23ES is widely regarded as ‘an excellent set, with a range of advocates who communicate well in the preparation and trial stages of a case’. Eloise Marshall KC possesses ‘great clarity and tenacity’ and acted for the defendant in a murder trial involving allegations of a planned killing of a restaurant employee. ‘An exceptional trial advocate who is top of her game’, Kate Lumsdon KC represented a defendant in a violent revenge attack between drug dealers stemming from an unpaid debt. Alan Gardner KC, ‘a well prepared and calm advocate with a quiet approach’, successfully prosecuted in a murder trial involving the fatal stabbing of the victim at a party, resulting in a conviction.

Red Lion Chambers, well-regarded for its strong defence and prosecution work, is home to capable barristers across all levels of experience, including several standout silks. Christopher Paxton KC is ‘a tenacious practitioner who argues his client’s case with conviction’ and is highly sought after for his impressive track record in cases involving homicide and serious sexual offences. Simon Spence KC acted as lead counsel for one of the defendants in a county lines-related murder trial, which centred on an attempted robbery that took place in the deceased’s flat. Andrew Thompson is admired for his ‘great case preparation and analysis’ and is currently representing a man accused of murdering his wife by repeatedly stabbing her in the chest before allegedly throwing her from a high-rise building. Jane Oldfield, noted for her ‘indefatigable attention to detail’, served as junior counsel in a case involving the murder of a two-year-old child who had been brutally beaten.

Six Pump Court is ‘an exceptional set’ that has ‘a very strong and able array of advocates at all levels, including silks and experienced juniors’. Richard Barraclough KC is highly experienced in advising on complex cases involving serious sexual offences, homicide, and violent crime. Nina Ellin KC successfully prosecuted a woman who was convicted of murder of her brother-in-law; stabbing the deceased outside his own pub. Peter Alcock represented a defendant in a multi-handed conspiracy case involving burglary, car theft, and attempted robbery. Kieran Brand’s recent caseload includes matters related to murder, sexual assault, and drug conspiracies and is widely praised as ‘faultless when it comes to his advocacy and engagement skills’. The set’s strength at the senior level was further enhanced by the elevation of Danny Moore KC to silk in March 2025.

Members of 187 Chambers are recognised for their ‘great strength and depth’ in tackling complex and high-profile criminal matters, including homicide, drug trafficking, and organised crime. Richard Christie KC, whose ‘attention to detail and hard work are second to none’, is highly regarded for his expertise across the full spectrum of criminal law. He is particularly praised for ‘leaving no stone unturned in fighting for his clients’. Peter Guest recently secured an acquittal for a teenager charged with attempted murder in a case involving a stabbing incident. Neil Fitzgibbon continues to build on his strong track record, regularly defending clients in a wide range of serious criminal cases.

Drystone Chambers maintains a strong reputation for its broad criminal law practice, covering serious offences including homicide, sexual offences, and gang-related crime. Karim Khalil KC is ‘an authoritative and persuasive advocate with excellent analytical skills and attention to detail’, and was instructed by the CPS in the successful prosecution of defendants involved in a nightclub and street shooting between rival drug gangs in a case involving issues surrounding bad character evidence and the legal definition of gang affiliation. Lynne Shirley is building a reputation as a talented junior with a broad practice that includes murder and serious sexual offences cases. She is particularly noted for her ‘thoughtful and razor-sharp cross-examination’.

Lamb Building (Brighton) is one of the leading crime sets in the region, frequently instructed in high-profile and serious cases. Andrew Selby KC recently acted for a young mother in a murder trial, accused of fatally stabbing her former lover following a drink-fuelled altercation in the early hours of the morning. Christopher Prior prosecuted a defendant facing multiple charges arising from an incident in which he attempted to enforce a drug debt by kidnapping and assaulting the complainant.

The 36 Group is ‘an excellent set, with members frequently appearing in the most heavyweight and complex criminal cases’. Mary Prior KC, who is praised for ‘combines an outstanding intellect with an extraordinary capacity for hard work’, recently defended a woman accused of suffocating her terminally ill father while in a state of stress and intoxication. Sally Hobson acted for a defendant in a murder trial concerning the fatal assault of a friend, which allegedly involved striking the victim with a bottle and forcing a sock down his throat.