5 St Andrews Hill

Abigail White

Abigail is a door tenant in chambers. She currently works as an Advocacy Tutor on the part-time and full-time Barrister Training Course (BTC) at BPP in London. Abigail has extensive experience prosecuting and defending in a wide range of serious and complex cases.  Abigail is a Grade 3 Prosecutor and is regularly instructed to prosecute multi-handed cases involving the importation of drugs, armed robbery, firearms, false imprisonment, child cruelty and serious violence. Abigail also has considerable experience in fraud cases. Abigail has also been instructed in civil cases.

Alecsandra Manning-Rees

Alecsandra is an experienced advocate in regulatory and professional discipline cases, crime and general litigation. She also has experience of advising in international policy matters. Alecsandra is ranked within The Legal 500 as a rising star, Tier 1, and is also ranked as Up and Coming in Chambers and Partners, in the field of regulatory and professional discipline. Prior to joining chambers in August 2019, Alecsandra had been exclusively conducting advocacy in regulatory and professional discipline cases on behalf of Kingsley Napley LLP in their Regulatory team. She has extensive experience of regulatory and professional discipline cases. From January 2016, Alecsandra was a solicitor-advocate undertaking general crime, police station work and defending in private prosecution cases. In 2018, Alecsandra cross-qualified to the Bar. What the Legal Directories say about Alecsandra Manning Rees: ‘Always prompt and thorough in her communications, well prepared and happy to work with instructing solicitors collaboratively. Friendly and approachable for clients, whilst remaining professional and giving clear, honest and realistic advice.’ The Legal 500 2022. ‘She is a fantastic member of the team, and is great with clients and tribunals alike, who value her open, engaging and practical style.’ The Legal 500 2021.  

Alex Rooke

For 20 years, Alex maintained a busy 50/50 defence and prosecution practice, and believes this is the best way of learning and retaining the skills needed to be an effective criminal barrister.  This has ranged from prosecuting complex Flying Squad and NCA investigations, through the prosecution and defence of all manner of violence, fraud and sexual offending, to defending in heavyweight, and especially Turkish, gang matters. Currently, he principally defends, deploying this wide experience of cases involving serious violence, grave sexual offending, fraud and organised crime. He is currently instructed to defend in a number of “Encrochat” cases and is fully up to speed with recent developments.  He also has two murder cases for the defence on his case-list as of May 2023 He often appears alone against King's Counsel, and is respected for his ability to deal sensitively with clients and witnesses who are having difficulty with the experience of the court process, be that because of vulnerability, cultural difference or simply what is at stake. Solicitors and judges have commented favourably on his ability to pick up complex cases, to master large amounts of information, and to cut to the chase in a very short time. He has particular expertise in cross-border smuggling cases, and in confiscation and asset forfeiture matters under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and its predecessor legislation.  He is currently instructed to defend in a number of “Encrochat” cases and is fully up to speed with recent developments. Alex has advised upon and successfully defended many Road Traffic Act (RTA) matters, and accepts Direct Public Access instructions for this. He has recently been privately instructed in several Indecent Images cases, obtaining good results for the clients. Alex accepts direct access instructions.

Alexa Le Moine

Alexa is a criminal barrister who accepts instructions to prosecute and defend. She has developed a busy Crown Court practice, spanning a wide range of offences. Alexa also has an active practice in family law, with a particular focus on both private and public children proceedings, and domestic abuse proceedings. Direct Public Access Alexa accepts instructions under the direct access scheme, allowing members of the public to instruct Alexa directly to advise them on or represent them in suitable cases. Instructing solicitors have said: “Her instincts and judgement on how she perceives cases is spot on. She is able to identify the strengths and weakest in any case and is able to put forward effective submissions accordingly.” “Her persuasive ability is very powerful which enables her to pitch her advocacy to a high standard.” “Her communication skills are first class and she has the ability to build a rapport with clients to gain their trust. I have found her to be extremely efficient with a good grasp of handling the law.”

Alexandra Davey

Alexandra has developed a busy practice specialising in all aspects of criminal and family law. She is instructed as junior counsel to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. Alexandra’s background and expertise make her a strong advocate for difficult or vulnerable clients in particular, as she is able to adapt her approach to suit each situation, and can empathise and patiently work to gain her client’s confidence and to promote and protect their interests. Here’s what some of those who have worked with Alexandra have to say about her: “Alexandra is diligent and thorough in preparing her work, quick to identify the issues in any case and excellent at dealing with clients. She has a great reputation and is very well-liked.” Feedback from Instructing Solicitor. “The client called me yesterday afternoon to tell me how brilliant you were at court ( I never had any doubt!). You really put her at ease and, as ever, your quick thinking and pragmatic approach worked wonders. Thank you for making a worried girl so comfortable and achieving such a brilliant result.” – an Instructing Solicitor “She knows how to prepare a case and has an instinctive feel for good points and bad points. She keeps her eye on the ball. She is also naturally charming.” – Leading Counsel “Her opening speech was excellent, but her cross-examination was outstanding. It is fair to say that Alexandra courteously and kindly destroyed the defendant in cross-examination, a more vigorous approach would certainly have been counterproductive. She gave a mature, convincing, skilful, careful and extremely effective performance.” – An Opponent.

Allister Walker

Allister has twenty eight years' experience as a barrister in independent practice in Criminal Law. He has prosecuted and defended in significant cases in London, the South East and the Midlands. His practice comprises the prosecution of serious and organised crime and substantial fraud and he regularly defends in cases of murder and historic sexual assault. Allister is a highly regarded and sought after leading junior. He has particular experience in cross jurisdictional prosecutions and is skilled in prosecutions for offences under the Serious Crime Act 2007.  He regularly prosecutes lengthy, complex, multi-defendant cases for the South East Complex Casework Unit and the Central London Special Casework Unit. Allister maintains a significant defence practice in the South East and the Midlands which includes in particular cases of murder and historic sexual assault. He has successfully defended in cases of murder, child cruelty and sexual assault and is regularly instructed in cases of serious violence and drug trafficking.

Amabel Kerr

Amabel began her pupillage in October 2023 and is currently supervised by John Oliver. John Oliver is a barrister specialising in criminal and extradition law. Amabel is observing and assisting in various matters across Chambers’ practice areas. Prior to commencing pupillage, Amabel volunteered with Amicus ALJ, assisting the London office with casework concerning mitigation for death row inmates in the United States. Prior to this, she interned in the office of the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner where she produced a report detailing the UK’s legal obligations towards victims of slavery and trafficking and recommendations as to how best to comply with these obligations. Amabel has also volunteered with ALJP, researching and identifying war crimes alleged to have been committed during the ongoing conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as providing assistance in a London-based legal advice clinic while volunteering for her university’s pro bono unit.

Amy Woolfson

Amy is a versatile and intellectually able barrister. Her practice includes: prosecuting and defending in a wide range of criminal cases, appearing for registrants and regulators in professional disciplinary hearings, representing requested persons in extradition proceedings and in INTERPOL matters, family court proceedings, public law, including data protection, education law, in particular disciplinary matters at fee-paying schools. Amy's recent cases include: representing a pharmacist in criminal proceedings in the Crown Court, securing a finding of no case to answer against a nurse accused of dishonestly covering up a serious clinical error advising a local authority on prosecutions under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977, representing a GP in GMC proceedings before the Medical Practitioners Tribunal (MPTS), prosecuting complex fitness to practise matters before the Nursing and Midwifery Council, securing the return of a student ordered to leave a major public school on disciplinary grounds. Instructing solicitors say: 'Amy is bright, pro-active and creative in her case preparation, and has excellent client care skills.' 'Amy has a natural ability to absorb information very quickly and make very good decisions on trial strategy.' 'She possesses a confidence beyond her years, combined with humility and a personable nature that I know my clients appreciate.'

Andrew Evans

Andrew Evans is an experienced criminal practitioner, specialising in the prosecution of serious and complex fraud. He is Grade 4 prosecutor, and is often instructed as leading counsel. He has appeared on behalf of various prosecution agencies, including the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Central Fraud Group, CPS Special Casework Unit, HM Revenue & Customs, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Andrew has successfully prosecuted cases involving revenue and social security frauds, banking and insurance frauds, mortgage and healthcare frauds. Due to the size and complexity of these cases, Andrew is regularly instructed at an early stage in order to provide pre-charge advice.

Andrew Bird KC

Andrew Bird KC took silk in March 2021. Andrew Bird KC is a specialist in white-collar crime, civil and criminal asset forfeiture, and civil and public law proceedings which overlap with the criminal process. Having prosecuted cases for the state at the highest level he now has a thriving practice in private prosecution cases, particularly those involving allegations of fraud. He has acted for both the private prosecutor and the defence.  He was first junior to David Perry KC in D Limited v A [2017] EWCA Crim 1172, where the Court of Appeal overturned a Judge’s terminating ruling and gave guidance in relation to a number of issues including motive and conduct in private prosecutions. In early 2019, led by Jonathan Laidlaw KC he represented a defendant to a private prosecution for fraud and successfully argued for the dismissal of all charges. He is presently involved in a Judicial Review of the decision of a Magistrates’ Court legal advisor refusing to issue a summons to a private prosecutor. In between, he continues his practice in cases involving criminal investigations, and public law challenges to the criminal and investigative processes, and gives advice in substantial cases to both sides of the criminal divide. ‘Andrew combines an excellent legal brain with a very practical approach to litigation.’ The Legal 500 2022. "Andrew is incredibly user-friendly and has an encyclopedic knowledge of his practice areas." Andrew is ranked in Chambers and Partners in the fields of POCA and Asset Forfeiture, Financial Crime and Private Prosecutions - Financial Crime. He is ranked in The Legal 500 in the field of POCA and Asset Forfeiture and is also ranked in the field of Fraud - Crime. He is also recognised in Who's Who Legal at the UK Bar in the field of Asset Recovery, Civil Fraud and Criminal Fraud. Chambers & Partners 2021. As a junior, Andrew is ranked in 2020 as a star Individual in Chambers and Partners in the fields of POCA work and Asset Forfeiture and also ranked in Financial Crime and Private Prosecutions - Financial Crime. He is ranked in the Legal 500 as a Tier 1 leading individual in the field of POCA and asset forfeiture. He is also recognised in Who's Who Legal at the UK Bar in the field of asset recovery and civil fraud.  "Has a very good eye for detail and particularly enjoys researching tricky legal issues. He always instils confidence in us and the courts that he knows his subject inside out." "Andrew Bird is a veritable genius in POCA. Academic judges respect his detailed and persuasive skeleton arguments." In 2012, he was appointed to the Attorney General's 'A' list panel for government work and acts in cases of the highest complexity, and particularly those where the civil and criminal jurisdictions overlap. He was a Grade 4 CPS prosecutor, and has been standing counsel to RCPO and the DWP and was on the SFO A Panel for 5 years, involved in two of its biggest investigations. Chambers and Partners 2020. In 2012, he was appointed to the Attorney General's 'A' list panel for government work and acts in cases of the highest complexity, and particularly those where the civil and criminal jurisdictions overlap. He was a Grade 4 CPS prosecutor, and has been standing counsel to RCPO and the DWP and was on the SFO A Panel for 5 years, involved in two of its biggest investigations.  ‘He combines hands-on expertise with detailed legal knowledge to provide insightful advice.’ The Legal 500 2021. ‘Excellent at proceeds of crime because of his knowledge of the area.’ The Legal 500 2019. "Very knowledgeable, commercial and practical." "When we go to him, we know we have a fount of knowledge we can draw upon." Andrew accepts direct public access instructions in suitable cases.

Anna Leathem

Anna is a barrister practising in all areas of criminal law, extradition and regulatory and professional discipline. Anna is currently undertaking a secondment with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (‘NMC’) and is building her practice in regulatory and professional discipline cases. Anna also has experience of defending and prosecuting in a wide range of criminal cases, and regularly appears in the magistrates’ and youth courts as well as in the Crown Court. She also accepts instructions in extradition and family law. Prior to commencing pupillage, Anna worked as a paralegal at a criminal defence firm and assisted the head of litigation in a variety of matters including murder, serious violence, drugs conspiracies, sexual offences and proceeds of crime. She prepared cases for trial in both the Crown Court and the Magistrates’ Court and gained particular experience in tackling vast amounts of evidence in multi-handed organised crime cases. Anna has also provided invaluable research assistance for the University of Southampton and University of Oxford produced report into the pains of indeterminate imprisonment for families of IPP prisoners. Instructing solicitors have said: Anna is not only very personable with clients but is also very on top of the law, changes in statute and recent case authorities which gives her an edge over many new barristers. Anna is passionate and will always go that extra mile in securing the best possible outcome for her client.

Barnaby Hone

Barnaby is a barrister with specialist expertise in all types of asset recovery and financial crime. He is ranked in Chambers and Partners in Band 2 and also within tier 2 of the Legal 500 for his knowledge within POCA, asset recovery, and forfeiture. Barnaby writes the chapters on International Asset Recovery and Terrorism Finance for Millington and Sutherland Williams on POCA and recently completed a series of seminars and articles on changes to POCA under the Criminal Finance Act 2017. Barnaby's international asset recovery and financial crime practice includes experience of dealing with corruption, money laundering and fraud offences which have an international angle and recovering the proceeds of these offences. He is regularly instructed in tax tribunal matters (in a POCA context) and the full range of civil recovery matters. "Tireless in his passion and commitment, he is a leader in the field of confiscation. He is able to effectively strategize cases from the outset to achieve outstanding results." CHAMBERS & PARTNERS, 2022 "Has a forensic knowledge of the relevant legislation and the approach of enforcing authorities." CHAMBERS & PARTNERS, 2022 "He's good at cross-examination and has a nice manner with clients." CHAMBERS & PARTNERS, 2021 Barnaby has extensive experience of professional discipline hearings in front of Healthcare regulators. He has acted in matters heard before the General Medical Council (GMC), the General Dental Council (GDC), Nurse and Midwifery Council (NMC), the British Association of Counselling and Psychotheraphy (BACP) and the British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC). Barnaby completed a 6 month secondment with the NMC. He represents both the regulators and registrants. He has extensive experience of substantive hearings, interim orders, substantive order reviews and all other forms of regulatory hearings. Barnaby has extensive experience advising on appeals from statutory and non statutory bodies. This complements his experience in the High Court in this, and other areas. Barnaby has been instructed to draft the Fitness to Practice procedures for the BPC and BACP. He is regularly asked to provide advice on procedures and policy from a number of bodies. Barnaby has dealt with a number of complicated legal issues, such as bias, abuse of process and half-time applications. He also regularly deals with vulnerable witnesses and a variety of expert witnesses. Barnaby sits on regulatory panels and through his other regulatory work, he has a wide range of experience in all aspects of professional disciplinary law.

Ben Keith

Ben Keith is a leading barrister specialising in cross-border and international cases. He deals with all aspects of Extradition, Human Rights, Mutual Legal Assistance, Interpol, Financial crime and International Law including sanctions. He represents governments, political and military leaders, High Net Worth individuals, human rights defenders and business leaders in the most sensitive cases. He has extensive experience of appellate proceedings before the Administrative and Divisional Courts, Civil and Criminal Divisions of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court as well as applications and appeals to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and United Nations. A specialist in political cases and those arising from corporate raiding (see recent seminar at Chatham House here). A leading authority on the removal of INTERPOL Red Notices for worldwide clients, he edits the Red Notice Monitor blog. Dealing with politically motivated allegations and the use of transnational repression by foreign governments. He has significant expertise in human rights, extradition and asylum proceedings in post-soviet states including Russia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Moldova and Kazakhstan. He is sought after to represent politically exposed persons in extradition, immigration and financial proceedings, including sanctions. He is also a leading barrister in Immigration and Public law. Appointed to the Attorney General's 'A' Panel of counsel, dealing with some of the most complex cases for the UK government. He advises the Government Legal Department on a range of public law matters. He Specialises in complex asylum claims for politicians and High Net Worth individuals often linked to extradition proceedings and Interpol Red Notices. He has expertise in the Middle East including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt dealing with cases of torture, disappearance and universal jurisdiction. He has dealt with cases from many jurisdictions in the Far East including: China, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Philippines and Malaysia. Ben is recognised within Chambers & Partners High Net Worth Guide: Financial Crime. Ben represents high-profile and ultra high net worth individuals in financial crime matters. Keith's experience includes dealing with fraud allegations and extradition issues. He is ranked in Chambers and Partners as a band 1 leader in the field of Extradition at the London Bar and in the Legal 500 as a Tier 1 leading individual in international crime and extradition. Ben is also ranked in Chambers & Partners in the field of Immigration. Pro bono work A pro bono barrister in complex international and domestic cases he won the International Pro Bono Barrister of the Year in November 2021. Ben writes and provides legal commentary to national and international newspapers including: Guardian, Times, New Statesman, Independent, Daily Express, Deutsche Welle, Canadian Whig Standard, Wall Street Journal, BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Sky, CNN and Al Jazeera. For more information about Ben's International Law, Reputation Management and Legal and Litigation Campaigns work please visit www.ihr-advisors.com What the Legal Directories say about Ben Keith: ‘ He has a particular expertise in political cases and is very knowledgeable on current affairs in Russia and the Middle East. ’ The Legal 500 2022. "Out of this world," he "has in-depth knowledge and has defended numerous individuals in the most serious cases." "knowledgeable, go-to junior" for cases stemming from Russia and Ukraine. Band 1 - Chambers & Partners & Legal 500: Extradition.  "Extremely bright." "His advocacy is excellent and he is the kind of lawyer who is always there for you." "His knowledge and understanding of the countries and political systems he deals with is unparalleled." Chambers and Partners 2021. “A fount of knowledge who must have dealt with every country the UK has an extradition treaty with. He's very approachable and leads others to have confidence in him." "Out of this world," he "has in-depth knowledge and has defended numerous individuals in the most serious cases." Chambers and Partners 2020.  ‘He has an indomitable court presence, with the tactical acuity to match. Ben brings a wealth of experience and contacts across not just Europe, but many jurisdictions around the world, including India and the Russian Federation.’ The Legal 500 2021. ‘ Wins cases on preparation alone, excellent advocacy and witness handling. Goes out of his way to advise and assist solicitors.' The Legal 500 2020. “Gifted, very diligent and up-to-date on the law.” “He is unafraid to raise challenges on all sorts of issues, and has his finger on the pulse.” “He is a really clear, straight-to-the-point advocate.” "One of the most experienced barristers specialising in extradition relating to former Soviet states and the more complicated cases that involve political motivations." "He has built a career in defending those from former Soviet states and is an expert in dealing with those countries." "His knowledge of Russia and the political situation is unrivalled." "He is tactically astute, fantastic with clients, and adept at giving straightforward and accessible advice in the most complex cases."

Benjamin Burge

Ben is a barrister specialising in crime and financial regulation, and is frequently instructed as junior counsel in serious and complex fraud, financial and general crime matters. In recent years, Ben has developed a strong practice in the areas of complex, high-value fraud, money laundering and business crime. He is frequently instructed as led junior counsel in lengthy, multi-defendant cases in the Crown Court, including homicides. Ben also has experience acting as the instructed disclosure counsel, including in a series of multi-defendant cases involving international money laundering prosecuted by HMRC, and is currently assisting the National Crime Agency with a lengthy and ongoing LPP review. In addition to his Crown Court practice, Ben has assisted law enforcement agencies, regulatory bodies and private firms with substantial disclosure exercises, evidence reviews and in providing general legal advice. Ben is currently part of a team involved in reviewing historic investigations and case material in connection with the Post Office Inquiry. Since October 2022, Ben has been seconded to the Financial Conduct Authority in the Enforcement and Market Oversight Division. His role has been to advise on applications made by cryptoasset firms for registration under the Money Laundering Regulations 2017 and in accordance with the Fifth Money Laundering Directive. As a result, he is developing an expertise in cryptocurrency, and more specifically an understanding of the United Kingdom’s approach to regulation of cryptocurrency, to supplement his fraud and confiscation practice. In 2018 he acted as part of an international team representing a former London based foreign exchange trader who was charged, by the Department of Justice, with conspiring to manipulate the global foreign exchange market over several years. The trader was acquitted following a trial in the Southern District of New York. His instructions were extended for the civil proceedings brought by the US Government’s Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. In 2016 Ben was seconded to the National Crime Agency to act as part of an independent panel of counsel reviewing the processes, procedures and compliance of production orders, search warrants and evidence obtained in respect of their live and ongoing investigations.

Bernard Devlin

Bernard has practised continuously at the Bar since 1980 in the fields of Common Law and Chancery, acting on behalf of corporate and individual clients. His practice covers many areas and can best be described as encompassing property law, contract law, and the law affecting the business client (company law, partnership law, banking law, insolvency, mortgages and suretyship, trade marks, passing off and copyright). Bernard has twice represented clients in the House of Lords in the leading cases of Barclays Bank v O’Brien [1994] 1 AC 180 and UCB Home Loans Corporation Ltd v Moore sub nom Royal Bank of Scotland v Etridge (No.2) [2002] 2 AC 113. Over the years he has appeared in a number of important Court of Appeal cases. Bernard accepts direct public access instructions.

Bridget Todd

Bridget is an experienced criminal barrister who practises in all areas of serious crime. In recent years, Bridget's practice has focused on her prosecution work for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and other prosecution bodies and agencies. Bridget has a busy prosecution practice and is regularly instructed by the CPS including the Organised Crime Division, DWP and HMRC.  Her practice covers serious and complex cases ranging from conspiracy to murder, armed robbery, drugs, violent offences, fraud, human trafficking to serious sexual offences including rape and historic abuse.

Caroline Knight

Caroline Knight prosecutes and defends in serious criminal cases. Caroline has been instructed in all criminal matters ranging from fraud and financial crime cases to serious sexual assaults and violence. Caroline was recently instructed in a people smuggling case, the Home Office press release can be viewed here.

Charles Bennett

Charles practises in all main areas of chancery, commercial and company law, landlord and tenant, personal injury, wills and probate, professional negligence, insolvency and insurance. Charles is the author of "Drafting Residential Leases" (1st Edition 1984, as Residential Leases, 2nd & 3rd Editions  1990 and 1995). Charles is an Honorary legal adviser, University House Legal Advice Centre since c.1976.

Charlotte Oliver

Charlotte is a criminal barrister who accepts instructions to prosecute and defend. Instructing Solicitors have said: "Both myself and the client are extremely impressed and happy with the result – a case which was not easy to win but with the right tactics and representation there was always hope."

Christopher May

Chris is a heavyweight criminal barrister instructed in some of the most serious, and often high profile criminal cases either as the leading junior or sole advocate. Chris is ranked in Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500 for his criminal work. Chris is the head of the Criminal Prosecutions Team at 5SAH and he is the Senior of the Kent Bar Mess. Examples of Chris’s instructions include: murder, organised crime, serious offences against the person and sexual assaults and rapes, including historical allegations.  Chris also has extensive experience of cases involving large-scale frauds, confiscation and asset forfeiture and regulatory health and safety matters involving allegations of corporate manslaughter. Chris is an experienced criminal barrister and safe pair of hands.  He has an impressive style and presence when appearing in court. Direct Public Access Chris accepts direct public access instructions in appropriate cases. Chambers and Partners 2021: "A polished advocate who is charming and carries a lot of weight with the jury." Client feedback: "Can I take the opportunity to express my sincere thanks to yourself and of course John [Keal] for your handling of this very difficult and complex case. You have been superb and have delivered a prosecution of the utmost quality. It has been a pleasure working with you." Detective Inspector, Complex Abuse Unit Surrey in the case of R v Chilcott and Pusey. "Mr May was extremely professional, very approachable and in my view his delivery of the evidence was very impressive. This is the second case I have had with Mr May, on both occasions his dedication shone through." Feedback from those instructing Chris May. November 2016.  

Claire Cooper

Claire practices in all areas of crime. She has significant experience of large, multi-handed and complex fraud cases and has proven expertise in serious sex, violence and drugs cases. Claire has been highly praised for her trial advocacy, particularly in cases involving young and vulnerable witnesses where she has shown herself to be an empathetic and skilful cross-examiner. General Crime Claire has extensive experience of defending and prosecuting rape and serious sexual offences and has a commendable acquittal rate in defending such cases.  She has dealt with many cases involving historical sexual abuse and a number involving intermediaries. Claire is frequently instructed in complex multi-handed cases involving firearms, is a Grade 3 prosecutor and has been instructed as Specialist Disclosure Counsel in large cases including a cold case murder. Business Crime Claire is meticulous and highly detailed in her case preparation and has a unique ability to absorb, dissect and simplify complex fraud structures.  This, combined with her extensive experience, makes her a highly skilled counsel in this specialism. She has acted in several multi-handed fraud cases including a 12-defendant conspiracy to steal/convert criminal proceeds, and recently as counsel in a multi-defendant case involving large mortgage frauds committed over a substantial period of time.  She has also acted on cases involving the fraudulent submission of VAT repayments in excess of £1.5m, car-ringing and the removal of criminal proceeds from the jurisdiction. Her secondment to a private prosecution law firm as in-house Counsel specialising in “Fraud: white collar-crime” saw her make a significant contribution to a complex Proceeds of Crime Act case worth in excess of £23m, involving a defendant in a foreign jurisdiction. Claire has significant experience of private prosecutions and is regularly instructed in private prosecution work. She is able to advise on all aspects of this area of law.

Daniel Jones

Dan is a specialist criminal practitioner who regularly acts for the prosecution and the defence in the most serious criminal cases. He is recognised in The Legal 500 for his work in crime. He also has a strong practice in civil proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Dan practices from 30 Park Place, Cardiff, but maintains a door tenancy with 5SAH Chambers. Before coming to the Bar, Dan was employed as a paralegal in the criminal department of Lewis Nedas solicitors. Whilst there he gained a thorough understanding of how a criminal case is litigated, what instructing solicitors require from their counsel and gained experience in the preparation of a wide range of cases including murder (R. v. Jacobs – the murder of PC Blakelock) and serious sexual offences. Dan has completed his vulnerable witness training and holds “SC” security clearance.

Danielle Barden

Danielle Barden is a specialist barrister instructed in business crime, general crime and extradition. She is ranked as a Leading Junior in the Legal 500 in International Crime and Extradition. Danielle is also recognised in Chambers & Partners for her work in Extradition. "An up-and-coming and very capable Barrister. She has an impressive grip on issues at hand and is very thorough in her preparation, regularly achieving fantastic outcomes for her clients." Danielle has broad experience of acting in business crime cases. She also has significant experience in proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. She acts in cases concerning cash forfeiture, detention, confiscation and enforcement proceedings and has appeared at the Court of Appeal in relation to such matters. Danielle is an experienced advocate in extradition. She exclusively appears on behalf of individuals who are requested for extradition before both the High Court on appeal and the Magistrates’ Court at first instance. Danielle has broad experience of arguing complex legal issues before the High Court and has successfully argued against the extradition of requested persons both at the Magistrates’ Court and on appeal to a range of states. Danielle appears regularly in complex criminal matters including fraud, money laundering, robbery, sexual offences and drugs offences, both as a led junior and a junior alone. She appears for both the defence and prosecution in the Crown, Magistrates’ and Youth Courts and has achieved success in all of these forums, as well as before the Court of Appel. The Legal 500 2022. "A fine advocate who is always thorough in her preparation and inventive with her arguments." Chambers & Partners 2022. Danielle has broad experience of acting in business crime cases. She also has significant experience in proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. She acts in cases concerning cash forfeiture, detention, confiscation and enforcement proceedings and has appeared at the Court of Appeal in relation to such matters. Danielle appears regularly in complex criminal matters including fraud, money laundering, robbery, sexual offences and drugs offences, both as a led junior and a junior alone. She appears for both the defence and prosecution in the Crown, Magistrates’ and Youth Courts and has achieved success in all of these forums, as well as before the Court of Appeal. She is a skilled prosecutor and has acted in a number of private prosecution cases. She has successfully acted on behalf of private bodies, such as the Royal Mail and local authorities. Danielle has significant experience in representing vulnerable defendants, such as youths, victims of exploitation and individuals with mental health difficulties. Her skill at putting clients at ease, building a rapport and ensuring their comfort and understanding of the process throughout is second to none. As a result, Danielle has significant expertise in representing defendants running defences under section 45 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. Danielle is a dedicated advocate, who argues passionately on behalf of her clients and is able to clearly and persuasively put across complex legal arguments, both in her written and oral advocacy. Before coming to the bar, Danielle worked at a specialist criminal defence firm in North West London. She specialised in confiscation law. During her time at the firm she also assisted in the preparation of the defence of a multi-million-pound fraud trial, an action against the police and a judicial review concerning the improper seizure and detention of cash.

David Stern

David has a wealth of experience in business crime, commercial insurance and financial regulation.  He is ranked in Chambers & Partners as a leader in the field of Financial Crime (London) as well as the Legal 500 for Business and Regulatory Crime (including Global investigations) (London). David regularly acts for large financial institutions and other corporations with compliance and enforcements matters or those seeking to recover insurance losses in the London Market and has a proven track record in successfully resolving policyholder claims through negotiated settlement, litigation and mediation. David’s practice focuses on corporate regulation, business crime and serious fraud with a particular emphasis on financial services and insurance. David is Joint Head of the Regulation and Business Crime Practice Group at 5 St Andrew’s Hill and has acted in many of the most high-profile proceedings in England, especially cases brought by the Serious Fraud Office and the FCA as well as internationally in Europe and the US. David was at the forefront of the recent LIBOR benchmark manipulation scandal involving trading in excess of £350 trillion. He successfully represented three banking clients from Barclays, ICAP (UBS and Citibank), Lloyd’s and HBOS in SFO criminal prosecutions and investigations. He is currently retained by several clients with exposure to the CumEx trading investigations involving alleged losses against certain EU treasuries with a value of several billion Euros.  He has published several key articles on CumEx and is considered to be a leading expert in the field. David also leads the Corporate Advisory Service provided by the Practice Group.  He has a particular expertise in advisory, regulatory and tribunal work arising out of financial transactions. He is regularly instructed to represent both corporates and individuals in FCA regulatory investigations and wider risk-related matters.  He has developed an innovative service for corporations and multi-nationals through conducting risk assessment, compliance, governance and internal investigations as part of team focussed on ensuring his clients with best practice with business and financial crime prevention measures. David founded Settlement Counsel in 2000 and has acted in many leading high value insurance claims for North American policyholders in the London Insurance Market, including acting as lead London counsel in the World Trade Center coverage case. He is also a highly respected commercial mediator and handles a range of commercial matters with a particular emphasis on the resolution of financial services and insurance disputes. David is also Special Counsel at Edmonds Marshall McMahon providing specialist advice on private prosecutions. Seminars and lectures David regularly provides lectures and seminars on a variety of subjects, including financial services, business crime, the London Financial and Insurance Markets and mediation. He has presented keynote speeches for several international bar organisations, including the American Bar Association. Direct Public Access David accepts Direct Public Access instructions. David is able to take instructions directly from law firms, government agencies, corporations and HNW individuals. What the Legal Directories say about David Stern: ‘ David is an exceptionally good barrister well able to persuade judges and jurors alike. His detailed approach to cases is impressive. He is calm and unflappable. His cross-examination ability is first-class. ’ The Legal 500 2022. "Has a real depth of knowledge and is a smooth advocate. He's very tactically aware." "He's very thorough and exceptional in front of a jury, but equally hard-working on the papers." Chambers and Partners 2021. "He has a first-class brain and is very innovative in developing legal arguments." The Legal 500 2020. "He has a very high intellect, is able to develop very compelling legal argument and is extremely good at analysis of the papers." Chambers and Partners 2019. "He is an absolutely first-rate junior and his intellectual and legal arguments are outstanding. He is a talented and pragmatic defence counsel, who is tactically astute and very hard-working." Chambers and Partners 2015. "(David) Stern is the key business crime and financial regulation barrister at the set. His areas of expertise include advising on rate rigging, corruption and investment fraud cases." Chambers and Partners 2017. "Working with David is a pleasure because he combines an ability to master almost any problem with an impressive talent for hard work. He analyses the minutiae of a case without losing sight of the larger picture and is a great asset to any team who wants to get it right from the start." Chambers and Partners 2018.

David McNeill

David is currently a door tenant at 5SAH. He is currently practising in Northern Ireland. He has built up a successful practice prosecuting and defending difficult, complex, multi-handed cases, both alone and being led. He is experienced in business crime, money-laundering, terrorist finance, drugs and organised crime cases. David is a specialist in confiscation, proceeds of crime and asset recovery. He is also instructed in commercial litigation and judicial reviews, particularly where there is an overlap between criminal and civil jurisdictions. David has built up a wide experience prosecuting and defending difficult, complex, multi-handed cases, both alone and as junior counsel. He has particular knowledge of tax, VAT and Excise, drugs, money-laundering and organised crime cases and has been instructed on a number of cases with a significant international dimension. Although the mainstay of David’s practice is in criminal litigation, he maintains a commercial civil practice in chambers’ main areas of practice. He is often instructed in areas such as fraud or asset forfeiture where there is an overlap between the criminal and civil worlds. Direct Public Access David accepts Direct Public Access instructions. David is also called to the Bar of Northern Ireland. David maintains a long-standing interest in China. He has participated in seminars led by Chinese universities and prosecutors on improving defendants’ rights, lectured to Chinese students on English criminal law and established links with Chinese criminal defence lawyers. He has written chapters and articles about English law (both in English and Chinese) for publications in mainland China.

David Josse KC

Since taking silk he has specialised in extradition work encompassing the full range of requests but with a particular emphasis on political corruption and prison conditions in former communist states. He spent 5 years at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) based in The Hague defending in two lengthy trials. Firstly, representing a leading Bosnian Serb politician charged with genocide and ethnic cleansing and secondly, a General facing a wide variety of allegations relating to the Srebrenica massacre. He has led in many of the leading Article 3 authorities of recent years, often involving issues relating to assurances provided by requesting state:- Aleksynas (Lithuania), Wolkowicz (Poland), Florea and Blaj (Romania), Lustyuk (Ukraine), AM (Azerbaijan), Vasilev (Bulgaria) and Kapoor (India). In these cases he has combined his specialist knowledge of such countries derived from his first degree in Russian and Soviet history with his work at the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in The Hague in cases that required a detailed understanding and analysis of a state in transition following the collapse of communism. David has extensive international experience, initially gained from 5 years defending in two lengthy and complicated war crime trials in The Hague. He remains actively involved in International Criminal and Humanitarian Law by amongst other things being a member of the ICTY Rules Committee. He advises on applications and appeals to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in extradition and criminal cases.  In both rule 39 injunction applications and fully contested matters before the Court. He also advises clients on the removal of Interpol Red Notices and associated immigration issues. David is ranked in the Legal 500 as a Tier 1 silk in international crime and extradition at the London Bar. David is ranked in Chambers and Partners as a silk in the field of extradition at the London Bar. ‘ One of the leading silks when it comes to extradition law and someone that I would not hesitate to instruct whenever there is the opportunity to instruct a KC. He is extremely personable, and first-class in guiding clients. ’ The Legal 500 2022 . "Highly thought of and an excellent choice for difficult cases." "He's what every extradition barrister aspires to be: a lawyer known internationally for the quality of their work." Chambers & Partners 2021 & 2018. He is a regular commentator on Sky News and LBC radio in relation to extradition, human rights and international criminal law. He is available to lecture and contribute to seminars both on issues relating to international war crime trials as well as in connection with domestic extradition law.

David Williams

David practices in Extradition Criminal Defence, Human Rights, Public Law, Sports Law / Regulation and. He has extensive experience of proceedings before the Criminal, Administrative and Divisional Courts, encompassing appellate work in Crime (CofA and Case Stated), as well as in extradition proceedings and judicial review, with particular expertise in prison conditions. He is frequently instructed for his expertise in advance of potential extradition requests from jurisdictions all over the world, and has significant expertise in fighting and compromising extradition to the USA. David is ranked in Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500 in the field of Extradition and International (London Bar). David also has experience in a broad range of regulatory offences before courts and tribunals. He has particular expertise in proceedings before Regulatory Commissions / Appeal Boards of The Football Association. He joined Chambers having worked in the third sector in various roles over 6 years including working for the Citizens Advice Bureau and as an Independent Mental Health Advocate. David also worked as a paralegal at the Office of the Georgia Capital Defender on capital murder trials. What the Legal Directories say about David Williams: ‘ At the forefront of the extradition market, tactically astute and responsive, David is an in-demand extradition junior that has a successful practice in both the Magistrates' Court and High Court. ’ The Legal 500 2022 ‘Fantastic advocate; concise, engaging and articulate. Very knowledgeable in his field and always willing to help with pursuing novel lines of challenge.’ The Legal 500 2021. 'Extraordinarily bright, committed to his clients, and fearless in court. ’ The Legal 500 2020. "A fearless advocate when it comes to his clients' interests." "David’s client care is excellent; he is a passionate and caring advocate who puts incredible energy into his case presentation." Chambers and Partners 2021. An "excellent" extradition junior who garners praise for his "persuasive presence in court." "His client care is exceptional, and he is always up to date with current law and alive to the potential issues in a case." Chambers and Partners 2019.

David (Harry) Hewitt

Harry specialises in prosecuting and defending heavyweight financial crime cases.  Harry has an eye for detail and in particular in being able to analyse complex accounting material.  Harry is able to make a jury, judge or tribunal understand complex financial and accounting cases with ease, and it is something he is renowned for at the Bar. Harry is a criminal practitioner who has particular expertise in financial crime.  Harry is often instructed in large and complex frauds, which invariably involve Harry’s skill in technical confiscation and asset recovery proceedings.  Harry is a specialist in relation to financial and business crime. Harry accepts Direct Public Access instructions.

Dennis Hamill (Door Tenant)

Dennis is a door tenant at 5SAH and a member of our Professional Discipline and Regulatory Team and the Inquests and Inquiries Team. Dennis also practises in Northern Ireland in both professional discipline and regulatory alongside his broad civil practice. Dennis mainly represents regulated individuals in the medical and healthcare professions. Dennis is also experienced in inquest work and has been instructed to act for a number of 'interested persons' involved in a Coroner’s inquest. His experience includes advising on witness statements and disclosure. He provides advocacy at pre-inquest reviews and at the inquest itself. Dennis has experience in public inquiries and has acted for a number of witnesses in “troubles” related public inquiries in Northern Ireland. Dennis was called to the Bar in Northern Ireland in 2016, called to the Bar in Ireland in September 2020, and called to the Bar of England & Wales in November 2020.

Dharmendra (Dee) Toor

Dharmendra (Dee) is a leading criminal barrister who defends and prosecutes with an established practice in serious crime. He has significant experience as leading junior and led junior. Dee has extensive experience in organised crime, financial crime, and POCA proceedings. He is a specialist in cybercrime. In addition, he is also a specialist in Consumer and Trading Standards law. Dee is a Grade 4 prosecutor (highest grade) and is frequently instructed by the Complex Casework Units of the CPS across the UK, dealing with cases of the utmost seriousness. He is recognised in the Legal 500 in Crime.

Dominic Connolly

An experienced criminal practitioner whose practice principally concerns serious and large-scale organised crime. He is a Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Grade 4 prosecutor and is on the CPS rape and serious sexual offences list. Dominic is ranked in Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500 as a leading individual in crime at the London Bar. "He presents cases of complexity in a clear and comprehensible way so the I and the jury understand what the issues are. He is a very effective cross-examiner who will bring a witness who is wandering off subject back to the real issues in the case. His submissions to jurors are always clear and well supported by the evidence in the case. He has a very pleasant manner which seems to go down very well with the jury." THE LEGAL 500, 2022 & 2021 Seminars and lectures Dominic has lectured to solicitors and fellow members of the Bar on various subjects including the Bribery Act 2010 and disclosure. Direct Public Access Accepts Direct Public Access instructions.

Don Ramble

The majority of Don’s practice has involved prosecuting serious and organised crime and substantial fraud. He regularly prosecutes lengthy, complex, multi-defendant cases for the South East Complex Casework Unit and has also established himself as an expert on disclosure issues. Don was Disclosure Counsel in the prosecution of Andrew Coulson, Rebekah Brooks and others for illegal “phone hacking” at The News of the World in what the press (National and International) described as “The Trial of the Century”. Previously, he acted in a similar role in the prosecution of Levi Bellfield for the abduction and murder of Milly Dowler. This case stemmed from one of Britain’s largest ever murder enquiries and was the biggest operation of its kind in the history of Surrey Police. Don has successfully prosecuted numerous multi-kilo Class A drug conspiracy cases arising out of Operation Venetic, relying on evidence obtained from the encrypted communications platform EncroChat. Don is currently acting as Deputy First-Junior Counsel to a long-running and complex public inquiry. Don Ramble and Narita Bahra QC co-authored: 'Tackling Disclosure in the Criminal Courts – A Practitioner’s Guide.’ Published in September 2019. Don has lectured to solicitors and fellow members of the Bar on disclosure. In 2012 Don was invited by Lord Justice Gross to take part in a discussion group as part of his review of sanctions for disclosure failures. This culminated in a report “Further Review of Disclosure in Criminal Proceedings: sanctions for disclosure failure” written by Lord Justice Gross & Lord Justice Treacy.

Edmund Burge KC

Edmund is a specialist criminal advocate, ranked in both Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500.  He was called by Lincoln’s Inn in 1997 and took Silk in 2019.  He is a Recorder of the Crown Court and the County Court, and is authorised to sit at the Old Bailey. He both prosecutes and defends the full range of serious criminal offences, from complex tax and commercial fraud to allegations of murder, serious violence and other organised crime.  His cases frequently involve multi-defendant trials with an international dimension, such as cross-border arms trafficking & brokering and corruption, and often raise substantial issues of jurisdiction, disclosure, and public interest immunity.  He also regularly provides pre-charge advice on the strategy of responding to on-going investigations particularly into allegations of commercial crime. Prior to taking Silk Edmund was First Junior Counsel to the Met Police, advising on its involvement as a Core Participant in the Undercover Policing Inquiry.

Eleanor Scott-Davies

Eleanor’s practice covers serious criminal work. Eleanor regularly appears in the Crown Court acting for both the prosecution and the defence. She is also regularly instructed privately to represent individuals charged with motoring offences. Eleanor is Police station accredited. Prior to joining chambers Eleanor worked for 3 years at a top London Solicitors where she prepared cases and represented clients at the police station.

Eleanor Stephenson

Eleanor is a British barrister specialising in international criminal law and human rights.  She acts in a range of Chambers’ practice areas including general crime, extradition & international law, and public inquiries & inquests. She is a dedicated advocate, who argues passionately on behalf of her clients and is able to clearly and persuasively put across complex legal arguments both in her written and oral advocacy. Eleanor currently represents a client in a high-profile and complex case before the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in the Hague. She has previously worked on the prosecution team at the International Criminal Court on the Darfur situation, and for the defence at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon in relation to the 2005 bombing that killed the former Prime Minister of Lebanon. Eleanor is adept at drafting complex arguments and working with the vast volumes of evidence that are typical of cross border cases. Eleanor appears at the Magistrates and Crown Courts in the UK and recently acted for an Albanian defendant on a multi-handed conspiracy to supply a drug of class A at Bristol Crown Court. Alongside court work, she provides advice to NGOs and victim communities in relation to human rights abuses of minority groups in China. She prepares legal submissions and drafts correspondence on behalf of NGOs to the United Nations Special Rapporteur mechanisms in relation to the state sanctioned regime of forced organ harvesting in China. She is also involved in law reform in the UK on the issue.

Elisenda Mitchell

Elisenda began her pupillage in October 2023, she is supervised by Allister Walker. Allister is a criminal barrister with twenty-eight years' experience in independent practice in criminal law. Elisenda is observing and assisting in various matters across Chambers’ practice areas. Prior to starting pupillage, Elisenda was a paralegal at Pury Erskine Solicitors where she assisted with a broad range of criminal defence, regulatory and military proceedings. From preparing cases for trial in the Crown Court, she gained considerable experience of cases involving serious violence and sex offences. Elisenda previously worked for an MP where she undertook a variety of tasks, including successfully challenging negative coronavirus grant decisions on behalf of local businesses. Elisenda has also worked for a Police and Crime Commissioner where she gained extensive knowledge of the working practices of the police. During her time at the University of Bristol, she helped deliver Achieving Best Evidence (ABE) training to Detective Constables in Avon and Somerset Police.

Ellen Crow

Ellen accepts instructions in all of Chambers’ areas of practice. In her first 4 months of pupillage, Ellen observed the prosecution and defence of serious and organised crime under the supervision of Dominic Connolly, including cases of murder, rape, and fraud. In the final two months of her first-six, she observed extradition and international law under the supervision of Louisa Collins. Ellen has also undertaken specialist Youth Justice training with the Youth Justice Legal Centre.

Eve George

Eve George is an experienced criminal and family barrister. She is instructed to defend in serious criminal cases. Eve is instructed in all areas of family law and has a loyal following of solicitors. Eve specialises in criminal defence and all aspects of family law. Eve is instructed in serious criminal cases, both alone or led. She is instructed in all areas of family law, representing parents, grandparents and children in both Public and Private proceedings.

Francesca Levett

Francesca is a criminal practitioner who has developed a significant practice in complex fraud, conspiracy, confiscation and regulatory work over the last twenty-two years, whilst maintaining her expertise in cases involving serious sexual, violence and drugs offences. Francesca both defends and prosecutes, and also undertakes work on behalf of a number of local authorities in pursuing the more complex regulatory prosecutions. Francesca is recognised in the Legal 500 for her work in crime.

Gary Pons

Gary is a talented and dedicated barrister. His approach to cases is distinguished by its careful preparation and measured execution. Gary is ranked in both Chambers and Partners (Band 1), and the Legal 500 for his work in the field of POCA and Asset Forfeiture work (all circuits). His experience in complex financial crime and asset forfeiture has allowed Gary to develop his practice over the years. Gary has experience of foreign criminal proceedings having been involved with two high profile cases in Costa Rica. He frequently advises on multi-jurisdictional asset recovery cases. His practice includes areas such as business crime, asset recovery and civil fraud, insolvency, and licensing. s of Crime & Asset Forfeiture: ‘ Gary is ahead of the game in POCA cases and is superb at anticipating opposing arguments before they are even made. A great skill is translating the legal jargon into crystal clear advice in what is a highly technical field. ’ The Legal 500 2022. ‘Excellent analytical mind able to condense vast quantities of complex material and provide timely and top quality advice. Outstanding advocate.’ Chambers and Partners 2021. "Measured, careful and very good with clients," "he knows this area of law (POCA & Asset Forfeiture) inside out." Chambers and Partners 2020.  "He's very detail-oriented and his level of commitment is great." Chambers and Partners 2019. "In court there is no doubt the judge understands what his position is - he is very good on his feet." "A very approachable person who has the capacity to analyse complicated facts and simplify them." Chambers and Partners 2018. The Legal 500 - Proceeds of Crime & Asset Forfeiture: ‘Excellent analytical mind able to condense vast quantities of complex material and provide timely and top quality advice. Outstanding advocate.’ The Legal 500 2021. ‘Very direct, which helps focus clients’ minds in multi-handed cases. The Legal 500 2019. Client Testimonials "Gary is technically excellent and has a great feel for both tactics and the mood of the court. He also provides excellent client care. I would not hesitate to instruct him again." "Mr. Pons was an outstanding selection to represent our case. He was professional, sympathetic to our cause, quickly grasped the critical facts of our case, and clearly explained to us our legal strategy." Additional Information Lectures, seminars and articles Editor of Mitchell Taylor and Talbot on Confiscation and the Proceeds of Crime. Gary regularly writes in Practical Law and for Lexis Nexis. His article on the case of NCA v Baker was published in The Accountant magazine. Gary provides lectures and seminars on a variety of subjects. He has recently covered the following subjects: Account Freezing Orders. A Webinar on Asset Tracing and Recovery with Jonathan Benton of Intelligent Sanctuary. Podcasts with Get Legally Speaking on Financial Crime, Account Forfeiture & Freezing Orders. Unexplained Wealth Orders. Tainted Gifts Criminal Aspects of Corporate Insolvency. Gary is a member of the POCLA committee and appeared on the panel of experts at the 2019 POCLA summer forum.

Gemma Lindfield

Gemma is an experienced extradition barrister and has been involved in some of the most complex and high-profile cases. She frequently appears in the High Court on matters of complexity. She is ranked in Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500 for extradition. Gemma also appears in judicial review and public law matters and she has a particular interest in Human Rights and international cases. Gemma is an experienced family law barrister and is regularly instructed in all aspects of family law. Seminars and lectures Gemma frequently delivers presentations on extradition to solicitors, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), Interpol. She is also quoted in the media in publications such as The Times and the Guardian and appears on Sky News. Gemma successfully applied for Rule 39 interim relief from the European Court of Human Rights to prevent the removal of a Polish single mother sought on an EAW for possession of 5 grammes of amphetamine. Gemma argued that it would be disproportionate for her to be extradited and that her Article 8 rights would be breached. What the Legal Directories say about Gemma Lindfield: "Quite a fighter in court, she battles hard for the client." "Excellent on her feet, she is incredibly tenacious and highly persuasive, always standing her ground." Chambers and Partners 2021. "A lawyer with gravitas who is well-liked by the judges." "She fights for her clients." Chambers and Partners 2019. ‘Excellent advocate and very persuasive on her feet. She is never phased by often difficult and demanding judges and will steadfastly argue on behalf of her clients.’ The Legal 500 2021. ‘She appears in cases with human rights elements.’ Legal 500 2019. "She is really down to earth and a great lawyer." Chambers and Partners 2018.

Gemma Rose

Gemma is a barrister practising in criminal, proceeds of crime, family and extradition proceedings. She is recognised in the Legal 500 as a Rising star in her proceeds of crime and asset forfeiture work. Gemma also has experience working with the National Crime Agency (NCA), having advised on a wide range of data protection and operational matters, which involved dealing with a variety of jurisdictions and statutory instruments. This role included reviewing legally privileged material as independent counsel and acting in applications for extensions of pre-charge bail. Here’s what some of those who have worked with Gemma have to say about her: “I found her to be hardworking, ever present when needed, her knowledge was sound, clear and direct; and that she has a natural affinity for criminal litigation.” “Her communication skills are first class, and she strikes up an instant rapport with clients – engaging them fully and inviting confidence and trust.” Direct Public Access Gemma accepts instructions under the direct access scheme, allowing members of the public to instruct Gemma directly to advise them on or represent them in suitable cases.

Guy Micklewright

Guy is a specialist fitness to practise, disciplinary and regulatory barrister, having practised in the area for 16 years, acting for both regulators and individuals subject to regulatory action.  Guy has particular experience of complex disciplinary cases before a variety of healthcare, accountancy, legal, and engineering regulators. He was ranked as a 'Rising Star' in The Legal 500 [2020 and 2021] for his professional discipline and regulatory work (Solicitors Guide). Guy's practice includes governance advisory work, GDPR advisory work, inquests and firearms/shotgun licensing appeals, and advisory work. What the Legal Directories say about Guy Micklewright: "[His] knowledge of case law is second to none [he] provides robust representation at disciplinary hearings." 'The Legal 500' 2018 "He's very pragmatic and very resourceful…he has a great deal of expertise." Chambers UK 2018 Guy provides training for practitioners, disciplinary panel members, and decision-makers.

Heidi Burrows

Heidi is a first-six pupil who is currently supervised by Maria Scotland. Maria practices exclusively in family law with expertise in high-end/big-money financial remedy applications and (private law) children work. Prior to commencing pupillage, Heidi worked as a senior fee earner at the UK’s first fertility law firm; NGA Law. In this role, Heidi was supervised by the UK’s leading surrogacy lawyer; Natalie Gamble, and gained considerable experience working with modern families in all areas of family law. She specialised in UK and international surrogacy but also worked on child arrangement matters, declaration of parentage cases, known donor/co-parenting cases and relocation disputes. In 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Heidi worked with the UK Government and individual families, on a pro-bono basis, giving emergency legal support to British families to rescue their babies born via surrogacy in Ukraine. Heidi has also worked in a leading Legal 500 London legal aid firm, where she managed a caseload predominately made up of care proceedings, private children matters, and matrimonial finances. She also has experience of advocating for clients in meetings with social services and used to run monthly drop-in legal advice sessions at a domestic violence support centre.

Ian Foinette

Ian has been a member of chambers since 1987, having been taken on after completing his pupillage in chambers. He came late to the Bar, having spent a few years in merchant and industrial banking, during which a secondment to the bank’s legal department, led him to his legal career. Ian has developed a practice in criminal law, prosecuting and defending in all types of cases. He has appeared for the Crown in numerous prosecutions for what was H.M. Customs and Excise (HMCE), now H.M. Revenue and Customs (HMRC), in smuggling cases, VAT frauds and money-laundering cases.  Ian is also regularly instructed by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in cases involving violence, including murder (led), dishonesty, firearms and drugs.  Ian prosecuted a theft case at Maidstone Crown Court in front of Judge Statman, which has widely reported in the press, and known as the £3 sausage roll theft case. Ian has defended in murder (led), rape and other serious sexual allegations cases.  Ian is also regularly instructed in drugs and tobacco smuggling cases, firearms cases, drugs supply and production cases and almost every variation of allegations of dishonesty, including those relating to the theft of domestic comestibles.

Ini Udom

Ini is a barrister specialising in regulatory work and complex criminal cases.  She has particular expertise in fraud and financial crime and is ranked in the Legal 500 for her fraud work.  Ini is a collaborative worker whose attention to detail and meticulous case preparation is often praised.  She is a persuasive advocate who is trusted and respected. ‘Ini is an astute lawyer and a passionate and persuasive advocate, whose dedication shines through. She drives cases forward with vision and great tactical judgement.’ The Legal 500 2022. ‘She is extremely clever, hardworking, a good team player, excellent on difficult legal issues, a fabulous, fearless advocate, dedicated and passionate about her work. She really cares about her cases and fights hard for her clients. She is adept at dealing with voluminous material, quickly identifying the core issues, simplifying difficult concepts and scenarios and explaining them with clarity and precision.’ The Legal 500 2021. Ini is also qualified to practice at the New York Bar. She receives instructions in relation to regulatory and professional disciplinary cases, often advising the client from the outset. A number of Ini's cases involve medical professionals or the respective regulatory body. She also appears on behalf of Local Authorities and has expertise in Trading Standards and Environmental Health Services. Judicial Appointments Fee-paid Judge of the First-tier Tribunal (Social Entitlement Chamber). Adjudicator for the ETA. Pupillage Supervisor Ini is a Pupillage Supervisor and trained advocacy tutor for Lincoln’s Inn. Direct Public Access Ini accepts Direct Public Access instructions.

James Fletcher

James practises in both civil and criminal law. He is a specialist in Asset Recovery money laundering and Proceeds of Crime work. He has significant expertise in dealing with Account Freezing, Listed Assets and Forfeiture applications in the Magistrates Court and Civil Recovery in the High Court. He is instructed on behalf of businesses, by individual members of the public and by Government departments, such as the NCA, HMRC, FCA and DPP. James also has extensive expertise in applications and judicial reviews relating to law enforcement investigations such as search warrants, restraint, disclosure orders, receiverships and moratorium extensions. In his capacity as a “A panelist” on the Attorney General’s list of Civil Counsel, he deals with immigration, inquest and inquiry work and challenges to government policy. James is also a standing counsel to Santander bank. He has been featured in Chambers and Partners in the field of Proceeds of Crime and Asset Forfeiture work (all circuits) since 2014 and has been “Top Ranked” since 2016. James is ranked as a Tier 1 leading individual in The Legal 500 for POCA and Asset Forfeiture (London Bar). James Fletcher has been nominated as Financial Crime junior of the year (2022), at the Legal 500 UK Bar Awards 2022. Feedback on James Fletcher from the Legal Directories: ‘ James is unfailingly polite and a pleasure to work with. He is extremely bright and very capable. ’ The Legal 500 2022. ‘His knowledge of and familiarity with how POCA powers are deployed across the range of enforcement authorities is invaluable.’ The Legal 500 2021. "He's very good and very practical." Chambers and Partners 2020. ‘ A very persuasive advocate in court. ’ The Legal 500 2020. James is ranked as a tier 2 leading individual in the Legal 500 for POCA and asset forfeiture (London Bar). He is also ranked in Who's Who at the UK Bar (2017 & 2018 Edition) in the field of criminal fraud work. James is qualified to receive instructions directly from members of the public.  He is qualified to conduct litigation. Recent cases include: Advising on Restraint Proceedings. Advising on third party intervention at confiscation.  

James Harris

James is a barrister with very wide experience at the Bar, particularly but not exclusively in civil matters. He has a special experience in property litigation including cases in the higher courts. James is a skilled barrister, and often considers and raises novel or original solutions for his client, whilst always balancing the client's needs and costs.  James appreciates that a client's costs are of upmost importance, and of the advantages of compromise and negotiation.  James will works towards a possible settlement if that is the wish of the client. Direct Public Access James accepts instructions from members of the public on a direct public access basis. James also has a separate direct public access website for his direct access clients and work: www.propertybarrister.net

Jaqueline Julyan S.C.

A graduate of Stellenbosch and Cambridge Universities, Jaqueline was called to the South African Bar in 1986 and took silk in South Africa in 2004. She was called to the Bar of England and Wales in July 2009. In South Africa Jaqueline has sat as an Acting Judge of the High Court. Jacqueline is the joint head of the Family Team at 5 St Andrew’s Hill. Jaqueline is ranked as a leading silk in The Legal 500 for Children Law (Public and Private law). Jaqueline has an international family practice and is an expert in the field. Such is Jaqueline’s knowledge; that she is often called upon to provide expert reports to international courts on international family law.  Jaqueline is astute and has an eye for the fine detail, particularly in complex financial matters.  Jaqueline is a skilled practitioner in all aspects of international and domestic family and child matters. She has been instructed in all matters from international child abduction, child relocation and forced marriages, public law and children (care), jurisdictional issues, private law children’s arrangements and child support, spousal maintenance, and financial remedies, adoptions and surrogacy. She has experience in nuptial agreements and complex financial arrangements involving foreign assets and third parties. Direct Public Access: Jaqueline accepts direct public access instructions. Jaqueline is also an advocacy trainer, and was part the faculty of coaches for the Australian Bar Association’s advanced advocacy course (Melbourne, January 2011). Jaqueline combines energy and intellectual rigour with a practical appreciation of what is required in any given case. Adding to Jaqueline’s commitment to her international family practice, Jaqueline is a long-standing member of the International Bar Association (IBA) and is immediate past Chair of its Family Law Committee, and currently a member of the Human Trafficking Task Force. In this capacity, she assists in the organisation and management of international conferences, where the input of lawyers from different jurisdictional backgrounds is of mutual benefit. Jaqueline is s fellow of the International Society of Family Lawyers (IAFL), she is a member of the International Society of Family Law (ISFL) and the Family Law Bar association (FLBA).

Joe O'Leary

Joe regularly prosecutes and defends in the Crown Courts, and has particular experience in cases involving drugs, fraud and serious violence. Joe also has particular expertise in representing young people in the youth court, having represented individuals charged with robbery, drugs supply offences, violent crimes and crimes of a sexual nature. In addition to general crime Joe also has significant experience in driving matters, both at summary trial and on appeal. Joe’s active practice in professional disciplinary and regulatory work often sees him appearing for regulators at final and interim FTP hearings, having handled matters throughout the spectrum of severity including allegations of a sexual nature and child destruction. In addition, Joe has a frequent extradition practice, often appearing at Westminster Magistrates Court and with experience in High Court proceedings. Joe welcomes instructions in extradition proceedings. Joe also has particular experience in local authority work having dealt with matters of planning enforcement (pre-charge and post charge) and education (including SEN, exclusion and attendance).

John McNamara

John specialises in all aspects of financial crime, proceeds of crime and related areas. POCA and Asset Forfeiture John is an experienced proceeds of crime practitioner. He is sought out by defence solicitors and law enforcement agencies for complex and high value POCA cases and is often specifically instructed for the POCA aspects of a broader criminal case. He has dealt with cases concerning international and mutual recognition issues, and has a growing practice in civil recovery encompassing all chapters of Part 5 of POCA. Business and Financial Crime John defends and prosecutes serious criminal cases. He is experienced in managing and absorbing large numbers of documents and boiling down complex factual issues to jury friendly points. John places client care at the heart of his practice. Cryptocurrency In his recent secondment to the Financial Conduct Authority in the Enforcement and Market Oversight Division, John advised on applications for registration of cryptoasset firms. John is developing an expertise in UK regulation of cryptocurrency and this compliments his work in POCA and Financial Crime. John holds Developed Vetting ("DV") Security Clearance. Direct Public Access John accepts instructions under the direct access scheme. This allows members of the public to instruct John directly to advise them on or represent them in suitable cases

John Oliver

John specialises in crime and extradition. John has particular experience in cases involving drugs, sexual offences (including historic allegations), serious violence and dishonesty. He has an interest in cases involving vulnerable defendants and witnesses and has been instructed in cases involving the use of intermediaries to assist defendants with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and those with mental health conditions.   John accepts direct public access instructions in suitable cases.

John Warrington

John is a barrister specialising in public law, crime, regulatory law and professional disciplinary proceedings.  Within these fields, his principal areas of interest include public inquiries, serious organised crime, high-value financial crime, environmental law, health and safety and the regulation of healthcare professionals, He is ranked as a leading criminal barrister at the London Bar in Chambers and Partners UK Bar Guide and The Legal 500. Regularly instructed in cases of the utmost seriousness, John has acted in matters of homicide, serious violence, multi-million pound fraud, high profile corruption and large-scale drug trafficking.  His advisory work often involves instructions at the pre-charge or investigative stage.  He provides advice and representation to high-profile executives and performers within the music and entertainment industries, including Grammy and Ivor Novello award-winning recording artists. Litigation relating to incidents arising from serious regulatory breaches, often involving corporate defendants, forms a significant part of John’s practice.  Latterly, he has defended and prosecuted a number of serious toxic sewage discharge cases, as well as acting in matters of risk to life health and safety breach and asbestos related offending. John’s criminal law pedigree lends itself well to his increasing popularity in the professional disciplinary tribunals.  He often acts in sensitive cases involving tandem criminal and disciplinary issues, in particular those concerning professionals with substance misuse or mental health problems.  He is also experienced in matters related to serious clinical failings.  He has particular expertise in the dental and nursing professions. In addition to his busy practice, John is a qualified advocacy tutor and regularly lectures and provides training on various aspects of his core practice areas. John is currently acting as deputy first-junior counsel to a long-running and complex public inquiry. What the Legal Directories say about John Warrington: ‘ A highly talented advocate. He works incredibly hard, and combines good judgement with an eye for detail. ’ The Legal 500 2022 "An effective advocate who understands the wider picture and provides clear and concise advice." Chambers & Partners 2021. "John is a highly experienced barrister who has a great practice prosecuting and defending in criminal cases. Technically impressive and incredibly thorough in his preparation on cases. He has a light touch in court." The Legal 500 2021. "Surgical in his approach to cases, he can ingest large volumes of evidence." The Legal 500 2020.

John Keal

John is regularly instructed both to prosecute and defend in the most serious types of criminal cases, including murder, rape and other sexual offences, human trafficking and other types of serious organised crime. John also has vast experience in complex fraud cases, both as trial advocate and as disclosure counsel. Described by Lord Justice Golding as showing “conspicuous ability” in terms of both his oral and written advocacy [R v Roberts (Neil Daniel)] [2011] EWCA Crim 2974], John combines a natural aptitude inside the courtroom with diligence and acumen. "Can I take the opportunity to express my sincere thanks to yourself [Chris May] and of course John Keal for your handling of this very difficult and complex case. You have been superb and have delivered a prosecution of the utmost quality. It has been a pleasure working with you." DETECTIVE INSPECTOR, COMPLEX ABUSE UNIT SURREY IN THE CASE OF R V CHILCOTT AND PUSEY.

John Cammegh

He has been recognised as a leading criminal Silk by The Legal 500 since his appointment in 2019. He has extensive international criminal law experience and as a result, accepts instructions in this area and related extradition matters. He also accepts instructions in Business Crime and Regulatory cases. Direct Access John is Direct Access accredited and accepts instructions in suitable cases.

Jonathan Ingram

Jonathan has practised entirely in Crime for more than 30 years. He acts as leading and junior counsel and has led for the defence in a number of manslaughter and money laundering trials.

Jose Olivares-Chandler

Jose has been ranked in the Legal 500 since 2016 and is ranked as a Tier 2 leading barrister in crime at the London Bar.  Jose is also ranked in Chambers and Partners as a Band 4 leading individual in crime at the London Bar. He defends and prosecutes in criminal cases involving the most serious allegations including offences of violence, sexual offences (including rapes and sex trafficking), firearms offences, drugs offences, fraud and confiscation proceedings. Jose is Duty accredited and a Grade 3 prosecutor on the Advocate Rape Panel. He is an expert trial advocate who goes the extra mile for his clients. He is particularly well regarded by both defence firms and the CPS for his representation in serious and high-profile sexual offence trials.  

Kevin Dent KC

A highly persuasive advocate with a calm, measured, yet robust courtroom manner. Since taking silk in 2019, Kevin has built upon his heavyweight practice in the fields of financial and serious crime. Kevin has considerable experience leading in cases of serious and organised crime, terrorist finance, large-scale drugs conspiracies, modern slavery and serious sexual offences including those against children and offences of homicide. Appointed to the Serious Fraud Office's (SFO) panel of Queen's Counsel, Kevin is often instructed in financial cases involving multiple vulnerable victims and is a sought-after leader in large-scale economic crime including those involving Encrochat encrypted communications evidence, cybercrime, investment fraud, bribery and corruption, revenue evasion and money laundering. With an established practice within the field of professional regulation and discipline, Kevin deploys in the regulatory field the expertise gained from criminal cases involving medical professionals, particularly where issues of probity/dishonesty are at the fore. Equally at home in both big trial settings and advising in conference, Kevin enjoys steering individuals and corporates, local authorities and government departments alike through the legal complexities of diverse matters such as drafting anti-money laundering policies, corporate COVID-loan applications, RIPA authorisations, offences of marching in uniform under the Public Order Act 1936 and issues of freedom of expression, education catchment area fraud, responding to Freedom of Information requests, and GDPR issues. An adherent of early proactive intervention in proceedings, Kevin is particularly adept in helping those under investigation for serious matters draft detailed and persuasive representations on charge to investigative authorities. Kevin advises on private prosecutions and accepts Direct Access instructions. In addition to his heavyweight criminal practice, as a lawyer with a passion for justice and the rule of law, Kevin is involved in Human Rights work for both individuals and NGOs such as PEN International, including ground-breaking international ‘Magnitsky’ sanctions applications on behalf of lawyers subject to human rights violations, evaluation of indictments according to fair rights standards, overseas trial monitoring and drafting Article 36 Third Party submissions for the ECtHR. Kevin regularly publishes articles to raise profile for underrepresented and serious subjects and has, for instance, campaigned for the release of a prominent abducted Bangladeshi lawyer.  

Lily Brett

Lily is a barrister in our family law team. She accepts instructions in suitable family cases. During her first six months of Pupillage, Lily was supervised by Maria Scotland, who practices exclusively in family law with a specialism in high-end/ big money financial remedy applications and (private law) children work.

Louisa Collins

Louisa is a barrister specialising in extradition, international crime and human rights law.  Louisa has been ranked in Chambers and Partners since 2017 as a leader in the field of extradition at the London Bar. Louisa is recognised for her hard work ethic, her ability to handle complex and sensitive cases and also her approachability. ‘ Louisa is very approachable and a formidable advocate, well-respected by the judiciary and colleagues alike. ’ The Legal 500 2022. ‘Extremely experienced and a pleasure to work with.’ The Legal 500 2019. ‘Brings tranquillity to high-pressure cases.’ The Legal 500 2020.

Maria Scotland

Maria practices exclusively in family law with a specialism in high-end/ big money financial remedy applications and (private law) children work. She accepts instructions to act through a solicitor or directly from members of the public on a Direct Access basis. Maria is recognised in Spears' 500 2023 Guide: as a Top Recommended Family Law Barrister within the exclusive guide. Maria is also an author at Spears', with her recent article on Divorcing in Dubai: Should wealthy Expats worry about new UAE family laws? can be accessed here. Maria is ranked in the Legal 500 in family law (including divorce & financial remedy). She is one of the leading family law juniors and is the joint head of the Family Team at 5SAH. Maria is a qualified arbitrator in financial matters. Maria recently completed the Advocate 25 for 25 challenge, undertaking over 25 hours of pro-bono in under a year on behalf of Advocate. Maria accepts Direct Public Access instructions. Maria is a qualified arbitrator in financial matters under the Institute of Family Arbitrators Scheme. What the directories say about Maria Scotland: ‘ Maria's approachable and personable attitude makes her a great court advocate. Clients like her. ’ The Legal 500 2022. "Her drafting is outstanding and her advocacy persuasive." "A very effective advocate with excellent drafting skills." The Legal 500 2021 & 2013/14 "[She] excels in private law children work and is also noted for her expertise in financial remedy cases." Chambers & Partners 2014 "Maria Scotland is commended by sources for her calm but firm advocacy style. Her broad family law practice encompasses ancillary relief work with an international dimension, and she is especially noted for her work in private law children disputes". Chambers & Partners 2013

Mark Smith

Mark has particular expertise in cases involving cross-border issues and parallel proceedings across multiple jurisdictions. Mark has appeared in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, as well as the High Court Family Division in international family matters and the Administrative Court in extradition proceedings. He is an experienced extradition practitioner and regularly appears in requests from non-EU (Part 2) countries and on appeal before the Administrative Court. He recently appeared in a leading case considering the impact of extradition on pending EUSS applications and an extradition request with parallel private children proceedings. Mark is an international family specialist and appears in wardship, child abduction and permanent relocation proceedings before the High Court. He is also regularly instructed in private children and care proceedings, especially those involving an international element. He has recently appeared in High Court proceedings addressing when an abducted child should be properly considered a dependant of an asylum-seeker and whether a local authority could withdraw an asylum claim made on behalf of a child in care. Mark’s immigration practice includes high profile and complex litigation, recently including a citizenship claim by an ex-foreign government minister and an asylum claim following an extradition request. Mark frequently appears in judicial review proceedings and has recently appeared in a challenge to the ‘minded to refuse’ process applied in cases of deception.

Mark Mullins

Mark’s practice is now wholly criminal related. He is a grade 4 Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) prosecutor and is therefore, often instructed in serious and complex cases.  Mark has prosecuted multi-million pound and multi-handed tax frauds, large-scale class A drug smuggling cases and general crime. In December 2022 and April-May 2023 Mark prosecuted three large scale drugs importations ranging from 50 to 200kg of Class A drug involving tachograph, phone evidence and CCTV. Synchronising the three strands was key to securing the most recent conviction. In January 2023 Mark prosecuted a murder in Basildon, led by Edmund Burge KC. This case involved multiple CCTV footage and psychiatric evidence leading to a manslaughter conviction by reason of diminished responsibility. In 2022 Mark prosecuted two attempted murders which both resulted in pleas to section 18. In one case the victim tragically committed suicide requiring Mark to advise on whether a murder charge should be pursued. In 2020 and 2021 Mark prosecuted the organisers of two county lines Class A drug supply cases. He is familiar with the use of cell-site and the importance of marshalling evidence in a jury friendly manner so that cases can be presented as clearly as possible to the jury. This was put into good effect during a blackmail prosecution at Snaresbrook in April 2021. Mark will usually prepare his own bundles and is familiar with PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat software. In 2021 Mark prosecuted a death by dangerous driving case/PWITS cocaine in Essex resulting in convictions for both defendants. The case went to the Court of Appeal on sentence, but the appeal was dismissed. Mark has also prosecuted several firearms cases and has become particular familiar with the opportunities as well as the limitations of DNA which is commonly a feature of firearms cases. Over the years Mark has prosecuted multi-handed cigarette and drug smuggling cases being a leading junior in 2013-14 in an 8 handed prosecution at Isleworth Crown Court. He has also led in a money-laundering prosecution at Southwark Crown Court in 2018 against his pupillage Head of Chambers, Bill Clegg QC and others – a moment of arrival! Mark has also led in the retrial of a violent stabbing case (originally an attempted murder) tried at Kingston Crown Court in 2017 and retried 2019 (following an error made by the trial judge on bad character – the prosecution had relied on unlikelihood of coincidence, but the judge wrongly admitted the bad character as propensity which was overturned by the Court of Appeal). Mark is also on the Proceeds of Crime Panel and has experience of applying for and varying restraint orders and variations of confiscation orders. Mark has advised on an application to Discharge a Freezing Order under Paragraph 10T(1) of Schedule 1 to the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001. Mark represents both prosecution and defence in these matters. Mark has had a lot of experience acting for HMRC, the police and NSA in cash forfeiture cases under Part 5, Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

Mark Cotter KC

Mark's principal specialisms are in business and financial crime (including bribery, corruption, asset recovery and confiscation) as well as sexual allegations and homicide. In relation to business crime, he regularly advises and represents company directors and corporates who face investigation and/or issues around regulatory compliance. Mark is ranked in the Legal 500 in Fraud: Crime as a leading silk.  In addition, he regularly defends and prosecutes general crime at the very highest level, with a particular emphasis on homicide and sexual allegations. A significant amount of his work involves cases where reputational issues are at stake. Mark has, for many years, been ranked in Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500 as a leader in the field of crime at the London Bar. Mark is an approachable and modern K.C. sought after for his trial expertise and advisory work.  He is known for his work ethic, case theory and a relentless attention to detail.  He is jury friendly, an excellent communicator and adept with the latest technology (an increasingly important factor in modern investigations).  This skill set has been instrumental in Mark’s success in his chosen areas of work.  Apart from dealing with the most complex of cases, Mark also acts in cases where significant reputational issues are at stake.  In this regard he has extensive experience of successfully advising and representing high net worth individuals who have come under investigation.  This includes medics, lawyers, accountants, professional sportspeople and those working in the arts.   Further details in relation to specific areas of Mark’s practice are set out below. In the field of business and financial crime Mark has extensive experience of dealing with the most complex investigations, including those with an international element.  He has dealt with trader frauds, tax frauds, land bank frauds, mortgage frauds, carousel frauds, company frauds and those involving the most complex financial instruments (including crypto-currencies) and/or corrupt practices.  He has acted in countless complex and very high value asset recovery/confiscation proceedings and is familiar with issues relating to restraint and freezing orders.  He has recently advised a target in an ongoing SFO international corruption investigation and advised another individual with regard to a massive NCA investigation into international fraud allegations.  Mark also provides specialist business crime advice and recently advised the CEO of a PLC in relation to the application of the insider dealing legislation in a highly novel and unusual factual scenario.  He is experienced in dealing with issues relating to money laundering, bribery and corruption.  Some examples of Mark's recent cases can be found under the Business Crime, asset recovery and confiscation sections set out below. In the field of homicide Mark has experience of defending in cases involving joint enterprise and young or otherwise vulnerable defendants (including those suffering with significant mental health issues).  Mark recently secured the only across the board acquittal in a multi-handed knife murder where Mark’s client was only 14 years of age.  Immediately afterwards, he successfully prosecuted a multi-handed knife murder, securing across the board convictions, and then went straight into defending the lead defendant in another multi-handed knife murder where a ‘cut throat’ defence was being run.  Mark’s client (the lead defendant) was acquitted of both murder and manslaughter.  This back to back sequence, from late 2018 and into 2019, demonstrates Mark’s exceptional ability to successfully bring his skills to bear for both the defence and the prosecution in cases of homicide. In the field of sexual offending Mark has unparalleled experience, having been dealing with the most serious and/or reputationally difficult cases for over twenty years.  He was a defence specialist in this field long before Operation Yew Tree and so his expertise pre-dates the current trend towards increased levels of prosecution of sexual allegations.  He understand the complexities and sensitivities in these cases.  He has a detailed and extensive understanding of technical, computer and digital evidence and how it may be challenged.  He has questioned countless child witnesses, in the most delicate of cases, and has vast experience as to the use of intermediaries.  He has defended high profile celebrity defendants on a number of occasions. Mark is regularly instructed to provide second opinions in relation to proposed appeals against conviction and sentence.  He is also experienced in cases involving regulatory and disciplinary issues and has significant experience of acting and advising in cases of Judicial Review. Mark accepts direct public access instructions in suitable cases. He is often instructed to advise on referrals to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), or out of time appeals to the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division). What the legal directories say about Mark Cotter KC: ‘Has grown as a relatively new QC into an absolute foundation for any high-profile or complex criminal case. Throws everything into the case, and it consumes him for that period. He is easy to work with and is excellent on his feet, with jurors, judge and opponent. I have seen juries eat from his palm.’ THE LEGAL 500 2021 "A powerful barrister with a real courtroom presence. He gets to critical points quickly and is excellent on strategy." Chambers & Partners 2021. "Exceptionally thorough at preparing cases and is a master of detail. He is an engaging, direct advocate who has an excellent manner with the judiciary" L500 2019. ‘ A commanding presence in the courtroom. ’ Legal 500 2020. ‘Able to turn his hand to any area of criminal law to get the best result for his clients.’ Legal 500 2017.

Matthew Ness

Matthew prosecutes and defends in a wide array of criminal cases. He specialises in general crime, drawing on his extensive experience in criminal litigation to instil confidence in clients and solicitors alike. In addition, Matthew receives instructions in extradition and regulatory & professional discipline matters. Prior to commencing pupillage, Matthew worked as a senior paralegal for Hennessy and Hammudi Solicitors, where he gained considerable experience as a litigator in all manner of criminal cases from road traffic to serious violence, organised crime, fraud and sex offences. He was a key member of the defence team in several high-profile cases including the alleged murder of PC Andrew Harper, 13-year-old Ollie Stephens (termed the “social media murder” by BBC’s Panorama), and the Reading Forbury Gardens terrorist attack in 2020. Matthew also litigated several reported judicial review cases in the High Court. Matthew has represented clients pro bono before the Parole Board and on behalf of the Free Representation Unit. In addition, he previously volunteered with the Citizens Advice Bureau and mentored prisoners and young offenders in debating for the Gray’s Inn Vocalise program.

Matthew Corrie

Matthew was called to the Bar in 2006 and has spent time both in self-employed practice and as an employed barrister in private practice. Prior to returning to the self-employed bar in 2022 Matthew was an employed barrister at a national law firm and was mentioned as a ‘key lawyer’ in the Legal 500 Professional Discipline (Solicitors Guide) 2022. Matthew has practised in crime, employment, personal injury and regulatory law and so has a wealth of experience across a range of sectors, courts and tribunals. Matthew now specialises in fitness to practise, disciplinary and regulatory matters and acts for both regulators and regulated professionals. Matthew has particular expertise in the healthcare, education and accountancy sectors. Matthew has extensive experience of cases involving allegations of dishonesty, fraud, sexual misconduct and complex clinical failings. Direct Public Access Matthew is qualified to receive instructions directly from members of the public.   TESTIMONIALS “Throughout the process your guidance and support ensured that my case was presented with clarity, that I considered the process and potential outcome carefully and arrived at the right decisions. Your ability to communicate the facts of the case on the day of the hearing was exemplary and once again ensured that the panel had clarity and focus in considering the facts of the hearing. I would have no hesitation in recommending you in the future.”           (ICAEW member August 2022)  

Meeno Chawla

Meeno accepts instructions in all of Chambers’ areas of practice. Meeno prosecutes and defends in a wide range of criminal cases. She has a growing practice in Extradition, Proceeds of Crime and related areas and also accepts instructions in regulatory and family proceedings. Meeno is on the CPS General Crime Advocate Panel at level 1. Meeno supports pro-bono work and has recently completed working on a case for Advocate and was awarded their Pupil Pledge Pro-Bono Award. This highlights her commitment to access to justice. In her first 4 months of pupillage, she observed extradition and international law cases. In her second stage of pupillage, she observed serious and organised crime under the supervision of Dominic Connolly. "It was a difficult case with a particularly vulnerable client and anxious family members. You dealt with everything extremely professionally and conscientiously. I am very grateful for all the effort and care you put into the case. You are a credit to your profession and your Chambers. I look forward to working with you in the future." Feedback from Instructing Solicitor.

Michaela Onuchukwu

Michaela began her pupillage in October 2023 and is currently supervised by Louisa Collins. Louisa is a barrister specialising in extradition, international crime and human rights law. Michaela is observing and assisting in various matters across Chambers' practice areas. Before commencing pupillage, Michaela worked as a paralegal in Professional Discipline and Regulatory law at the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and as a screening case officer at the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). During her time at the RCN, she handled a substantial caseload of substantive order review cases and prepared them for hearings on behalf of RCN members. Michaela also supported the representation and defence of RCN members facing professional conduct proceedings brought by the NMC. She drafted written submissions, compiled bundles, and submitted them to the NMC and Fitness to Practise Committee panels. At the NMC, Michaela investigated referrals from statutory organisations and the public and conducted evidence-based risk assessments to determine whether interim orders should be imposed on registrants. Her experience has provided her with a comprehensive understanding of professional discipline and regulatory matters. Prior to this, Michaela worked as a paralegal at various criminal defence firms, including working as sole paralegal within the Sexual Offences department at ITN Solicitors. She has gained significant experience in Magistrates' and Crown Court cases, ranging from driving offences to more serious violent offences. In addition to domestic criminal matters, Michaela has an interest in international criminal law and has worked as a defence intern conducting legal research for the Jovica Stanišić Defence Team at the UN International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals. Michaela has a strong interest in Youth Justice work having worked with Westminster City Council, where she served as a Referral Order Panel Member and volunteered with the Schools Consent Project by delivering workshops to schoolchildren on the law of consent and sexual offences. Additionally, she was appointed as an Independent Custody Visitor for the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC), primarily covering the Borough of Hillingdon and surrounding boroughs.

Natasha Draycott

Natasha is one of the most highly regarded and sought-after juniors at the UK Bar.   Her practice is focused on Extradition and International Crime and Public Law. She is recognised as a leader in her field by both Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500. She was appointed to the prestigious Attorney General Panel in 2021. Natasha Draycott has been nominated as Crime and Extradition junior of the year (2022), at the Legal 500, UK Bar Awards. Natasha’s case load consists entirely of multijurisdictional work and predominantly “Part 2” cases. Natasha acts in complex and serious matters such as murder, terrorism, financial crime and serious sexual offences. Her cases often involve politically and financially sensitive issues. She has a busy appellate practice and has appeared in over 250 cases in the Administrative and Divisional Courts. She represents high net worth individuals and is counsel of choice for a number of leading national and international law firms. Natasha advises on issues in relation to challenging and removing INTERPOL Red Notices, sanctions and requests for mutual legal assistance. Natasha’s commitment to prompt and efficient pre-litigation advice and strategy yields excellent results for her clients. She is also experienced in related applications for injunctions, Judicial Review, habeas corpus and applications for interim relief from the European Court of Human Rights pursuant to Rule 39. Natasha’s reputation as a leading junior in her fields, has led to requests for her appearance as an expert in the media for a number of providers; the BBC, ITV, Sky News and Channel 4 News. Natasha welcomes further enquiries from media outlets. Natasha frequently presents lectures on issues relating to extradition and she has recently co-authored the Chambers & Partners Extradition Overview. Here's what the legal directories say about Natasha: ‘ She is brilliant with clients and commands a great deal of trust from them. She is very good in cases with human rights considerations and is a fantastic advocate. ’ The Legal 500 2022. "Well liked by clients, she makes the most complex of arguments in a straightforward and comprehensive way. Her advocacy style is relaxed and she is well received by judges at all levels." "Natasha is a tactically astute lawyer who is very experienced and knowledgeable." Chambers and Partners 2021. "She is fantastic with clients and able to put the most anxious of them at ease." "A real champion of the underdog," "she is the type of counsel that solicitors love working with. Both engaging and responsive, she really works with you on a case. Clients really like her as she is charming, down to earth and tenacious." Chambers and Partners 2019. ‘An outstanding barrister and a dream to work with; collaborative, very diligent and clients love her. She is also a charming and compelling advocate who is tremendous on her feet and impresses the bench. Highly intelligent with an incisive mind she has a fantastic ability to win cases which initially don't appear winnable.’ The Legal 500 2021. ‘ Very diligent and a great court performer. ’ The Legal 500 2020. ‘Very approachable and personal, and able to think outside the box.’ The Legal 500 2019. Very bright and particularly good at handling clients." "She is an excellent advocate who is extremely diligent in her work and has an impressive ability to quickly identify the issues in her cases." Chambers and Partners 2018. "She is very dogged: she doesn't let go of a point and is very effective either prosecuting or defending." Chambers and Partners 2016.

Nathan Toms

Nathan specialises in general crime utilising his experience in criminal litigation, gained in his third and second-six. Having previously worked in psychiatric care, Nathan is particularly suited to working with vulnerable clients in challenging circumstances. Nathan has experience prosecuting and defending in a wide range of cases involving POCA, protest law, human rights, drugs, and domestic violence.  He is instructed in complex and challenging cases. Nathan joined chambers after completing his third-six pupillage at 5SAH having successfully undertaken a specialist crime pupillage at a leading set on the Western Circuit. Before pupillage, Nathan was a legal officer at the Free Representation Unit (FRU), specialising in social security law. He oversaw the work of volunteers acting in the First-tier Tribunal as well as balancing his own cases in the First-tier and Upper Tribunal, including work which involved judicial review and human rights. Nathan’s previous career was in psychiatric care, where he worked predominantly in secure psychiatric hospitals. Nathan was also a manager of a supported living facility for people with schizophrenia and oversaw the care team. In his spare time, Nathan volunteers at local youth clubs and has coached school debating teams with the Kalisher Trust.

Niamh Wilkie

Niamh practices exclusively in family law. Prior to joining the Bar in England, she worked as a Barrister and in other legal disciplines in the Republic of Ireland, the Middle East, and the USA. She holds a specialist qualification in international arbitration. Niamh is also qualified to accept direct access instructions. Niamh is noted for her firm and direct approach in court. She maintains strong communication with solicitors and clients and provides a very personable approach to clients whilst maintaining a professional tenacity towards opponents. Niamh is Direct Access qualified and can be directly instructed by members of the public through Direct Public Access. Please contact the clerks as 5SAH if you would like to instruct her directly.

Nicholas Jones

Nick is an experienced criminal advocate who also provides advice and representation in regulatory proceedings. Prior to joining the Bar, Nick was a solicitor (admitted 1998). As a former solicitor he understands the importance of working as part of a team and the need for meticulous preparation. He has held Higher Rights of Audience (both criminal and civil) since 2003. He has been exclusively acting as an advocate in the Crown Court since 2008.

Oliver Kirk

Oliver is an experienced criminal advocate. He represents clients in the most serious and complex criminal cases. Prior to being called to the Bar, Oliver was a solicitor for 22 years and a Higher Courts Advocate for the last 10. As a result, Oliver has gained a wealth of experience that means he is ideally placed to advise solicitors on case preparation in order to achieve the best possible outcomes for his clients. Oliver is currently instructed in a multi-handed money laundering, a large scale drug importation and offences of serious violence.

Paul Valder

Paul is an experienced barrister who prosecutes and defends crime at all levels.  He is a CPS level 4 appointed advocate, and appears in cases that demand his level of experience and expertise.  Paul has particular experience in MTIC cases, complex frauds and white collar crime work. As a consequence he is regularly instructed in complex confiscation post conviction. He has specialised for some time in asset recovery work, particularly complex cash forfeiture proceedings on appeal to the Crown Court Paul is also instructed in serious sexual assault and rape cases, including historic matters or with child complainants. He prosecutes murder and motor manslaughter. Paul does regulatory work and appears on behalf of local authorities, the Metropolitan Police and the General Dental Council (GDC). Paul accepts Direct Public Access instructions.

Philip Galway-Cooper

Philip Galway-Cooper is a property barrister appearing before all tribunals including the Court of Appeal, High Court, County Courts and Leasehold Valuation Tribunals. He specialises in all aspects of property law including residential and commercial landlord & tenant, leasehold enfranchisement, boundary disputes, party-wall disputes, neighbour disputes and construction. Philip undertakes advisory and advocacy in Chancery matters including trusts, wills, probate and partnership disputes. Philip is instructed in a wide range of professional negligence cases and also specialises in the field of clinical negligence representing both patients and doctors. Philip accepts instructions directly from members of the public and is always ready to discuss the suitability of any particular case for direct access. 

Rebecca Hill

Rebecca Hill is a leader in the field of extradition and international crime. She primarily acts on behalf of individuals but is also instructed to represent Requesting States and the Secretary of State for the Home Department. She is an expert in Extradition, Mutual Legal Assistance, Human Rights, Asylum and Protection and Financial Crime. This breadth of experience affords Rebecca a unique perspective which she utilises to advise clients comprehensively from the pre-request stage all the way to any possible challenges before the European Court (if required). Rebecca acts in cases of the utmost gravity and has particular expertise in requests concerning cross-border financial crime, those with a political dimension (including abuse or manipulation by the State) and trans-national criminality such as trafficking of people and narcotics. She has nearly two-decades’ experience regularly appearing before all levels of Court including the Divisional and Administrative Court and raising challenges to the European Court of Human Rights. It is a mark of her ability that Rebecca is regularly instructed to appear against Kings Counsel at first instance and on appeal. In addition to her extradition practice, Rebecca is appointed to the Attorney General’s ‘B’ Panel of counsel to advise the Government on a range of substantial and complex legal matters. This practice compliments her expertise in asylum and provides invaluable experience in judicial reviews, writs for habeas corpus and other public law challenges which can be deployed independently or ancillary to extradition proceedings. Rebecca has strong contacts with an international network of lawyers who can offer insight and parallel advice alongside domestic extradition or asylum challenges. She is a strong tactician and will seek to utilise this network to her client’s benefit. Rebecca has exceptional client care. Chambers and Partners observed ‘Her levels of client care are second to none; she is compassionate, committed and determined to achieve the right result." Rebecca is ranked in Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500.

Rebecca Thomas

Rebecca prosecutes and defends in a wide range of criminal cases. She has a growing practice in proceeds of crime and related areas and also accepts instructions in extradition and family proceedings.

Richard Scott

Richard Scott is a courteous, conscientious and confident advocate. He returned to 5 St Andrew’s Hill having spent exactly 3 years attached to the Advocacy Unit of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in Essex as a Senior Crown Advocate. Therein he continued to build upon the experience and skills that he had previously gained as a criminal barrister in Chambers at 5 St Andrew’s Hill and 1 Harcourt Buildings. Whilst at the CPS Richard Scott was instructed in some of the more serious cases and was also required to advise the Chief Crown Prosecutor in those difficult and sensitive cases which required review at that level within the CPS. He advised on cases such as death by dangerous driving, so called shaken baby syndrome and cases involving public interest immunity (PII).

Roger Birch

Roger Birch has a multi-disciplinary practice which combines chancery and commercial, family law and clinical negligence. He is able to draw upon his knowledge from his varied practice to provide comprehensive solutions to those cases which cross the boundaries, such as surrogacy and fertility, complex financial remedies and mental and physical abuse. Roger has extensive advocacy and advisory experience and regularly provides lectures and seminars in his areas of expertise. As head of the Chancery and Commercial Law Team, he has considerable experience in contract and negligence cases. This is a broad practice with an emphasis on professional negligence and company director’s disqualification. Roger practises in all areas of Family Law. He appears in Wardship cases involving the abduction and attempted abduction of children and understands the importance of prompt and thorough action to put the necessary steps in place to prevent the removal of a child.  Roger appears in the Court of Protection. He has been instructed in matters involving properties in Spain, Italy, Iran and Cyprus together with contentious Probate and Inheritance Act cases. Roger has appeared in numerous divorce proceedings in the UK which involve representing clients from Asia, the Middle East and the European Union. He has experience of enforcing Financial and Child Arrangement Orders in foreign jurisdictions.  He also accepts instructions from the British Virgin Islands, South Africa and the United States of America. Roger has prosecuted and led in high profile and serious criminal cases on behalf of HM Revenue and Customs, Department for Work and Pensions, Department of Health, and the Department for Business Innovation and Skills. His experience in such matters means he is equipped to robustly cross-examine witnesses at court. The New Law Journal has published the following articles written by Roger: Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975 – Claims by Adult Children Company Directors Disqualification – Legal Aid and Human Rights Medicines Act – when can a so called Legal High be defined as a medicine Roger regularly provides lectures to lawyers, administrators and foreign regulators. Subjects have included money laundering, the Medicines Act, Planning and Company Directors Disqualification. As a delegate at The Family Law Conference in Cape Town, Roger developed his interest in surrogacy in Europe and South Africa; the Hague Convention; and the criminalization of Forced Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation. He also attended a conference in Chicago in 2015 run by the American Academy of Assisted Reproductive Technology Attorneys on surrogacy, adoption and infertility. He has been asked to speak in 2016 at the International Family Law Conference organized by the University of the Western Cape on the ‘Voice of the Child’. Direct Access: Roger regularly accepts instructions on advice and representation from members of the public on a direct access basis. Litigation Roger is able to accept instructions which involves litigation and is authorised to file and accept proceedings on behalf of clients without the need of a solicitor

Sarah Wood

Sarah is Joint Head of the Business Crime Team at 5SAH and is ranked in both Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500 for her confiscation and asset recovery work. Sarah is ranked as a Tier 1 leading junior barrister in the Legal 500. Sarah is also recognised in Chambers & Partners in Financial Crime - Private Prosecutions spotlight table. Sarah is nominated for her work in Financial Crime at The Legal 500 Bar Awards 2023. She is an experienced and highly accomplished practitioner who specialises in criminal and family matters involving high-value assets and complex financial arrangements. In her criminal work, she is a well-respected jury advocate known for her experience of prosecuting and defending lengthy, complex, high-value fraud and money laundering cases. Sarah has a loyal following of leading solicitors and is regularly instructed to defend in cases brought by the SFO, the FCA and the CPS Specialist Fraud Division. She is renowned for her ability to master substantial and multifaceted issues. Sarah has experience in all aspects of the financial proceedings that follow a divorce or separation; her knowledge and experience of international asset-tracing and complex offshore trust arrangements gained through her criminal work give her a distinct advantage in this area of work. She is one of a handful of counsel at the Bar with demonstrable experience of dealing with cases where there are contemporaneous proceedings in the criminal and family courts in relation to the same assets and is therefore able to advise clients and appear in all aspects of both sets of proceedings. Sarah regularly writes and speaks on all areas of her work. What the legal directories say about Sarah Wood: ‘ Without a shadow of a doubt one of the best barristers I have ever worked with. Sarah is incredibly hard-working, knowledgeable and always goes the extra mile to assist both me and my clients. Nothing ever seems to faze Sarah and she is always at the end of a phone should I need to speak with her. Sarah has an excellent manner with clients and always works tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome. ’ The Legal 500 2022 ‘She is a superb lawyer and sees points of admissibility that others do not. The best of her generation in terms of effort and ability. As an advocate she is direct, calm and makes the point really effectively.’ "An incredibly gifted, very intelligent person who is very capable in financial crime and POCA work." Chambers and Partners 2021 & 2020. ‘She is a superb lawyer and sees points of admissibility that others do not. The best of her generation in terms of effort and ability.' 'As an advocate she is direct, calm and makes the point really effectively.’ 'She has a forensic eye for detail.' The Legal 500 2021 & 2020.

Sarah Fairbairn

Sarah practises in all areas of criminal defence. She has developed a busy Crown Court practice, spanning a wide range of offences including murder, drugs, dishonesty, violence and sexual offences. Here is what some of those who have worked with Sarah have to say about her: “Miss Fairbairn seems naturally able from the outset to follow the correct approach with clients and to deliver excellent advice in the most suitable manner to achieve the best possible outcome for them. She has further proven to have a knack for spotting weak areas in the opposition’s case and to be a talented negotiator. Whenever I have the good fortune of instructing Miss Fairbairn, I can be assured of a great result, whatever the circumstances.” “I was extremely taken by Miss Fairbairn’s excellent Court manner. It was abundantly clear to me that Miss Fairbairn had an excellent grasp of the evidence. Miss Fairbairn is very obviously highly articulate and exceptionally engaging.”

Sharmistha Michaels

Sharmistha is an experienced barrister who has substantial and wide-ranging experience in Professional Discipline and Regulation, Extradition, Inquests and Inquiries. Sharmistha offers advice and representation during all stages of the disciplinary process and is experienced in handling complex cases. Sharmistha also sits part time as a Legally Qualified Chair/Legal Assessor in a number of regulatory disciplines giving her a unique insight into how best to achieve positive outcomes for her clients. Sharmistha has significant Inquest experience representing the full range of Interested Persons including government, hospital trusts, health professionals, the emergency services and bereaved families. Sharmistha inclusive approach ensures she gains the confidence of those she represents and secures their full participation in the proceedings they are about to face. She is quick at understanding the important facts in each case, in order to make complex legal issues easy to understand for her clients. She is a persuasive advocate who combines sound judgment with meticulous preparation. Sharmistha also undertakes pro-bono work and has been a member of Advocate (Bar Pro-bono Unit) since 2017. She has also provided pro bono support to families for the charity INQUEST. Direct Public Access Sharmistha is registered to undertake Direct Access work.

Sophia Kerridge

Sophia has developed a strong practice in many areas of law. She prosecutes and defends in a wide range of criminal cases and is Youth Court qualified. Sophia's experience extends to cases brought by private prosecutors involving trademark and environmental offences. She has experience of professional discipline and regulatory cases and a growing practice in extradition. Sophia also accepts instructions in family law. Additional information Before starting pupillage, Sophia worked at Kingsley Napley LLP as a criminal litigation paralegal. She worked on a number of significant cases involving corporate fraud, extradition and private prosecutions. Alongside this she wrote her LLM thesis on the corporate criminal liability of UK companies for violent human rights abuses overseas. Prior to this Sophia worked for three years as a Human Rights Observer with Peace Brigades International (PBI) in Colombia and is now a Trustee for PBI UK. She also interned at NATO, where she coordinated the drafting of multinational policy papers to facilitate requests of international assistance. These documents continue to be used today.

Vivian Walters

Vivian has over twenty-five years’ experience prosecuting and defending serious crime.  She joined 5SAH in 2005 following completion of the Treasury Counsel monitoring programme and was soon afterwards appointed Standing Counsel to the former RCPO. She has extensive experience both in white-collar and organised crime. Vivian currently practices mainly in Kent, and focuses on cases involving serious sexual offences, drugs (particularly importation offences) and violence.

Wendy Hewitt

Wendy is Head of the Professional Discipline and Regulatory Team at 5SAH. She is ranked in the Legal 500 as a leading barrister within the field of Professional Discipline and Regulatory law. Wendy practices exclusively in professional discipline and regulatory work. Before converting to the Bar, Wendy trained and qualified in 1998 as a solicitor in a magic circle City law firm. "I have known Wendy Hewitt for some years now and have instructed her in respect of several tricky HCPC professional discipline cases. On each occasion she has done a tremendous job. Wendy’s manner with clients (particularly when discussing difficult matters) is second to none, her case preparation is meticulous and she is someone in whom one can have absolute confidence. I recommend her to other specialist practitioners and look forward to continuing to work together." ANDREA JAMES, PARTNER, BRABNERS