Chambers of Brian Altman KC & Jim Sturman KC
2 Bedford Row is ‘an outstanding set’ with a broad range of counsel prosecuting and defending for clients in high-level criminal fraud matters. Simon Baker KC represented the alleged primary administrator of caller ID spoofing website iSpoof.cc, which reportedly was used to facilitate over £43m of fraud against British victims carried by impersonating banks and public bodies. Numerous members, including Baker KC and Kevin Toomey, among others, represented various defendants in a case stemming from “Operation Ark”, an eight-year prosecution for allegedly mis-sold heating systems – all defendants were acquitted after the prosecution submitted no evidence after disclosure failings were identified. Mark Milliken-Smith KC, as was, was appointed as a Circuit Judge in December 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'John Grimmer is a top clerk and runs a very effective and efficient clerks' room. Paul Rodgers and Tom Powell are always on hand to assist and accommodate instructing solicitors.'
- 'John Grimmer and Paul Rodgers are well liked by solicitors and continue to be viewed as two of the best, but all the way down to the most junior the clerks pull out all the stops to provide the service solicitors deserve.'
- 'Joe Martin is a good clerk and is always friendly and efficient. He will do what he can to assist.'
- 'A strong set of chambers from top down to junior juniors.'
- '2 Bedford Row is in every multi-handed fraud case and retains its market share. The strength in depth in terms of silks is obvious, and there is a large core of up and coming juniors too.'
- '2 Bedford Row is an outstanding set and far above the rest in terms of professionalism and the care they pay towards instructing solicitors. They do not have a bad barrister in the whole set.'
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.
3'Stan is one of the best junior silks around. His strategic thinking is second to very few, and he continuously gets amazing results. He is a calm, methodical advocate, and every word lands with a punch.'
‘Simon is a brilliant lawyer who produces incredibly high-quality and practical advice at phenomenal speed. His written and oral advocacy is excellent – always clear, concise and effective. He is a superstar and a real team player.’
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.
‘Tom is an extremely attentive barrister both in court and out. His eye for detail is second-to-none and his ability to grasp the facts and evidence of each matter is unparalleled. Tom is an outstanding advocate and his ability to think on his feet sets him apart. He is able to convey points in a clear and concise manner without losing the core point of the submission.’
‘Sean’s attention to detail and ability to play the long game are impressive. His charming and relaxed manner belies a razor-sharp mind. He has very sound judgement, shrewd tactical sense, relates very well with clients, and is a confident and persuasive advocate.
'Ashraf has a great eye for detail as well as a tireless work ethic, a combination which makes him ideal for serious fraud work. He has excellent judgement and takes good points with ease whilst setting aside weak points that dilute the presentation of a defence case.'
'Kevin has exceptional technical experience and knowledge of the workings of the financial markets. He has a very good manner with clients and is able to distil key issues in complex matters so as to focus clients' attentions upon the salient points in a case. His insight and clarity is highly useful.'
4‘Nick is an engaging advocate who retains a personal and affable manner even when forcefully making points to a judge or jury. He has a wonderfully light touch. He is thorough and hardworking and will not miss points, but makes sure that he is always focused on the ultimate issues.'
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.
‘Tom is an extremely attentive barrister both in court and out. His eye for detail is second-to-none and his ability to grasp the facts and evidence of each matter is unparalleled. Tom is an outstanding advocate and his ability to think on his feet sets him apart. He is able to convey points in a clear and concise manner without losing the core point of the submission.’
‘Sean’s attention to detail and ability to play the long game are impressive. His charming and relaxed manner belies a razor-sharp mind. He has very sound judgement, shrewd tactical sense, relates very well with clients, and is a confident and persuasive advocate.
'Ashraf has a great eye for detail as well as a tireless work ethic, a combination which makes him ideal for serious fraud work. He has excellent judgement and takes good points with ease whilst setting aside weak points that dilute the presentation of a defence case.'
'Kevin has exceptional technical experience and knowledge of the workings of the financial markets. He has a very good manner with clients and is able to distil key issues in complex matters so as to focus clients' attentions upon the salient points in a case. His insight and clarity is highly useful.'
4‘Nick is an engaging advocate who retains a personal and affable manner even when forcefully making points to a judge or jury. He has a wonderfully light touch. He is thorough and hardworking and will not miss points, but makes sure that he is always focused on the ultimate issues.'