2 Harcourt Buildings, with ‘a broad range of quality advocates’, is gaining a reputation for being ‘a prominent defence practice’ as well as an established prosecution set. Catherine Donnelly is well-known for handling high-profile homicide and serious sexual offences cases. Jane Osborne KC balances defence and prosecution work, primarily prosecuting homicides, including those involving young people alleged to have connections to gangs. Edward Franklin is ‘an intellectual heavyweight’ with ’an easy command of complex legal principles’ - he has considerable experience in complex multi-handed cases.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Keith Poynter is really good and very straightforward to deal with. Gary Wright is a really nice guy and a very helpful clerk. They’re both really safe pairs of hands.'
- 'Keith Poynter is a top clerk and a natural leader. He is extremely responsive, always available and great at sorting diary issues. He is widely respected by solicitors, counsel and other clerks. He is ably assisted by Gary Wright who complements his proactive approach.'
- '2 Harcourt Chambers has now developed into a set with a prominent defence practice. Historically, they have had a reputation as being a prosecution set but are now conducting complex and high-profile defence work.'
- 'A premier league set in every respect.'
- '2 Harcourt Buildings is an outstanding chambers. It has a national reputation for conducting the most serious prosecutions, and is a 'go-to' set for two counsel cases. At the junior end it is arguably the most experienced and able set of criminal juniors at the Bar.'
- 'A fine chambers with a broad range of quality advocates. A top set.'
- 'A set whose clerks are always happy to assist where they can. Both senior and junior members are popular and sought-after.'