Chambers Review

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

Exchange Chambers retains its reputation as a go-to set on the Northern Circuit for complex and high-profile criminal cases. Members are regularly instructed in cases relating to serious crimes, such as homicides, drugs offences and sexual abuse, and are also highly regarded for their expertise in terrorism cases and large-scale frauds. The set's barristers act for both the prosecution and the defence, and the chambers houses a number of Category 4 prosecutors. Recent cases have included the defence of Lucy Letby, concerning the appeal and a retrial for one count of murder.

Kate Masher and Dave Haley are the senior criminal clerks in Liverpool and Manchester.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers
1
Benjamin Myers KC
1
Band 1

Benjamin Myers KC is a highly experienced criminal barrister who has an emphasis on serious criminal matters such as homicide, drug trafficking and organised crime. He is regularly instructed in cases concerning high-value fraud and money laundering. He is also very capable of taking on major cases concerning sexual and violent offences, including rape and armed robbery.

"Ben is quite simply one of the best practitioners around. He is outstanding in terms of planning out his strategy for a case and then executing this through his advocacy."

"An outstanding advocate, he is extremely hard-working, easy to work with and has great client care."

"Ben is a master tactician. He is able to understand complex issues and explain them to clients in simple terms. He is very good with juries and has an excellent manner with judges and clients."

"He is absolutely phenomenal and his attention to detail and work ethic are off the scale. His tactics in advocacy are absolutely top-drawer."

"He has fantastic client care and is very thorough in the preparation of his cases. He can go into the detail of complex cases and communicates very well."

1
Damian Nolan
1
Band 1

Damian Nolan is a criminal specialist who is highly experienced in criminal matters as well as regulatory offences. He has predominantly defended cases involving drugs, homicide, blackmail and armed robbery, although he also takes on the prosecution of serious sexual offences and cases involving serious organised crime. He is instructed in heavy and complex fraud cases. His practice also encompasses health and safety work.

"He is a very experienced and approachable barrister who has an excellent skill set and is good with clients."

1
David Temkin KC
1
Band 1

David Temkin KC is experienced in both the prosecution and defence of a range of serious criminal matters. He is regularly instructed in homicide, fraud and complex conspiracy to rape cases.

"He is a first-class advocate and is incredible on his feet. He is very conscientious."

"He is one of the most outstanding practitioners in this space. He is very thoughtful and goes the extra mile for clients. His cross-examination is meticulous, as is his closing speech."

1
David Toal
1
Band 1

David Toal is an experienced criminal practitioner who regularly undertakes complex and substantial cases, including human trafficking, rape and other violent offences. He is regularly instructed in cases which attract significant publicity. He frequently represents professionals facing criminal and regulatory proceedings, particularly police officers and healthcare professionals.He is also called upon to prosecute cases involving serious sexual offences, and is a Grade 4 CPS prosecutor.

"David is very approachable and responds very quickly. He is an experienced and very well-prepared barrister, who is an excellent jury advocate."

"David is a go-to for any manner of case."

1
Michael Lavery
1
Band 1

Michael Lavery is an impressive junior known for his defence work. He regularly acts in serious murder and multi-handed drugs cases. He also specialises in white-collar crime.

"Juries really like him and he is a really persuasive advocate. He has fantastic client care skills and is at the top of his game."

"He combines super advocacy with being a real, relatable guy."

2
Alaric Bassano
2
Band 2

Alaric Bassano acts for the prosecution and defence in serious criminal matters such as homicide, attempted murder, rape and serious sexual violence. He is also instructed in cases concerning drug trafficking, firearms and gang offences.

"He has an excellent manner with clients."

3
Charlotte Rimmer
3
Band 3

Charlotte Rimmer is experienced in the handling of serious criminal cases involving sexual abuse, child abuse and multi-handed drug matters. She predominantly acts for the prosecution.

"She is thorough, very approachable and excellent with clients. She has a very good bedside manner and uses her knowledge and experience to her advantage."

3
Fiona Clancy
3
Band 3

Fiona Clancy is an experienced junior who both prosecutes and defends. She is proficient in handling a broad variety of serious cases, including homicides, organised crime and firearms offences.

"Her commitment and passion is clear and she provides the client with excellent support."

"She is a fantastic junior and is excellent with clients. She is calm under pressure and well respected by her peers."

"She is a very good advocate who is well liked by judges."

3
Gordon Cole KC
3
Band 3

Gordon Cole KC is noted for his expertise in serious criminal cases relating to murders, drugs, manslaughter and serious sexual assaults. He is also regularly instructed in complex frauds and cases involving police corruption. He acts for both the prosecution and the defence.

"Gordon is second to none with the jury and really gets into the detail of the case."

3
Ian Whitehurst
3
Band 3

Ian Whitehurst is an experienced criminal advocate whose expertise in organised crime includes gang-related homicide, drug conspiracies, corruption, conspiracy to supply firearms and armed robbery. Whitehurst also takes on cases concerning public disorder and has a specific interest in cyber-related criminal activity. He is equally adept at handling both prosecution and defence work.

"Ian's support is impressive; he is calm and he gives great advice."

Imran Shafi KC
3
Imran Shafi KC
3
Band 3

Imran Shafi KC has an excellent reputation as defence counsel in highly complex criminal cases. His workload includes cases relating to drug conspiracies, murder and sexual offences, and he has notable experience in matters with multiple defendants.

John Richard Jones KC
3
John Richard Jones KC
3
Band 3

John Richard Jones KC specialises in serious crime and fraud work, with particular expertise in money laundering and related confiscation issues, drugs and sexual offences. He is regularly involved in cases arising out of domestic terrorism. His practice also includes regulatory as well as environmental law.

3
Nicola Daley
3
Band 3

Nicola Daley is a well-regarded junior with impressive experience in a wide range of criminal cases. She is sought out for her expertise acting for both the prosecution and the defence in cases involving drugs offences, homicide and modern-day slavery, among others.

"Nicola is a fantastic, fearless advocate."

"She has excellent attention to detail regarding her preparation."

3
Richard Brigden
3
Band 3

Richard Brigden is a proven defence advocate. He is noted for his expert handling of complex serious criminal offences including homicide, drugs and sexual offences.

"He is a great communicator and is really capable in getting good results. He is hard-working and a good jury advocate, who is brilliant with clients."

"Richard is a great advocate."

Richard Littler KC
3
Richard Littler KC
3
Band 3

Richard Littler KC is a popular choice for high-profile, sensitive criminal cases, including those involving homicide and sexual offences. He acts for both the prosecution and the defence.

"Richard is very easy to work with, provides a great service and gets good outcomes."

"He is very friendly, approachable and has a good manner with clients. He listens and his advocacy in court is fantastic."

"An outstanding advocate, he is extremely hard-working, easy to work with and has great client care."

"Richard is an excellent silk. He is accommodating and approachable with the most vulnerable clients."

Ranked Barristers at
Exchange Chambers

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Silks (KC)

Northern (Bar)

Crime

1
Benjamin Myers KC
1
Band 1
1
David Temkin KC
1
Band 1
3
Gordon Cole KC
3
Band 3
Imran Shafi KC
3
Imran Shafi KC
3
Band 3
John Richard Jones KC
3
John Richard Jones KC
3
Band 3
Richard Littler KC
3
Richard Littler KC
3
Band 3

Juniors

Northern (Bar)

Crime

1
Damian Nolan
1
Band 1
1
David Toal
1
Band 1
1
Michael Lavery
1
Band 1
2
Alaric Bassano
2
Band 2
3
Charlotte Rimmer
3
Band 3
3
Fiona Clancy
3
Band 3
3
Ian Whitehurst
3
Band 3
3
Nicola Daley
3
Band 3
3
Richard Brigden
3
Band 3