Email address
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(0121) 246 7000Chambers Review
The barristers at St Philips Chambers are regularly instructed in complex criminal cases and have experience of appearing before the courts at all levels, up to and including the Supreme Court and the International Criminal Court. The set houses considerable expertise in serious crimes, including sexual offences, murder, terrorism and large-scale conspiracies, and its barristers are regularly called upon to act for both the prosecution and the defence. Recent case highlights for set members include R v Margol, concerning the homicide of a taxi driver over a dispute over the fare.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"St Philips has a superb clerking team who are aware of solicitors' needs and always willing to assist. Dan Zouch in particular is determined to provide top quality service."
"AndrewRourke leads the criminal law clerking team and has a successful approach."
"The clerks have an excellent working relationship with the court and are always very helpful and good at keeping the client happy."
"The clerking team is responsive, engaging and accommodating and dedicated to a top-notch service which is evident in their prompt and efficient handling of enquiries and case management."
"The clerks are brilliant, particularly AndrewRourke who is extremely helpful and courteous."
"St Philips has a superb clerking team who are aware of solicitors' needs and always willing to assist. Dan Zouch in particular is determined to provide top quality service."
"AndrewRourke leads the criminal law clerking team and has a successful approach."
"The clerks have an excellent working relationship with the court and are always very helpful and good at keeping the client happy."
"The clerking team is responsive, engaging and accommodating and dedicated to a top-notch service which is evident in their prompt and efficient handling of enquiries and case management."
"The clerks are brilliant, particularly AndrewRourke who is extremely helpful and courteous."
Notable Practitioners
Andrew Jackson is an experienced Grade 4 prosecutor who is regularly instructed in heavyweight criminal matters. He also defends, and is skilled at handling major drugs, fraud and sex offence cases.He has substantial expertise of advocacy in St Helena.
"Andrew is first rate counsel, who grasps case issues at an early stage and provides excellent advocacy for clients."
"Andrew is a serious operator at the top end of general crime and fraud. He manages challenging situations and command the respect of opponents and the bench."
"Andrew is a top class practitioner who genuinely cares about giving a quality service."
Richard Atkins KC has led the defence and prosecution of many complex criminal trials covering offences such as murder, manslaughter, rape, fraud and drug importation.He also possesses significant experience handling terrorism-related charges as well as health and safety cases.
"He is a superb leading counsel and provides advice in a robust and easy-to-understand manner. He is an excellent advocate who carries the courtroom with him."
"Richard is an advocate with charisma and an engaging style. He is bright and wholly committed to the case he is fighting for. He always marshals his cases very well and is an excellent strategist."
Tom Walkling is a specialist criminal barrister and a Grade 4 prosecutor with a wealth of experience handling serious criminal cases. His broad expertise encompasses murder and serious sexual assault cases. He is regularly instructed to act for both the prosecution and the defence.
"Tom is a truly first-class advocate. He is experienced at dealing with matters of the utmost gravity with confidence and great ability and he has excellent client focus."
"Tom is a serious advocate who commands respect. Clients appreciate his ability to distil complex legal issues into clear, concise arguments and his professional demeanour fosters confidence and trust."
"Tom is an excellent and hard-working counsel."
Ben Williams is a well-regarded junior who primarily defends in heavyweight criminal matters but who also accepts instruction for the prosecution. His broad practice covers gang-related offences, drug importation, murder, manslaughter and fraud.
"Ben is confident and calm and knows his stuff and the law. He is very impressive and his written work is incredible."
"Ben is a well-respected and capable advocate and a pleasure to instruct."
Jennifer Josephs is a well-regarded junior who acts for both the prosecution and the defence. She has experience of handling complex sexual offence, homicide, firearms and terrorism cases, and is well versed in dealing with vulnerable witnesses.
"Jennifer is very well respected, always well prepared and popular with judges. She is extremely talented, composed and persuasive."
"Jennifer is very highly rated and an excellent defence and prosecution advocate. She is very fair, with a meticulous approach to issues and a pleasure to negotiate with."
"She is a superb counsel, undertakes complex cases and manages the finer details with ease."
Jonathan Barker acts for both the prosecution and the defence in serious criminal cases and regulatory proceedings. He has experience prosecuting fraud and sexual offence cases.
"He is a reliable and extremely capable counsel."
"Jonathan is a gifted advocate and extremely approachable in all aspects of the case."
William Douglas-Jones appears in severe and complex criminal cases, including multi-handed murder cases. He often acts for the defendant.
"He is incredibly bright, with a real presence in court. His presentation and manner inspire confidence. The judges trust what he says because he researches well and is passionate about the work."
"He is a wise, capable advocate whose insightful legal acumen and strategic thinking consistently impress. He navigates complex matters with clarity and precision and is a valuable asset to any team."
"Will is a superb advocate and a gifted negotiator with an excellent manner towards the lay and professional client alike. He is one of the leading lights at the West Midlands Bar."
"William is a superb counsel, who is very hard-working and an excellent advocate."
"He is an excellent barrister who is always a good choice for any of my clients."
Ben Close is a Grade 4 prosecutor who also defends in a broad range of serious crime. He has particular expertise handling large drugs cases both led and unled.
"Ben is incredibly able, articulate and fierce. He is a very polished and polite advocate."
"Ben is really hot on the facts and is helpful and incisive on the law."
Rebecca Wade KC has a strong serious crime practice and notable experience of handling cases involving attempted murder, rape and robbery. She regularly acts for both the prosecution and the defence.
"She's a super barrister, determined and diligent."