Westgate Chambers

Crime

Pierce has practised in the criminal courts for over 30 years.  He has defended in the most serious of cases ranging from murder and rape through to multi-handed drug conspiracy trials both leading as a junior and is regularly briefed in cases involving sexual offences and serious violence.

Pierce joined Westgate Chambers at its inception in 1990 before being invited to join a leading firm of solicitors in Sussex in 2007 as one of the first in house advocates.  He remained with the firm for 10 years with much success before returning to Westgate in 2016.

Pierce feels the time he spent working ‘in house’ has given him a unique perspective on the needs of the professional client and what they need from the independent bar.

Pierce is well regarded by those he works for and against.  He is known as a dedicated, conscientious and hardworking lawyer and a first rate and fearless jury advocate whilst always remaining affable, approachable and responsive to both his lay and professional clients.

Pierce also accepts instructions from the Crown Prosecution Service and is a Grade 3 Prosecutor.

Notable cases:

R v B : Leading counsel in a 9 handed drugs conspiracy case where the allegation was that prison officers were smuggling drugs into one of HMP. R v B: A multi handed Robbery with firearms. R v S: A multi handed, 3 week historic sex case where the client had learning difficulties & was vulnerable. R v Z:  A 17 year old charged with rape of a 14 year old. R v W:  A 48 hour armed siege where the defendant was dying of cancer.

BA Hons