Chambers Review

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

No5 Barristers' Chambers retains its reputation as a leading set for criminal work on the Midlands Circuit, with a "large selection of excellent barristers" who regularly act for both the prosecution and the defence. Members are experienced in the handling of cases involving serious crimes such as homicides, sexual offences and corporate manslaughter. Additional areas of expertise for the team include criminal frauds and terrorism cases. Tenants have recently been instructed in cases including R v Mayo, regarding the prosecution of a woman charged with the historic murder of her new-born son.

Tony McDaid is the director of clerking.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers
1
Jonas Hankin KC
1
Band 1

Jonas Hankin KC is a silk who provides expertise in complex criminal cases. He has developed a particular niche in infant and child murder cases involving complex expert evidence.His practice takes in cases requiring sophisticated analysis of pathological evidence.

"Jonas really knows his stuff. He has really good technical knowledge and is really good at communicating it, making complex things simple."

1
Michael Burrows KC
1
Band 1

Michael Burrows KC is a respected silk who regularly handles a broad variety of complex criminal cases. He has experience of acting for both the prosecution and defence and is regularly instructed in serious cases involving sexual offences, drug trafficking and murder.

"Michael is a high-class act."

Michael Duck KC
1
Michael Duck KC
1
Band 1

Michael Duck KC is a highly regarded practitioner who regularly acts as prosecution and defence in serious criminal cases. He has notable expertise in fraud and organised crime with a strong track record in high-profile criminal cases.

"Michael is so pleasant and knowledgeable and he has a knack for putting clients at ease. He breaks down the most complex case and is very forthcoming in providing advice and help."

"He is very much regarded as an excellent practitioner."

"He is a formidable opponent."

"Michael is a terrific man with a lovely manner with the jury."

1
Michelle Heeley KC
1
Band 1

Michelle Heeley KC provides experienced prosecution and defence counsel across a broad range of high-profile matters. She has expert knowledge of criminal fraud, drug trafficking, rape, murder and other serious criminal offences. She has significant expertise in dealing with vulnerable witnesses.

"She is an absolute class act, a really gifted advocate and a very pleasant person to deal with."

2
Adrian Keeling KC
2
Band 2

Adrian Keeling KC is highlighted for his strategic approach to heavyweight drugs and homicide cases. He also has significant experience of handling fraud cases. He frequently acts for both the prosecution and the defence.

"Adrian is very smooth and thorough. He is particularly good in court for difficult cases."

"Adrian is a very experienced, calm advocate with very good judgement and an analytical sense of the problems he deals with."

2
Daniel Oscroft
2
Band 2

Daniel Oscroft attracts praise for his ability in criminal cases. He offers further experience in cases concerning proceeds of crime and regulatory issues.

"Daniel is a very capable and solid operator and he's great with clients."

"He is a very bright barrister, very hard-working and enthusiastic."

"Danie is bright, personable and gets on well with clients. He is always coming up with ideas and works hard for the circuit."

2
David Mason KC
2
Band 2

David Mason KC is an esteemed all-rounder who has significant experience of handling heavyweight criminal cases. He is particularly well regarded for his work in infant death, child cruelty and murder cases and he receives accolades for his skill in matters involving complex medical expert testimony.

"David is a good advocate and very tenacious and fun to work with."

"David is a great advocate who simply oozes quality and class. His demeanour is appealing to the jury and judges alike. The defendants also find his opinion well thought-out and logical."

2
John O'Higgins
2
Band 2

John O'Higgins is an accomplished junior who has acted in a vast number of cases, including those concerning homicide, serious violence, terrorism, sexual offences and fraud.He regularly acts for both the prosecution and the defence.

"He is a smooth advocate who is well prepared and chooses his words very carefully. He is very good at recognising the core issues in a case and focusing on them."

2
Martin Liddiard
2
Band 2

Martin Liddiard is an experienced practitioner who regularly acts as prosecution and defence counsel. His practice spans the full ambit of criminal law, with noted expertise in drug-related offences, commercial fraud and violent and sexual offences.

"His ability to read and adapt to the jury is exemplary, often culminating in compelling closing speeches in the most complex of cases."

3
Antonie Muller
3
Band 3

Antonie Muller is a respected junior who prosecutes and defends in serious criminal matters. He handles homicide offences as well as firearms, drugs and sexual offences.

"Antonie is very experienced and a safe pair of hands."

Harpreet Singh Sandhu KC
3
Harpreet Singh Sandhu KC
3
Band 3

Harpreet Singh Sandhu KC has expertise in heavyweight criminal cases such as those involving rape and murder. He is a Grade 4 CPS prosecutor and has experience on multi-handed matters. He also has expertise in dealing with drugs conspiracies and violent offences. He is noted for his sensitive handling of vulnerable defendants.

"Harpreet is a consummate advocate who always has a thorough understanding of the case at hand. His easy-going mannerisms are equally appealing to the jury and the judges."

"Harpreet is an incredibly smooth operator and juries love him."

3
Mark S. Heywood KC
3
Band 3

Mark Heywood KC is a versatile silk offering considerable experience prosecuting and defending serious criminal proceedings. He maintains a broad practice that comprises work on cases concerning murder, fraud and sexual offences. He also has considerable experience handling drug-trafficking cases.

"His style is calm and authoritative. He has a manner in cross-examination that is persuasive and firm."

3
Sharon Bahia
3
Band 3

Sharon Bahia is held in high regard for her ability to prosecute and defend serious criminal cases. She is instructed on cases including murder, armed robbery and sexual offences.

"She has very good instincts and she quickly gets the feel of a case."

3
Tim Pole
3
Band 3

Tim Pole is an accomplished Crown Court practitioner who specialises in cases concerning motoring and regulatory crime. Health and safety prosecutions and confiscations form a particular area of focus.

"He is highly knowledgeable and has a great bedside manner."

Matthew Brook KC
New Silks

Matthew Brook is experienced in the handling of both prosecution and defence work. He is regularly instructed in serious drug supply and trafficking cases and cases involving undercover police officers.

"Matthew is clever, thorough and a good lawyer."

"Matthew deals with extremely sensitive material and he is exceptional with the law. He knows cases inside and out and works extremely hard. He's a naturally concise and down-to-earth advocate."

Ranked Barristers at
No5 Barristers' Chambers

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Filter by
Band

Silks (KC)

Midlands (Bar)

Crime

1
Jonas Hankin KC
1
Band 1
1
Michael Burrows KC
1
Band 1
Michael Duck KC
1
Michael Duck KC
1
Band 1
1
Michelle Heeley KC
1
Band 1
2
Adrian Keeling KC
2
Band 2
2
David Mason KC
2
Band 2
Harpreet Singh Sandhu KC
3
Harpreet Singh Sandhu KC
3
Band 3
3
Mark S. Heywood KC
3
Band 3
Matthew Brook KC
New Silks

Juniors

Midlands (Bar)

Crime

2
Daniel Oscroft
2
Band 2
2
John O'Higgins
2
Band 2
2
Martin Liddiard
2
Band 2
3
Antonie Muller
3
Band 3
3
Sharon Bahia
3
Band 3
3
Tim Pole
3
Band 3