1
Andrew Thomas KC
Lincoln House ChambersLincoln House Chambers is a ‘go-to set in crime’, and it saw Kate Blackwell KC appointed as head of chambers in September 2023. Another key silk is Simon Csoka KC, who exclusively acts for the defence and his practice largely centres around organised crime and fraud. Of recent note, he is defending in the case of Operation Tradite, which is thought to be the largest ever drugs importation cases in the UK. Alexander Leach KC is active in cases of terrorism, bribery and corruption, and multi-handed murders, and Mark Ford KC is another key criminal law silk. Turning to the juniors, Clare Ashcroft is a specialist criminal defence practitioner with expertise in murder, manslaughter, and fraud, and Rebecca Filletti has experience in cases surrounding child cruelty, rape, and firearm-related offences. Filletti represented a woman charged with the murder of her abusive partner, in which a partial defence of loss of control was accepted. Simon Gurney has substantial expertise in handling cases regarding historic sexual abuse, as well as large drugs conspiracies, and Richard Dawson specialises in road traffic law and related criminal offences, including death and serious injury caused by carless and dangerous driving. Richard H English is another notable name, and he is often sought after to defend in cases arising from sexual violence, murder, and fraud. Money laundering cases are an area of expertise for Gerard Doran, while Rachel Cooper is especially strong in cases involving clients with significant mental health needs. Isobel Thomas is skilled in representing younger defendants accused of gang activity.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The clerks are very good. Ty Price, Andy McGuinness, and David Gibbons deserve particular praise.'
- 'David Gibbons at Lincoln House is an asset to the team. He stays in touch and is always committed to assuring that instructing solicitors are aware of any changes to the court timetable or listings on the off chance that the court have not communicated the same to the firm.'
- 'Senior clerk David Wright is extremely proactive in managing counsel, and focused on making sure that they are well equipped and guided to provide a top-quality service. Above all, he is honest and delivers what he says he will to instructing solicitors.'
- 'The clerk's room works efficiently and robustly to ensure a quality service for all members of chambers, professional clients, and lay-clients. Headed up by David Wright, it is strong across the board, but particular kudos to Andy McGuinness, the best clerk on the northern circuit, and Abigail Lockett, who is extremely focused, well-organised, and wise beyond her years.'
- 'Andy McGuinness remains calm and collected at all times, regardless of the pressures of work. Andy is incredibly helpful and will always find a solution to any challenges encountered. He is an asset to the chambers.'
- 'David Gibbons and Andy McGuinness are excellent at what they do and are great communicators.'
- 'Ty Price is particularly helpful when contacting the court and discussing fees and counsel's availability.'
- 'Andy McGuinness always goes beyond to assist, with David Gibbons and Abigail Lockett following up that lead.'
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.
1
Kate Blackwell KC
Lincoln House Chambers ‘Kate is an exceptional trial advocate, an extremely skilful operator, brilliant on tactical decision making, and great to work with.'
1
Simon Csoka KC
Lincoln House Chambers ‘Simon has a brain the size of a planet. His ability to be able to retain huge amounts of information, then present the most complex and cogent legal submissions in regards to this information, is such that you have never seen before; he is a once in a generation barrister.’
2
Alexander Leach KC
Lincoln House Chambers2
John Harrison KC
Lincoln House Chambers 3
Mark Ford KC
Lincoln House Chambers ‘Mark is one of the very best criminal defence advocates in the north. He is excellent with the client, he fights their corner vigorously and fairly, and he is very user-friendly for solicitors.’
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
Clare Ashcroft
Lincoln House Chambers 'Clare possesses an unfaltering breadth of legal knowledge whilst also exhibiting a rare combination of empathy and tenacity. She demonstrates an unwavering dedication to securing the best possible outcome for her clients, her advocacy skills are superb, and she holds a presence in the court room which is commanding yet respectful.'
2
Gerard Doran
Lincoln House Chambers2
Richard Dawson
Lincoln House Chambers ‘Richard is one of the best in the business on his feet in front of a jury. His experience really tells in the cross-examination of witnesses and he thinks outside the box when it comes to defending cases, always adding something different that others had not considered.'
2
2
Martin Hackett
Lincoln House Chambers2
Rebecca Filletti
Lincoln House Chambers ‘Rebecca is a highly intelligent, skilled, and persuasive advocate. She is already considered a leading senior junior in Manchester and she is instructed in serious and sensitive cases of a kind rarely briefed to someone of her call, but which she is more than able to conduct with ease.’
2
Simon Gurney
Lincoln House Chambers ‘Simon is simply fantastic. A go-to barrister who ticks all the boxes, his preparation is excellent, his written work brilliant, and he is a fantastic advocate.’
3
Matthew Howarth
Lincoln House Chambers3
Ian McMeekin
Lincoln House Chambers3
Brendan O’Leary
Lincoln House Chambers3
David Pojur
Lincoln House Chambers3
Rachel Cooper
Lincoln House Chambers 'Rachel is a fearless advocate who will stand her ground where appropriate whilst having a calm and reassuring manner with defendants, especially those with mental health or learning issues. She will assist instructing solicitors wherever possible and will undertake work herself to help as required.'
3
Kimberley Obrusik
Lincoln House Chambers ‘Kimberley’s communication skills are second-to-none, whether that be with vulnerable or difficult clients, the judiciary, juries, or police teams and the CPS. Her preparation is particularly detail-orientated and her advocacy style is robust but searingly charming.'
3
Isobel Thomas
Lincoln House Chambers ‘Isobel is an impressively conscientious barrister with a superb eye for detail and excellent client care skills. Her advocacy is persuasive and forceful, whilst always remaining courteous and accessible in tone, and when cross-examining, taking witnesses in chief, and in addressing the jury and the judge, she demonstrates excellent judgement and skill.'
3
Marianne Alton
Lincoln House Chambers ‘Marianne is an exceptional and fearless advocate. She is incredibly thorough in her preparation and is able to assimilate large volumes of evidence, and she presents concisely and persuasively.’
3
Anna Chestnutt
Lincoln House Chambers ‘Anna is a thorough and tenacious barrister who pays close attention to detail and prepares cases meticulously, leaving no stone unturned. She is exceptional and her advocacy skills show diligence and persistent determination in all that she does.’
3
Sarah Magill
Lincoln House Chambers ‘Sarah is a joy to instruct as she is great with clients, fastidious in her preparation of all matters, and responsive. She is authoritative without a hint of arrogance, extremely well-prepared for any eventuality, and clearly enjoys advocacy.’
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.
Graham Rishton
Lincoln House Chambers ‘Graham is a very hard-working, astute barrister who is excellent with clients. His advocacy is to a high standard, which is carefully thought through on the basis of his meticulous preparation, and he does not fear a good fight as an advocate.’