A ‘premier set on the Western circuit’, Guildhall Chambers has ’an excellent crime team’ regularly handling serious criminal matters, including murder, sexual offences, serious fraud, and drug conspiracies. Andrew Langdon KC is ‘a courteous advocate with a fine cutting edge and an excellent tactical brain’ who successfully defended a man tried for allegedly murdering his brother during a gang fight over a crop of cannabis - the case, in which two other defendants were convicted, was prosecuted by Anna Vigars KC . 'First-class and fearless advocate’ Christopher Quinlan KC prosecuted a man who, during a psychotic episode, fatally rammed a motorcyclist with his car. David Scutt prosecuted a defendant, who commenced identifying as a woman while serving a sentence for sexual activity with a child, who was convicted of a rape shortly after being released from prison; the defendant attempted a non-insane automatism defence.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'All clerks are supportive and helpful under the impressive guidance of Lucy Northeast.'
  • 'The best clerks on the Circuit. A wonderful balance of professionalism, assistance and friendliness. Lucy Northeast is masterful in her ability to solve problems often before others even recognise the problem exists. Grant Bidwell is always on hand with options and solutions when needed. The clerks always go above and beyond.'
  • 'The clerks provide excellent service, particularly Grant Bidwell.' 
  • 'Guildhall Chambers offers a wide range of criminal advocates across the spectrum of experience with differing skill sets and strengths.'
  • 'Guildhall Chambers is the leading crime set on the Western Circuit. The team of silks includes the best practitioners on the circuit, and juniors are an excellent team.'
  • 'Guildhall Chambers is a strong and well-rounded set.'
  • 'Guildhall Chambers is a pre-eminent circuit criminal set.'
  • Guildhall Chambers is a good set with a strong list of KCs and senior juniors.

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.
Andrew Langdon KC
Guildhall Chambers
‘Andrew is bright, determined, a great planner and a brilliant performer.’ 
Christopher Quinlan KC
Guildhall Chambers
‘Christopher is an outstanding silk with careful attention to detail. He has a strong advocacy, makes compelling opening speeches and is a strong cross-examiner.'
Anna Vigars KC
Guildhall Chambers
‘Anna is an exceptional advocate. Her skills in and out of court are legion, and her approach to clients and opponents is always calm, balanced and incredibly effective.’ 

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
David Scutt
Guildhall Chambers
‘David is an excellent advocate. He is a skilled, respected and determined advocate, relates well to clients and engenders confidence.’
1
Mary Cowe
Guildhall Chambers
‘Mary's manner with clients is incredible, inspiring confidence from the first meeting. Her written work is first-class, showing considerable skill in law and mounting an argument.’
1
James Haskell
Guildhall Chambers
‘James is an accomplished senior criminal advocate. He is always immaculately prepared, and his calm and persuasive manner complements his considerable ability.’
1
Jennifer Tallentire
Guildhall Chambers
‘Jenny is a strong advocate whose mind is always working and seeking out the best options for her cases. Her examination and cross-examination are top-rate, especially when dealing with young or vulnerable witnesses.’
2
Ramin Pakrooh
Guildhall Chambers
‘Ramin is a measured advocate, always well-prepared. He exhibits good tactical know-how, and his advocacy skills are exceptional.’
3
Sam Jones
Guildhall Chambers
‘Sam is an excellent barrister who works hard and is always well-prepared. His written advocacy is of a very high standard, and he is a good jury advocate.’ 
3
Alistair Haggarty
Guildhall Chambers
‘Alistair is an effective advocate. He is always well-prepared, realistic and sensible in his approach to cases. His advocacy is effective and eloquent.'
3
Chloe Griggs
Guildhall Chambers
 ‘Chloe is conscientious and meticulous in her preparation of cases, with a keen eye for detail and excellent written work.’