Sam Green KC
St Paul’s ChambersSt Pauls Chambers is ‘a very experienced criminal law chambers with significant talent at every level’. In a prominent work highlight, Nick Worsley KC successfully defended a man who was acquitted of both murder and attempted murder after his brother-in-law was stabbed; the defendant had been jointly charged with his father. Sam Green KC‘s recent caseload includes prosecuting in high-profile murders; he acts as joint head of chambers with newly appointed silk Denise Breen-Lawton KC, who is ’extremely impressive‘ and has an excellent reputation for handling complex fraud work, terrorism cases, and serious sexual offences, to name a few areas. Helen Chapman is ’very poised‘ and ’a great trial tactician‘. The senior end of the team was also bolstered by the elevation of James Bourne-Arton KC to silk in the 2024 round.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The clerks' room is superbly led by Jayne Drake, who provides an excellent service, bringing a very business-savvy nous. Jayne is well-supported by Kelly Staniforth, who is uber-efficient and always prompt at responding to all enquiries, calls and emails.'
- 'Kelly Staniforth is excellent, well organised and a good communicator.'
- 'Jayne Drake is extremely efficient and personable.'
- 'Jayne Drake knows the business very well.'
- 'Jayne Drake makes the impossible possible.'
- 'Kelly Staniforth is an exceptional clerk.'
- 'Kelly Staniforth is outstanding.'
- 'Kelly Staniforth is impeccable at her job and keeps things running to a high a standard.'
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.
Bryan Cox KC
St Pauls Chambers 'Bryan is a strategic thinker, who develops a compelling, persuasive rapport with the court and clients. He holds the court's sustained attention and notice when on his feet.'
2023 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.
Nick Worsley KC
St Paul’s Chambers 'He is absolutely unflappable. Tremendous before a jury, and has a keen eye for detail.'
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.
James Bourne-Arton KC
St Paul’s ChambersDenise Breen-Lawton KC
St Paul’s Chambers 'Denise is a truly exceptional advocate. Her mastery of complex and vast cases is second only to her ability to convey the same to a jury in a clear, digestible and persuasive manner. She is a dogged defender; you would want her in your corner if you were in trouble.'
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.
1
Jane Brady
St Paul’s Chambers2
Helen Chapman
St Paul’s Chambers 'She is both tactically astute and hugely effective when cross examining, even on the most sensitive of trials. She is an outstanding advocate.'
2
Angus MacDonald
St Paul’s Chambers 'Angus is a well-prepared prosecutor and tenacious but also sensible and reasonable. He is liked and respected by his opponents, judges and juries.'
3
George Hazel-Owram
St Pauls Chambers 'George goes the extra mile for his clients. He is a top-tier court advocate: his courtroom presence is modest and unassuming yet his advocacy is commanding. His witness handling is empathetic – even when cross-examining - and this approach means that he is devastatingly effective in trials before a jury.'
3