Crime
UK Bar Guide 2025 : South Eastern (Bar)
Band 3
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7413 0353Chambers Review
23 Essex Street Chambers is "a good set that can offer a good level of service across a wide range of offences". Members are instructed on high-profile sexual offences, murder cases and fraud-related matters for both prosecution and defence. Recent matters for the set have included R v Osei-Bempong and Umar, a historic sex offences trial involving an alleged grooming gang.
Wayne King is chambers director.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The clerks provide an excellent service."
"The clerks provide an excellent service."
Notable Practitioners
Alan Gardner KC focuses on prosecuting cases of violent crime, including those that involve sexual and firearms offences. He also has a significant understanding of complex fraud cases.
"Alan is a fabulous, soft-spoken and very persuasive advocate who is thoroughly prepared and has amazing tactics."
"He is a safe pair of hands and is always super impressive."
Rhodri James is a very accomplished barrister whois frequently instructed on a variety of cases, including proceedings regarding sexual assault, fraud and violent crime. He has shown particular ability indefence work, achieving several high-profile acquittalsin challenging cases.
"Rhodri is an affable character who is jury and judge-friendly. He is tactically very sensible and a very focused advocate. He takes a practical approach and adapts when he needs to."
Stephen Shay is a capable barrister who is regularly instructed to prosecute and defendserious cases such as homicide, complex fraud andsexual offences. He has further experience in the handling of people-smuggling cases and fraud offences. As a Grade 4 CPS prosecutor, he is also on the CPS specialist rape panel.
"He is very fair in his approach and is highly effective in his presentation of a case."