Mountford Chambers

Chambers of Christopher Henley KC.

The set: Mountford Chambers is a specialist criminal, regulatory and public law set that is founded on principles of integrity, equality, and representation for all.

Mountford Chambers' KCs, barristers and clerks are united by a shared vision of delivering a client service that is focused on absolute excellence, assuring clients of forensic, strategic, and vigorous representation that gets to the heart of the case and the minds of judges and juries.

Areas of expertise
Crime: Mountford Chambers is proud of its highly regarded team of criminal law KCs and barristers, many of whom are leaders in their field. With a reputation for delivering high-quality advice, advocacy and representation, the team appear in many of the high-profile cases of the day. Members of the criminal team are ranked in both The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners who describe them as ‘Very well run, full of exceptional barristers and KCs” [2021].

Barristers are experienced in a wide range of criminal cases, including terrorism allegations, murder, drugs and sexual offences. They combine first-rate legal knowledge with highly skilled court advocacy to deliver a quality service that’s trusted by clients.

Members are instructed to represent clients in courts throughout the UK, and routinely appear in the Old Bailey. Just as the Crown Courts have evolved into what we know them as today (thanks to the Courts Act 1971), so too have the way our barristers work. Embracing technology to work quickly and efficiently, our barristers deliver a thoroughly modern service that meets the high expectations of both solicitors and lay clients.

Business crime and fraud: Mountford Chambers is home to a team of specialist business crime and fraud barristers who are recognised in both The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners for their notable expertise. Members appear in a wide-range of corporate crime cases, from stock market to banking fraud, to cases involving allegations of bribery and corruption.

“Highly experienced in fraud” Legal 500 [2022], “Members are regularly instructed to represent their clients in SFO, FCA and HMRC investigations, and count several bankers, accountants and brokers among their enviable client base” Chambers & Partners [2020].

Mountford barristers attach great importance to offering a continuity of service – a service which begins in the first days of investigation and gives  clients the confidence of knowing that they have access to expert support and advice at all times – and the highest level of representation in any court proceedings.

Known for being motivated, hard-working and technically skilled, Mountford Chambers' barristers are also adept strategists, able to plan ahead to deliver the very best advice and representation in these often high-stake proceedings.

Members are routinely engaged at the pre-charge stage of proceedings to provide tactical advice to solicitors and clients with a view to halting proceedings before they have opportunity to imbed.

Professional regulation:  Members of Mountford Chambers are increasingly in demand to act in cases funded both privately and by insurance, involving allegations of misconduct and fitness to practice impairment brought against regulated professionals.

Their expertise across the spectrum of disciplinary tribunals and public authorities is extensive and substantial. Our professional regulation barristers frequently advise and represent parties at all stages of the process, from giving strategic advice to clients during internal disciplinary investigations, to formal proceedings before regulatory disciplinary panels.

In these cases, organisations and individuals often face significant financial loss, reputational damage and potential civil claims which require expert and delicate handling. We understand that in order to enable clients to make well-informed decisions on how to proceed, they require advice that is thorough, accurate and realistic.

Inquests and Inquiries: Members of Mountford Chambers have expertise in representing interested parties at inquests and public inquiries. They understand the need for sensitivity and compassion in these often emotionally charged and distressing cases.

Asset forfeiture and civil recovery: Members of Mountford Chambers have market-leading expertise in all aspects of restraint, confiscation, and forfeiture proceedings. Our barristers routinely advise and appear on behalf of both the claimant and defendant in civil and criminal asset recovery cases.

Mountford Chambers’ team of established and experienced barristers deliver high-quality advice and advocacy across a broad range of asset forfeiture and civil recovery matters.

Criminal regulatory: Mountford Chambers’ impressive team of barristers deliver highly specialised and effective representation in a wide range of criminal regulatory cases. Advising both prosecution and defence teams, they are perceptive and accomplished when it comes to working on these often complex and emotionally charged cases.

Criminal regulatory cases typically carry financial and reputational repercussions that can have long-lasting consequences for those involved. Therefore, barristers are meticulous in their approach to the evidence and are sensitive to any associated publicity arising from these cases.

They provide advice during regulatory investigations and enforcement proceedings, working alongside teams to develop strategies that support a clear and pragmatic approach to the case. When it comes to advocacy, Mountford barristers are robust, persuasive, and fearless in their presentation of the case.

International law: Mountford Chambers is home to a team of accomplished and experienced international law practitioners who have expertise in representing individuals and organisations in international criminal courts and tribunals. Their work often involves extradition, genocide, crimes against humanity, terrorism and war crimes.

Mountford Chambers' barrister’s expertise in international law means they are frequently asked to support foreign governments and committees with the development of criminal laws and policies. Work is often legally complex, high-profile and involve multiple interested parties that requires exceptional negotiation and communication skills, as well as tactical approach.