Ranking tables

Crime | UK Bar

Midlands (Bar)

This section concentrates on what might be deemed 'serious' crime including illegal drugs, assault, sexual offences, terrorism and homicide. Financial crimes, including bribery and corruption, are covered separately. It covers work at all levels, from the Magistrates Court all the way to the Supreme Court and the European Court of Human Rights. Barristers ranked in this table are predominantly based on the Midlands Circuit.

Rankings overview for Sets

All Sets profiles

1

Band 1

  1. No5 Barristers' Chambers
    1
    No5 Barristers' Chambers
    Crime
    2025 | Band 1 | 14 Years Ranked
    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.
  2. St Philips Chambers
    1
    St Philips Chambers
    Crime
    2025 | Band 1 | 14 Years Ranked
    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.
2

Band 2

  1. 36 Crime
    2
    36 Crime
    Crime
    2025 | Band 2 | 12 Years Ranked
    36 Crime is a London-based chambers with a strong presence in the Midlands whose "members actively engage in cutting-edge litigation, shaping legal precedents and pushing boundaries". Areas of expertise for the set's tenants include serious and violent crimes, such as sexual offences and murders. The team is also well regarded for its handling of cybercrime, organised crime and drug trafficking cases. Recent cases for the set have included R v Barrow, arising out of the death of a family of three after their neighbour set fire to their home.
  2. Citadel Chambers
    Crime
    2025 | Band 2
3

Band 3

  1. St Ives Chambers
    3
    St Ives Chambers
    Crime
    2025 | Band 3 | 11 Years Ranked
    St Ives Chambers is an impressive set, noted for its expert handling of cases arising from the full range of criminal offences. Members are well versed in complex and serious crimes such as murders, sexual offences and human trafficking, and are regularly instructed in multi-handed cases. Matters involving drug importation and high-value frauds are also key areas of strength for the team.
  2. No.1 High Pavement
    Crime
    2025 | Band 3