Crime
UK Guide 2025 : London (Firms)
Band 3
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7353 1990About
Provided by Bark&co
Bark&co continues to act in large, high-profile criminal cases, following arrests for murder, money laundering, drugs importation, sexual offences, people smuggling and cyber crime. Our focus is on high-end work, much of it with an international dimension.
High-profile recent examples include the News of the World‘ phone hacking’ prosecution and subsequent computer hacking investigations; the Melanie Hall historical murder case; the case of cricket match fixing / conspiracy to pervert the course of justice involving former New Zealand captain Chris Cairns; the Clerkenwell ‘crime syndicate’ case; the Operation Yewtree sexual offences investigation; the landmark Agnes Taylor case, involving torture offences dating back to the Liberian civil war and the largest criminal case of its time; and the UK’s largest ever burglary case (carried out by an international criminal gang against a series of celebrities in December 2019). Further recent highlights have included securing the acquittal of a client on one of two conspiracies to murder following a ten-week trial at the Central Criminal Court; and acting in a high-value theft case concerning an alleged conspiracy involving the acquisition of stolen car parts for international exportation on an industrial scale, as well as assisting clients in international drugs supply, firearms and terrorism matters. While the firm is well known for its discretion, Bark&co’s services are also sought after in cutting-edge matters in the public eye.
Chambers Review
Bark&co adeptly handles the full spectrum of serious crime, from violent and sexual offences through to international criminal law matters. The firm advises clients facing charges of murder and attempted murder as well as tackling large drugs supply cases and other matters related to organised crime. It also regularly handles cases concerning well-known figures in the entertainment world. The team undertakes both legal aid and privately funded work.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The team displays an outstanding commitment, dedication and professionalism. They have a can-do attitude and the necessary experience to handle cases at all levels."
"They do everything they can for their clients."
"They have good resources to assist their clients in the best way possible."
"The team consistently demonstrates a deep understanding of intricate issues, they approach problems with a strategic mindset and deliver thoughtful, well-structured solutions."
"You can just rely on them to get the work done and they have very good relationships with their clients."
"The team displays an outstanding commitment, dedication and professionalism. They have a can-do attitude and the necessary experience to handle cases at all levels."
"They do everything they can for their clients."
"They have good resources to assist their clients in the best way possible."
"The team consistently demonstrates a deep understanding of intricate issues, they approach problems with a strategic mindset and deliver thoughtful, well-structured solutions."
"You can just rely on them to get the work done and they have very good relationships with their clients."
Notable Practitioners
Giles Bark-Jones is founder of Bark&co and has a wide-ranging criminal defence practice. He advises clients in cases of murder, drugs importation and historic sexual offences, among others.
"Giles Bark-Jones is an excellent leader and ambassador for the firm."
Vanessa Wiggins is an accomplished criminal defence solicitor with particular expertise representing clients accused of murder and other serious violent offences. She also has experience acting in multi-handed drugs cases.
"Vanessa Wiggins is a phenomenal lawyer in every way, operating at an extremely high level and she gives every single case the care it deserves."
"Vanessa leaves no stone unturned."
"An excellent solicitor with a thorough knowledge of her cases."