Christopher Donnellan KC
The 36 Group ‘Christopher is a measured barrister held in high regard by those he appears before. He is a jury-friendly advocate who leaves no stone unturned.’
The 36 Group has a growing reputation for being ‘an excellent set with strong advocate at every level’. Sally Hobson’s broad practice sees her lead in murder, manslaughter, drugs, and protest cases as well as be led in complex homicide trials – she recently defended a man, aged thirteen at the time of the offence, who was ultimately convicted of the murder six-year-old Rikki Neave, whose body was found strangled in a Peterborough woodland in November 1994. Watson was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of fifteen years. Mary Prior KC, ‘an enormously experienced barrister with formidable advocacy skills’, is regularly instructed to prosecute and defend in high-profile homicide and serious sexual offences cases.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Michelle Simpson leads an extraordinarily professional clerks' room, which manages a crime team that reaches across the country, covering almost every circuit. The clerks are responsive and friendly, and always straightforward to deal with.'
- 'The clerking service is second to none. They are pragmatic and contact clients with any issues and always provide a solution. Of particular note are Daisy Parsons and Elliott Styles who always go the extra mile.'
- 'Elliot Styles and Daisy Parsons are exceptional clerks who have really grown into their roles. They are proactive, and can get impressive results both in terms of diary management and career development.'
- 'Michelle Simpson is one of the best clerks in London.'
- '36 Crime is a strong set with particular expertise in cybercrime, serious organised crime and paper-heavy cases. The junior end is unusually adept, with numerous members instructed on cases well beyond their call.'
- '36 Crime offers a wealth of experienced and capable junior members.'
- '36 is an excellent set with strong advocates at every level.'
- 'Chambers as a whole are excellent. They all work well as a team and clearly get along well. That is always reassuring.'
Silks
Leading Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
Mary Prior KC
The 36 Group ‘Mary is an enormously experienced advocate with formidable advocacy skills – she is adept at building a relationship with the jury and dealing with difficult and often vulnerable clients. She has a powerhouse reputation at the Bar.’
Juniors
Leading Juniors
Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.
Sally Hobson
The 36 Group ‘Sally is a gifted advocate and ferocious cross-examiner who delivers well-crafted, jury-engaging closing speeches. She is extremely committed to getting the best result possible and a pleasure to work with no matter how difficult and testing the case may be.’
Diana Wilson
The 36 Group ‘Diana has a brilliant mind, is very hard-working and is able to quickly identify the key strengths and weaknesses of a case. She is a formidable advocate and all opponents have to be at their best to match her. Judges have complete confidence in her mastery of the facts and law.'
Nadeem Holland
The 36 Group ‘Nadeem is always well prepared. He is calm in his approach to cases, regardless as to what is thrown at him, which is reassuring for those around him. His calm manner extends to his advocacy - always measured, always reasonable and always very easy to listen to.'
Rising stars
Rising stars at the Bar are defined as barristers between four and eight years’ call who are seen as up-and-coming members of the Bar in their respective practice areas by clients and peers alike. They will already be instructed in high-profile, complex, and high-value contentious and non-contentious matters, working with and opposite more experienced leading counsel.
Arthur Kendrick
The 36 Group ‘Arthur has a real talent for navigating complex cases involving extensive evidence. He is always meticulously prepared, having combed through voluminous material to find the winning points. In court, he is a force to be reckoned with and his cross-examination of witnesses is highly effective.’