Crime
UK Bar Guide 2025 : Western (Bar)
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(01962) 868161Chambers Review
Pump Court Chambers is a well-regarded set noted for its expert handling of a wide range of criminal cases. Members are regularly called upon to act for both the prosecution and defence in cases involving serious crimes such as murder, drugs-related matters and serious sexual offences. Additional areas of strength for the team include fraud and cases relating to serious violence. Members of the set were recently successful in defending David McLean, the former mayor of Winchester who was charged with the attempted murder of his 92 year-old mother.
Senior clerk Tony Atkins is supported by Tony George leading the criminal clerking team.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The clerks are polite and efficient."
"The clerks are always responsive in my dealings with them."
"The clerks are very efficient and approachable, always trying to accommodate requests."
"The clerks are very helpful and will try and accommodate where they can when specific counsel is requested. They also identify issues soon after they arise with counsel availability."
"The clerks are polite and efficient."
"The clerks are always responsive in my dealings with them."
"The clerks are very efficient and approachable, always trying to accommodate requests."
"The clerks are very helpful and will try and accommodate where they can when specific counsel is requested. They also identify issues soon after they arise with counsel availability."
Notable Practitioners
Sarah Jones KC has a strong reputation for her broad criminal expertise and demonstrates considerable strengths in multi-complainant sexual offence matters and historic claims of sexual abuse. She also has expertise in violent offences including kidnapping and aggravated burglary. She is adept at dealing with vulnerable witnesses and defendants.
"Sarah is excellent. She is loved by the judges and really fierce in her defence practice."
Rebecca Fairbairn is a strong advocate who has experience prosecuting and defending across a broad range of criminal matters from homicide to fraud. She is regularly instructed in relation to serious violent and sexual offences. As a Grade 4 prosecutor she is often instructed by the CPS and is a specialist rape panel member.
"She is a tenacious barrister who commands the courtroom well and she is confident. She keeps the jury's attention on the pertinent facts and is succinct in her delivery."
Ellie Farginis a highly impressivecriminal junior. She is well regarded for her strong practice and experience in handling complex criminal cases including rape and serious sexual offences.
"She is knowledgeable and has a way of relaying complex information to clients. She has a high level of client care and an ability to put defendants at ease."
"She is enthusiastic and looks after her clients."