Chambers Review

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

New Park Court Chambers is a well-regarded set on the North Eastern Circuit, noted for its expertise spanning the full range of serious criminal work. The set houses "an excellent range of good counsel" who are regularly instructed in high-profile homicides and sexual assault cases, and have considerable experience of acting for both the prosecution and defence. Additional areas of strength for the team include organised crime cases arising from gangland murders and drugs conspiracies, and terrorism offences. Members frequently appear before the Crown Courts and the Court of Appeal. Recent instructions have included R v Cox, concerning the defence of a woman charged with child destruction and procuring an abortion.

Teresa Pugh is the practice director.

Strengths

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Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers
Paul Greaney KC
Star Individuals

Paul Greaney KC is an outstanding barrister who is routinely instructed in high-profile homicide and organised crime cases, and offers broader expertise in the areas of financial crime and inquests and public inquiries. He also has extensive experience in terrorism cases and regulatory crimes.

"Paul is a superb advocate and one of the leading counsel in the country for criminal litigation."

"Simply breath-taking; Paul is a superstar and his reputation precedes him."

"He is a superstar of the circuit and he is probably one of the most sought-after criminal barristers in the country."

Robert Smith KC
Star Individuals

Robert Smith KC has significant expertise in homicide, corporate manslaughter, and health and safety cases. He is also particularly well versed in medico-legal matters and demonstrates deep knowledge of human rights issues. Smith is experienced in prosecuting and defending cases involving professional defendants.

"Robert is the best of the best."

1
Geraldine Kelly
1
Band 1

Geraldine Kelly is an experienced criminal practitioner who attracts praise for the strength of her advocacy. She specialises in dealing with serious sexual offences.

"She is extremely disciplined, very well prepared, very good with clients and a brilliant advocate. She does absolutely stellar work, is tenacious and has a very charming manner."

"She has a lovely manner in court, a very calm and measured approach, which is very impressive."

"Geraldine is a natural advocate who really stands out."

1
Jason Pitter KC
1
Band 1

Jason Pitter KC routinely acts for both the defence and prosecution in a broad range of cases, including homicide, organised crime and fraud. He demonstrates particular skill when tackling drug importation cases. He accepts both publicly and privately funded instructions.

"Jason is a very good prosecutor, who is patient and listens."

1
Nicholas Lumley KC
1
Band 1

Nicholas Lumley KC frequently handles serious criminal cases, including those concerning homicide, rape and drugs. He is particularly experienced in medico-legal matters. He accepts instruction on a private basis.

"He is charm personified and has a lovely manner with the jury. He is a wonderful advocate."

2
Adam Birkby
2
Band 2

Adam Birkby's practice encompasses the full range of serious criminal matters. He is regularly instructed in heavyweight crime such as homicide, drugs and sexual offences. He also boasts significant experience in dealing with young clients and defendants with mental health issues.

"He has good judgement and an effective manner in court."

"Adam is a strong leading junior and prepares submissions thoroughly. He has a perfect advocacy style and is well received by tribunals."

2
Alistair MacDonald KC
2
Band 2

Alistair MacDonald KC is an experienced criminal barrister who is well known for his time as chair of the Bar Council. He offers vast experience in complex homicide and major fraud matters, while his prior training as a biochemist only serves to strengthen his performance in matters containing a scientific element. He also often handles regulatory crime cases.

"He is absolute top-drawer and enormously experienced. His advocacy is first-class, so he is good at trial, and judges know his reputation, so will listen to him on difficult cases."

2
Matthew Donkin
2
Band 2

Matthew Donkin is frequently instructed on complex crime cases. His practice spans a broad range of matters, including homicide and fraud offences.

"Matthew is a very strong advocate, who is able and willing to pick up complex cases at the last minute and adds serious value to the overall case."

2
Nicholas de la Poer KC
2
Band 2

Nicholas de la Poer KC is known for his expertise in serious fraud cases. He is also experienced in homicide, terrorism and sexual offence matters. He receives regular instructions from an array of regulatory bodies, including the HSE, Defra, the FCA and the Environment Agency.

"Nicholas is an excellent advocate with an ability to grasp complex concepts and communicate easily to a jury whilst managing vulnerable witnesses and defendants."

2
Simon Kealey KC
2
Band 2

Simon Kealey KC is a respected practitioner who is highly regarded for his advocacy in serious criminal cases. He is especially familiar with cases involving murders, sexual offences, drugs conspiracy and people trafficking. He undertakes public and private cases.

"Simon is an impressive and polished advocate. He is able to present complex issues effectively and persuasively with a confidence achieved through solid preparation and mastery of the evidence."

"He is a strong, capable advocate."

"He is well prepared and has an advocacy style that appeals to a jury."

3
Chloe Fairley
3
Band 3

Chloe Fairley is recognised for her wide-ranging general crime practice and excellent advocacy skills. She has a particular focus on defence work and is regularly instructed in cases involving sex crimes, violence and drugs offences.

"Chloe is knowledgeable and can quickly grasp the issues to provide practical, flexible advice, which she balances against tenacity to achieve the best outcome. She is a pleasure to work with."

Tom Storey KC
New Silks

Tom Storey KC acts for both the defence and the prosecution in a broad range of general criminal cases. He specialises in large-scale, serious criminal matters and is well respected for his deft handling of highly sensitive cases. He is also noted for handling cases involving serious sexual offences.

"Tom is super diligent and competent and has a great manner in court."

"He is very thorough and a very capable operator."

Ranked Barristers at
New Park Court Chambers

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Filter by
Band

Silks (KC)

North Eastern (Bar)

Crime

Paul Greaney KC
Star Individuals
Robert Smith KC
Star Individuals
1
Jason Pitter KC
1
Band 1
1
Nicholas Lumley KC
1
Band 1
2
Alistair MacDonald KC
2
Band 2
2
Nicholas de la Poer KC
2
Band 2
2
Simon Kealey KC
2
Band 2
Tom Storey KC
New Silks

Juniors

North Eastern (Bar)

Crime

1
Geraldine Kelly
1
Band 1
2
Adam Birkby
2
Band 2
2
Matthew Donkin
2
Band 2
3
Chloe Fairley
3
Band 3