5KBW's team is building a strong reputation for handling a broad range of financial crime matters. Mark Heywood KC is sought after for his expertise in handling multimillion-pound, multi-handed fraud cases. Kathryn Arnot Drummond has extensive experience in prosecuting complex fraud matters, including boiler room frauds and money laundering cases, and Frederick Hookway's workload includes alleged Ponzi schemes, phishing offences, and international money laundering cases. The senior end of the team was bolstered by the elevation of Jonathan Polnay KC to silk in March 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The clerking team is a great credit to chambers. They are quick to respond and understand the needs of the client.'
- 'The clerks provide an excellent customer service.'
- 'Great quality and depth.'
- '5KBW has grown to become one of the go-to sets for fraud work.'
- 'All counsel are very competent and capable.'
- 'The set has great flair.'
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.
Mark Heywood KC
5KBW ‘Mark is a doyen of the criminal fraud Bar – a devastatingly persuasive advocate who is charming and erudite in equal measure. Even in the most complex fraud cases, he has every detail at his fingertips.’
2024 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.
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.
3
Frederick Hookway
5KBW ‘Frederick displays a preternatural calm in court which instils confidence in judges, leading counsel and instructing solicitors alike. He is always well prepared and meticulous.'
3
Kathryn Arnot Drummond
5KBW ‘Kathryn is a fierce cross-examiner; determined, methodical and robust. Her advocacy is focused and persuasive – legal argument is her natural home.’
4
James Martin
5KBW ‘James is a very clever and skilful barrister. He is naturally gifted and highly sought after in the field of fraud. He is silk quality.'
4
Rupert Kent
5KBW4
Ben Holt
5KBW