Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers
Crime - South Eastern (Bar)
1
Band 1
What the Team is Known For

Drystone Chambers has a prominent presence in East Anglia and maintains an impressive reputation for its serious crime practice. Members of the set offer notable skill acting as both defence and prosecution counsel in high-profile cases. Its barristers regularly handle cases relating to murder, sexual offences and gross negligence manslaughter, as well as fraud and regulatory issues. The set also offers strong capabilities in extradition. Recent instructions for the set have included prosecuting in R v Goncalves-Taborda and Olaiya-Imam, concerning the homicide of an 11-week-old baby.

Strengths

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Notable Practitioners

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Claire Matthews
1
Claire Matthews
1
Band 1

Claire Matthews is regularly instructed across London and East Anglia to work in cases ranging from serious sexual offences to child neglect. She distributes her time equally between prosecuting and defending. She is particularly adept at handling complex homicides and medico-legal cases.

"She is an absolutely fantastic advocate, great at dealing with clients and very approachable."

"She is extremely thorough and approaches her cases with care. She communicates extremely well, is quick to respond and always available. Claire provides an excellent level of service."

"She is well organised, proactive in case management and an excellent advocate. She communicates well with her clients in conferences."

Karim Khalil KC
1
Karim Khalil KC
1
Band 1

Karim Khalil KC is a standout criminal silk and an esteemed practitioner across the South Eastern Circuit. He is considered by his peers to be one of the leading figures in his practice area. He has significant experience taking on some of the highest profile, most sensitive and high-value cases. He has particular expertise in cases concerning fraud and murder.

"He is the safest pair of hands and his case preparation is phenomenal. His advocacy is dynamite and his client care skills spot-on."

William Carter
1
William Carter
1
Band 1

William Carter is an experienced and highly capable barrister who prosecutes and defends across a range of criminal issues. He specialises in cases that involve technical detail, and is regularly instructed in heavy fraud and medico-legal cases. He has extensive knowledge of matters concerning 'shaken baby syndrome'.

"William never fails to impress. He is an outstanding advocate with a wealth of experience. He would be my go-to on every case if it were possible."

"He is articulate, intelligent and revered and a no-nonsense barrister who is at the top of the game."

"He is a hugely talented lawyer with an eye for detail who can forensically dissect a case. He is in high demand by clients and much respected by the courts and his peers."

2
Isobel Ascherson
2
Band 2

Isobel Ascherson is a highly experienced junior with a varied caseload including murder, fraud and drugs matters. She is noted for her representation of professionals facing allegations of serious sexual offences.

"Isobel is a fantastic advocate who always gets the best results for her clients."

"Isobel is entirely unflappable. She is the epitome of calm and reason and excels in the most sensitive cases. Her case preparation and advocacy are outstanding and she exudes confidence."

"She has a good reputation, is always very careful and is impressive."

Stephen Spence
2
Stephen Spence
2
Band 2

Stephen Spence is adept at handling all aspects of serious crime and has a specialism in internet crime. He prosecutes and defends criminal offences such as sexual assault and murder. He also has particular expertise in aviation cases.

"Stephen Spence is a well-regarded and trusted advocate. He routinely handles complex matters and understands the needs of the client."

Ranked Barristers at
Drystone Chambers

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Filter by
Band

Silks (KC)

South Eastern (Bar)

Crime

Karim Khalil KC
1
Karim Khalil KC
1
Band 1

Juniors

South Eastern (Bar)

Crime

Claire Matthews
1
Claire Matthews
1
Band 1
William Carter
1
William Carter
1
Band 1
2
Isobel Ascherson
2
Band 2
Stephen Spence
2
Stephen Spence
2
Band 2