Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers
Crime - Wales & Chester (Bar)
1
Band 1
What the Team is Known For

Apex Chambers is highly regarded for its strong bench of barristers, who are regularly called upon to prosecute and defend complex criminal cases. Its practice includes violent crimes, multi-handed murders and sexual offences, including those in which the victims are minors. Members have recently been involved in matters including the defence of Andrew Southwood, who allegedly murdered his partner's brother, a convicted sex offender.

Craig Mansfieldis the senior clerk.

Strengths

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Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers
1
Ruth Smith
1
Band 1

Ruth Smith is a specialist in a wide range of cases, including those concerning serious fraud, sexual offences and violent crimes. She has gained particular praise for her personable nature and her ability to sensitively handle vulnerable witnesses.

"She is excellent at her job and is very thorough. She puts the extra effort in and is very approachable."

"Ruth is a superior advocate."

2
Christopher Rees KC
2
Band 2

Christopher Rees KC is a versatile and well-respected criminal barrister. He has significant experience handling cases involving complex crime and high costs, specialising in white-collar fraud, major drug conspiracies and homicides.

"Chris provides high-level advocacy and preparation."

2
Jonathan Elystan Rees KC
2
Band 2

Jonathan Elystan Rees KC is an expert in white-collar fraud, but with significant talent and experience in general crime, sports disciplinary work and police misconduct cases.

"Jonathan is an excellent advocate and builds a rapport with all witnesses, and then skilfully reinforces or challenges their evidence in a way that holds the jury's attention."

"He is a very seasoned silk."

"He is a fantastic advocate and very smooth."

3
John Ryan
3
Band 3

John Ryan is a highly capable criminal defence advocate with experience in cases involving sexual offences and child abuse. He is instructed to act for both the prosecution and defence.

"John is excellent whenever instructed and whatever he's instructed on."

3
Marian Lewis
3
Band 3

Marian Lewis is a strong practitioner known to sources for her expert handling of sexual offence cases and for her particular sensitivity with young or vulnerable witnesses. She has significant experience in a range of serious criminal cases, including homicide, fraud and drug conspiracies. She acts for both the prosecution and the defence.

"She is excellent in the way she deals with matters and is a very good barrister."

3
Susan Ferrier
3
Band 3

Susan Ferrier has a strong criminal practice with a focus on serious sexual offences. She demonstrates expertise in cases concerning historical sexual allegations and those where young and vulnerable witnesses are involved. She is also instructed across other areas of crime, including cases relating to homicide and substantial drug conspiracies.

"Susan is very impressive."

3
Timothy Evans
3
Band 3

Timothy Evans offers experience acting for the prosecution and the defence in areas such as general crime, white-collar fraud, disciplinary tribunals and regulatory law. He specialises particularly in serious fraud and confiscation cases.

"He handles cases superbly and gets very good results."

Ranked Barristers at
Apex Chambers

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Filter by
Band

Silks (KC)

Wales & Chester (Bar)

Crime

2
Christopher Rees KC
2
Band 2
2
Jonathan Elystan Rees KC
2
Band 2

Juniors

Wales & Chester (Bar)

Crime

1
Ruth Smith
1
Band 1
3
John Ryan
3
Band 3
3
Marian Lewis
3
Band 3
3
Susan Ferrier
3
Band 3
3
Timothy Evans
3
Band 3