5 Essex Chambers
5 Essex Chambers houses a team of ‘clear leaders in the field of inquests and public inquiries’. The group is well-known for acting for local authorities, the government and the emergency services in proceedings. Fiona Barton KC handles cases crossing over with her police law practice, having represented Devon and Cornwall Police in the inquests in relation to the 2021 Plymouth shootings, carried out by a man who had his shotgun returned to him after an assault allegation earlier that year. Jason Beer KC‘s recent track record includes instructing as counsel to the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry and representing the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. Anne Studd KC works on cases with law enforcement elements. At a junior level, Alison Hewitt handles cases concerning deaths in custody, among others, while Beatrice Collier was one of several members of chambers instructed in the inquest into the death of Gaia Pope, who went missing in November 2016 after making an allegation of rape, which Dorset Police did not action. Francesca Whitelaw KC took silk in 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The clerks are always very helpful, running an excellent tight ship.'
- 'The clerks are fantastic, very approachable and quick to respond.'
- 'All of the clerks are very helpful, facilitating support, advice and advocacy when required.'
- 'This is a very solid set, with talented barristers throughout and real expertise in all area of police law, inquests and public enquiries.'
- 'All Counsel from this set has been highly professional and capable.'
- 'The set is well recommended from areas of immigration, public law, inquiries and inquest work'
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.
Hall of fame5 Essex Chambers
‘One of the foremost advocates in inquests and inquiries. Her preparation is painstaking, her questions focused and her manner engaging, empathetic and hugely effective.’
2023 Silks
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.
5 Essex Chambers
'Alison is one of the most experienced and well-regarded barristers in this field.'
5 Essex Chambers
‘Emma has outstanding analytical ability and demonstrates thorough attention to detail.'
5 Essex Chambers
‘Cicely’s meticulous case preparation and formidable advocacy skills make her very effective in cross examination.'
45 Essex Chambers
‘A go-to junior for complex and sensitive inquests and inquiries. He is very personable and hard-working, and demonstrates excellent judgement and decision-making.’
5 Essex Chambers
‘Peter is an assured advocate who inspires confidence in the coroner and the jury.'
5 Essex Chambers
‘Amy is an extremely thorough advocate. Her grasp of the facts, evidence and issues is absolutely outstanding.'
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.
5 Essex Chambers
'Alison is one of the most experienced and well-regarded barristers in this field.'
5 Essex Chambers
‘Emma has outstanding analytical ability and demonstrates thorough attention to detail.'
5 Essex Chambers
‘Cicely’s meticulous case preparation and formidable advocacy skills make her very effective in cross examination.'
45 Essex Chambers
‘A go-to junior for complex and sensitive inquests and inquiries. He is very personable and hard-working, and demonstrates excellent judgement and decision-making.’
5 Essex Chambers
‘Peter is an assured advocate who inspires confidence in the coroner and the jury.'
5 Essex Chambers
‘Amy is an extremely thorough advocate. Her grasp of the facts, evidence and issues is absolutely outstanding.'