Crime
UK Bar Guide 2025 : Wales & Chester (Bar)
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(029) 2038 2731Chambers Review
9 Park Place is a standout set on the Wales & Chester Circuit praised by sources for its "skilled advocates who deal with a wide range of cases". Its barristers are regularly instructed to prosecute and defend cases concerning terrorism, murder, drugs and sexual offences, as well as child abuse. The set also offers notable capabilities in financial crime matters. Case highlights for the set include defending in an international conspiracy to supply multiple kilos of cocaine into and around the UK.
Nigel EastandSam Johnson are the set's criminal clerks.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The clerks are very helpful and accommodating. They foresee problems and liaise in good time to find the best outcomes.They are very responsive and always prepared to help."
"9 Park Place has excellent clerks."
"The clerks are very helpful and accommodating. They foresee problems and liaise in good time to find the best outcomes.They are very responsive and always prepared to help."
"9 Park Place has excellent clerks."
Notable Practitioners
David Elias KC is a respected silk who has a strong practice in all aspects of criminal law. He acts in serious and complicated cases, including those concerning sexual offences, homicide and drug conspiracies.
"He is very clever and has an authoritative style in court."
"He is extremely good with clients and very diligent in preparation. He deals with very difficult and sophisticated cases regularly, which is apparent in his advocacy."
"He is very calm and has a very good way with the jury."
Heath Edwards is a broadly experienced criminal barrister who defends and prosecutes serious criminal cases. He regularly handles large-scale drug and fraud matters. He is well versed in cases concerning homicides and historic sexual offences.His expertise also includes proceeds of crime matters.
"Heath is an excellent advocate. He has a very good bedside manner that puts clients at ease."
"He is a very capable opponent who is extremely fair and very effective."
"Heath is an excellent junior providing detailed advice and support. He is easy to work with."
"He is very good with clients and responsive to those instructing. He is very thorough in preparing for cases and has strong advocacy skills."
"Heath is a very safe pair of hands for any brief, always engages well with the clients and has the ability to cut straight to the heart of the matter."
Matthew Roberts maintains a strong reputation for his serious crime practice both as a Grade 4 CPS prosecutor and as defence counsel. He has particular expertise in cases concerning financial crime and sexual offences.
"He is a very good communicator with clients and is excellent in preparation of cases. He is a specialist in serious sexual violence and an excellent advocate."
"Matthew is always able to cut straight to the issue and engages well with the client, providing clear and comprehensive advice."
Owen Williams is a criminal specialist who is sought out for his expertise handling cases relating to homicide, sexual offences and drug conspiracies, among others. He both prosecutes and defends.
"Owen is a talented advocate who can tailor his advocacy to suit the case. He is very easy to work with, providing advice throughout the life of a case, making preparation easier."
"Owen is excellent with clients. He is very diligent in preparatory work and an excellent advocate. He deals with all levels of work, including highly sophisticated and technical work."
"Owen is always straightforward and comprehensive in his advice and representation of the clients."
Roger Griffiths is a Grade 4 prosecutor with over 30 years' experience as a criminal barrister who deals with highly sensitive cases including complex drug conspiracies and sexual offences. He has a particular specialism in covert surveillance cases.
"He is very fair and deals with everything meticulously."