer in the regular Army for eight years. Lynne also trained as a nurse and midwife. Her experience of Army life means that Lynne has a detailed understanding of military procedure and the court martial system. Clients can only gain from her knowledge of the court martial procedure as she previously sat as a member of the Court Martial Board and, in private practice, has been instructed regularly in court martial proceedings. Lynne accepts instructions under the Public Access Rules, for those clients who do not wish to employ the services of a solicitor.

Mousumi Chowdhury

Mousumi Chowdhury has a very busy practice in immigration, family and regulatory law and welcomes all instructions within her expertise. For certain firms, she is their preferred counsel in immigration and family matters. Mousumi is also Direct Access accredited and is happy to take on cases from lay clients in suitable matters. Described by a Partner and Head of the Regulatory team at Blake Morgan LLP, a leading 500 tier firm, as ‘impressive’, Mousumi is the ideal choice of counsel to instruct in the field of regulatory law. Mousumi has recently completed a secondment to the litigation team at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP, acting as in-house counsel on the RL250 project. Alongside her practice, Mousumi is also a Visiting Lecturer at Westminster University, delivering teaching on Child Protection Law and Policy and Family Law.

Nicholas Bleaney

Nicholas Bleaney is a hugely experienced senior junior counsel with 35 years of experience in the full spectrum of serious criminal cases. He is regularly instructed to prosecute and defend and specialises in sexual offences, including both current and historical offences, and is frequently called upon to cross examine children alleging sexual misconduct. He has forged an impressive reputation as a prosecutor for being fair with opponents and defendants. When defending he is tenacious, and a skilled cross-examiner who gets to the heart of the issue. As a retired racing driver, he has a deep understanding of motoring related offending and regularly deals with serious driving offences.

Nicholas Ham

Nick is a regulatory crime specialist with over 20 years’ experience. With a wide-ranging practice embracing fraud, trading standards prosecutions, planning and housing enforcement, environmental crime, unlawful eviction, licensing applications and appeals, Nick is instructed by local authorities and private clients to appear in tribunals and courts at all levels, both first instance and appellate. He also advises on restraint, confiscation and other ancillary orders. Nick has been praised as a natural communicator, with excellent client-handling and jury advocacy skills. He is efficient, up-to-date and down to earth. Nick regularly gives lectures and seminars, most recently dealing with topics as diverse as POCA challenges, social housing fraud, data protection, environmental crime and unlawful eviction.

Philip Farr

Philip Farr is a highly able criminal practitioner with significant experience across the full spectrum of serious crime. Philip both prosecutes and defends and is frequently instructed in cases of serious violence, including murder, and sexual offences. Regularly requested to act in cases involving young or vulnerable witnesses or defendants, Philip is noted both for his calm demeanour with witnesses and defendants alike, but also for his attention to detail and rigorous cross-examination. Philip has appeared in numerous cases where the allegations are of serious sexual misconduct, often including sensitive cases where the accused occupies a position of authority, or where the allegations are within the context of a familial relationship. Philip accepts instructions both via legal aid and privately, and occasionally accepts instruction from private clients charged with Road Traffic offences, an area in which he has had considerable success. Philip has been an approved external advocacy assessor to the Crown Prosecution Service since 2009.

Richard Davies

Richard joined chambers in 2016. He accepts instructions in the fields of criminal law and regulatory law as well as certain areas of civil law and extradition law. Prior to joining chambers, Richard studied in Maastricht, The Netherlands and worked in-house at a law firm in Vienna, Austria as well as for the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation. He specialised in litigation and arbitration. His litigation work focused on cross-border disputes between Austrian entities and foreign companies as well as cases with associated white-collar crime proceedings. His arbitration experience has involved commercial, investment and sports law cases in both institutional and ad-hoc forums. He has previously undertaken pro bono work for various charities relating to social security appeals, children’s rights and mental health law. Richard has developed a broad criminal and regulatory practice. He is regularly instructed in crown court cases, both prosecuting and defending, where he has dealt previously with such matters at trial as inter alia conspiracy to burgle, robbery, sexual assault, sexual activity with a child, rape, fraud, money laundering, possession of drugs with intent to supply, conspiracy to supply drugs, possession of an offensive weapon, affray, ABH as well as Section 18 and 20 GBH. He has also obtained several certificates for counsel for youth court matters. He prosecutes regulatory matters for local councils and the NMC. He has also undertaken drafting and review work for the FCA, Government Legal Service and the Home Office. He is direct access and CPS grade two qualified. In addition, he is approved onto the list of specialist regulatory advocates. In addition, he is approved onto the list of specialist regulatory advocates, Panel C, by the Health & Safety Executive. Also, he has successfully undertaken the vulnerable witness training course through an Inn of Court.

Robert Bryan

As both Junior and Leading Junior Robert’s work covers the wide spectrum of serious crime including homicide, sex-offending, serious fraud and drug conspiracies. As Junior alone he has successfully defended attempted murder trials, and is sought after to prosecute and defend in motor vehicle death cases. He has built up an expertise in ‘document’, ‘images’ and ‘computer’ cases as commented on in the 2019 Chambers and Partners Directory having been identified in that field initially by the 2014 Legal 500 and is well-known for his attention for detail. Robert is regularly briefed both to prosecute and defend in multi-complainant cases of sexual offending (including historic abuse cases and offences against children). He is on the Crown Prosecution Specialist Rape Panel. In addition to his practice in civilian Criminal Courts, Robert receives instructions to appear before Military Tribunals defending servicemen and women against allegations of criminal conduct and service discipline offences.

Ross Ludlow

Ross was called to the bar in 2021. He joined Chambers in October 2024, following successful completion of his pupillage. He has built a strong reputation for client care amongst instructing solicitors across a range of criminal matters, and regularly conducts Local Authority prosecutions. Whilst a paralegal at Boutique Law LLP, he directly assisted partners and associates. His research contributed to an extradition case in the Supreme Court, and he helped support clients through SRA and Charities Commission investigations. Ross provided legal research and administrative support to over 100 barristers at Matrix Chambers. He gained experience in all of chambers’ areas of expertise, spanning criminal, public, civil and employment matters. Ross also ran a scheme which provided opportunities and training to young aspiring lawyers from underrepresented backgrounds at the Bar. Ross has co-authored an article for the New Law Journal which analyses the de-banking trend in the banking sector. He has also contributed administratively to the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket’s report into equity within the sport. At university, he received a distinction for his LLM dissertation which analysed how the law of self-defence applies to householders inside their home.

Ryan Thompson

Ryan is an exceptional criminal defence advocate with an enviable success rate. His practice encompasses the gamut of criminal matters - from money laundering and fraud, to serious violence and sexual offences, and the supply/importation of class A drugs. As a led junior, he has defended in complex murders, importation of Class A drugs and money laundering. Ryan also has a proven track record prosecuting cases for the Crown Prosecution Service and on behalf of Local Authorities.

Sean Minihan

Sean is a sought-after senior criminal barrister specialising in cases that require expert advocacy skills. Sean is often the defence leader of choice in several high profile, complex and serious criminal cases. Sean has experience in criminal matters involving charges for murder and conspiracy to murder, multi-kilo drugs cases, serious fraud, and serious violence, successfully defending a range of clients. Sean has defended in many sex cases (both present and historical). Sean is called upon to advise professional clients at an early stage of proceedings regarding strategy and achieving the best outcome for lay clients. With over 30 years of experience, Sean has developed a varied practice and represents both individual and corporate clients. Sean also represents Police Officers at Police Disciplinary Tribunals and Army Personnel at Courts Martials, both in this country and overseas. As a trainer with the Inns of Court College of Advocacy and Gray’s Inn is very familiar with all cases concerning the vulnerable and section 28. Sean represents appellants appearing before major hearings at the Court of Criminal Appeal and is instructed to advise on the merits of an appeal before they reach that stage. He has experience in all aspects of appellate work, including applications to the Court of Appeal (both on paper at first instance and oral renewals) and judicial review in the Administrative Court

Simon Walters

Simon is an experienced advocate who practises mainly in crime, regulatory and professional discipline. He is frequently instructed to deal with complicated and sensitive matters and both prosecutes and defends. Simon is thorough, pragmatic and calm in his approach to each case. He is also qualified to act on public access matters. CRIME Simon receives instructions in a variety of criminal matters to both prosecute and defend in the Crown Court. Simon was appointed to the Crown Prosecution Service’s Grade 2 Panel but is also frequently instructed to defend both publicly and privately funded defendants. Simon has acted in cases that cover the full range of criminal offences including serious offences involving dishonesty, violence, sexual offences and drugs. He has acted as led junior for multiple cases arising from organised crime operations, advising on all aspects of those cases including complex disclosure exercises and associated confiscation proceedings. Simon has experience of handling vulnerable complainants and witnesses. REGULATORY LAW Simon has developed an extensive practice in regulatory law and accepts instructions on behalf of regulatory authorities and professionals. He has appeared before fitness to practise tribunals of different regulators in every conceivable type of hearing and is able to advise on all relevant issues both pre- and post- hearing. Simon has appeared at the General Medical Council, Nursing and Midwifery Council, Health and Care Professions Council and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, amongst other regulators. The cases in which he has appeared include patients deaths, allegations of sexual harassment and assault and dishonesty, as well as those raising lack of competence and health issues.

Simon Kitchen

Simon is a specialist criminal law barrister. He brings his wealth of knowledge of criminal law to the English bar where he has developed a speciality in all levels of crime. He has regularly led and has extensive jury trial advocacy experience and is well-versed in fraud and proceeds of crime cases (confiscation), firearms, drugs, violence, sex cases, and all other types of crime. He has reputation for being able to handle the most difficult and demanding clients.

Sophie Clifford

Sophie was called to the bar in 2023 and became a member of Chambers in October 2024 upon the successful completion of her pupillage. Prior to pupillage, Sophie worked for a number of years as a paralegal at a London criminal defence firm. She had conduct of a wide range of cases in both the Magistrates and Crown Court, including serious violence, sex offences, firearms, and drug offences. She has considerable experience of acting for vulnerable defendants, and a particular interest in representing those who have a history of poor mental health and a background in social care. She also has experience in representing youths and defendants requiring the assistance of an intermediary. Alongside her own case load, she assisted senior solicitors on complex cases, such as murder, rape, and historic sex offences. Sophie gained exposure to complex legal arguments and is adept at identifying and instructing appropriate experts.

Stephen Spence

Stephen Spence has considerable experience both prosecuting and defending in all aspects of serious crime, particularly sexual offences, fraud, Internet crime, murder and cases involving historic child abuse. He has acted as leading counsel in a number of high profile cases including recently prosecuting would be serial killer Alex Palmer. Stephen is a grade 4 and RASSO list prosecutor and vulnerable witness training trainer/facilitator. Chambers and Partners state: "He is absolutely brilliant - very honest and very professional." - 2018 "He balances the gravitas of a very experienced member of the Bar with a friendly accessibility, and an ability to make my clients feel very comfortable with him. His ability to talk to the jury rather than at them is also very good indeed.” – 2017 Legal 500: “...is known for his aviation practice and is very highly rated for his criminal practice” Aviation Stephen is recognised for his specialist aviation practice. An RAF trained pilot with flying experience ranging from gliders to fast jets and rotary he has an enviable reputation for defending aviation related prosecutions. These have ranged from regulatory issues to allegations of gross negligence manslaughter. His clients have included aircraft engineers, pilots (private and commercial), aviation businesses and international airlines. He acted as leading counsel for Internet giant Amazon in their recent prosecution for shipping dangerous goods by air. He is currently instructed in the Shoreham Air Show crash prosecution. Stephen is instructed in Inquests and in High Court civil claims arising out of aircraft accidents. He is able to advise on aircraft leasing and operating agreements. He has written for a number of aviation publications on legal topics and was a guest speaker, at a Royal Aeronautical Society legal conference, on the admissibility of AAIB reports in legal proceedings. Sports Law Stephen is a former Board member of the British Bobsleigh Association, and the Special Advisory Committee of the FIBT (Federation International de Bobsleigh et de Tobogganing). He has advised a number of sports governing bodies on disciplinary procedures and drug testing, appearing in numerous disciplinary tribunals involving a variety of sports Stephen has sat as Chairman in both sports disciplinary proceedings and Olympic selection appeals. Stephen is on the Sports Disputes Resolutions panel of approved lawyers to provide pro bono advice to athletes who are accused of anti-doping or other disciplinary offences. Stephen Spence is qualified to accept instructions via Direct Access.

Stephen Mather

Stephen is an experienced advocate specialising in Criminal Law. Called in 1997, he has built a reputation as a highly respected advocate with a heavyweight practise. His practise encompasses prosecution and defence matters, dealing with a full range of offences including kidnap, blackmail, serious violence, large scale drugs importation, complicated and substantial fraud and counterfeiting offences. He is a grade three prosecutor. In addition to his burgeoning UK practice, Stephen was appointed as lead defence counsel for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL), the Hague. Concurrent to practice at the Bar, Stephen was formerly Senior Lecturer in Law at Kingston University (2000-2014) lecturing in criminal and contract law on the GDL and Civil Litigation Procedure, Evidence, Arbitration and Dispute Resolution on the LLM.

Stephen Donnelly

Stephen has developed a substantial practice in criminal law and has broad experience of dealing with cases in the Court of Appeal, the Crown Court and Magistrates’ Court. Since coming to the Bar in 2001 he has maintained instructions both as defence counsel and as prosecuting counsel (for both the CPS and local authorities). He is a Grade 3 CPS Prosecutor. A considerable proportion of Stephen’s work relates to defence in serious criminal cases where he acts as a leading junior or junior alone. Over many years he has received instructions in respect of high-value confiscation and forfeiture proceedings under POCA 2002. He has significant experience of dealing with cases involving sensitive disclosure issues and ‘intrusive’ policing methods and has delivered lectures specifically dealing with disclosure, evidential presentation and RIPA 2000. He has also presented lectures to local authority enforcement teams in relation to the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 and RIPA 2000. In recent years Stephen’s practice has focused on the areas of financial crime, serious organised crime and serious sexual offences. He is accustomed to dealing sensitively with young and vulnerable clients and witnesses. Stephen has a particular interest in acting and advising in disciplinary proceedings relating to sports law; over a number of years he represented both trainers and jockeys appearing before disciplinary panels and currently acts as a steward with the British Horse-racing Authority.

Unyime Davies

Unyime is a criminal law specialist with a reputation as a formidable and persuasive advocate across the whole spectrum of criminal offences. She is known for her meticulous case preparation and client care. Unyime undertakes work in London and on the Western and South Eastern Circuits.Unyime's effective communication skills and sensitivity has led her to being instructed frequently in cases involving very young children, as both defendants and witnesses. She has also prosecuted and defended in cases involving vulnerable defendants and/or witnesses. Unyime has built an expertise in all sexual offences (both prosecuting and defending) including rape.Unyime is frequently instructed in cases alleging serious violence up to and including attempted murder. She is a well regarded and sought after junior for both the prosecution and defence and has been led in several cases including multi-handed drugs conspiracy and large scale fraud cases. She is a Grade 3 prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service as well as being a member of the CPS panel of rape specialists.

William Carter

Will Carter has forged a reputation as an extremely able and knowledgeable barrister, prosecuting and defending in equal measure in serious criminal cases. He is regularly instructed in heavy fraud cases, both as junior and leading junior, where his meticulous approach and attention to detail are well known. He has wide experience of Revenue and Customs cases, in which he acts mainly for the defence. Will has appeared in a number of prosecutions of police officers for offences ranging from corruption to manslaughter. He is instructed as junior and leading junior in murder prosecutions and has particular experience of cases involving sudden death in infants and associated areas of medico-legal expertise. He has appeared in many cases involving charges of serious sexual misconduct, particularly where the allegations date back many years. His practice covers the full range of the criminal law. He has been a contributing editor of the criminal practitioners’ handbook Archbold for many years.

Zarif Khan

Zarif Khan is an established practitioner with over 22 years experience at the Criminal Bar, gained from the spectrum of a varied defence practice and being involved in some of the Countries most high profile cases. He has an excellent reputation with Judges and legal practitioners as an agile and hard-working defence advocate, experienced in dealing with serious crimes of terrorism, murder, serious sexual offences, people trafficking, fraud, money laundering (POCA Proceedings) and drugs. Zarif is relied upon both as leading and junior counsel, who can get to the heart of the case with clear logical thinking, an abundance of common sense and good judgment to dissect and simplify matters to the core. Chambers & Partners says he is a: “recommended individual”. The diversity of Zarif’s practice has enabled him to develop expertise in a wide range of matters in criminal law as well as related areas of law. He is therefore able to effectively handle cases with a grounded understanding of how for example human rights, immigration and family law provisions affect and can be intertwined into criminal matters. Zarif’s ability to unravel and de-mystify the interaction of complex and overlapping issues has gained him a robust reputation within the profession and for being able to clearly communicate the same. In addition, Zarif’s personable style as an advocate and his enthusiasm to do the best for his client shines through in every case. As a result, Zarif has developed excellent relationships with both lay and professional clients, which have continued to garner recommendations by those he has represented. Due to Zarif’s diligence and down to earth approach his practice reaches the length and breadth of the United Kingdom. He has worked on some of the Country’s most complex, interesting as well as legally challenging cases. As a result of which, he has gained widespread recognition with solicitors for being able to take on some of the most difficult and challenging clients. This inevitably means that Zarif is brought in to calm, reassure and advise the lay client and conduct their case, with the sereneness that is required. Frequently, Zarif has been instructed in cases where ever-evolving modes of technology play a significant part in the organisation of criminal activities and consequently the evidence presented. His extensive knowledge of the ways in which evidence involving technology including cell-site, IP addresses, Facebook, and other social media and App. based communication platforms are used, means that his clients are fully appraised of the way that this evidence affects their case and the challenges that can be made in relation to the same. Disclosure deserves a special mention as Zarif has been described by others as having an ‘old fashioned’ attitude towards disclosure, this he takes as a complement since it is probably the single most important issue in a case but many lawyers don’t have the understanding, experience or tenacity to ask the right questions from the relevant authorities to untangle their case and get the right result for their client. Since the police & CPS are the gatekeepers of any disclosure and therefore a self-interest to limit the same to the defence. It is therefore important that with Zarif’s knowledge and tenacity that they do not withhold material which may ultimately lead to an acquittal. Over the years this has been the single most important issue, which has lead to the right result for the accused. The most recent example of Zarif’s success following issues of non-disclosure was in representing a Russian billionaire heiress which received extensive media coverage here in the UK, as well as abroad, on an appeal against a conviction from the Magistrates Court. The conviction was notably overturned despite a full confession in the police station interview. Currently, Zarif is advising in matters for a variety of international high-net-worth individuals (HNWI), relating to issues such as money laundering, POCA proceedings as well as general advice in relation to quasi-criminal issues. For example, Zarif is overseeing a contractual dispute and the claim arising thereof between an individual who introduced the Big Bus Company in Dubai. Zarif is now more regularly relied upon by corporations to act in an advisory capacity, with regard to matters approaching litigation in commercial and civil disputes. This is complemented by Zarif being a qualified ADR mediator. Zarif is fluent in Urdu and Punjabi, Direct Access Accredited and an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) / Mediator. Zarif has consistently been highly ranked as a leading individual in Criminal law, in both Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners directory for many years.

Legal 500

Our Team

FAQs

Marketing Resources

Newsletters

Contact us