15NBS is delighted to announce that it has been moved up to Tier 3 for Crime in the 2024 edition of the Legal 500 UK Bar Guide. Individually, 3 silks and 14 juniors have been ranked.
With ‘excellent high-calibre advocates at all levels’ 15NBS is widely praised as a ‘thriving’ criminal defence set. Martin Rutherford KC, a ‘real master in the art of advocacy’, has considerable experience in gang violence cases, including those involving joint enterprise murders, while Brian St. Louis KC was recently involved in a significant case that considered the relevance of drill music to the prosecution of gang-related offences. Beth Crocker is building a reputation as a talented junior with a broad practice that includes murder, drugs, and serious sexual offences cases, while Rory Field contributes expertise as a former DPP of Bermuda.
Leading Silks
Martin Rutherford KC – ‘Martin is a real master in the art of advocacy. With quiet calm confidence he commands the courtroom and when it comes to trial strategy he is a most astute tactician. He is one of the most humble and down-to-earth silks you will ever meet and his clients consider him to be a legal legend.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Brian St Louis KC – ‘Brian is a superb advocate who fights fearlessly for his client. He is a master tactician who is very persuasive in front of a jury as well.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Tana Adkin KC – ‘Tana is simply exceptional. She is always all over the brief and clients immediately respond well to her. Her advocacy in court is extremely clear and persuasive and she really comes into her own during cross-examination. Tana is first class in all she does.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Leading Juniors
Justin McClintock – ‘Justin is an exceptional barrister in all respects. He is extremely committed, hard-working and conscientious and his legal knowledge is beyond impressive. He has a calm and persuasive manner which allows him to deal with difficult clients with great ease. He is understanding, reassuring and always provides the best advice.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Robert Ward – ‘Robert is one of the very barristers around. His mastery and understanding of the law is a true skill which many criminal practitioners simply do not have. His written advocacy is brilliant and is matched by his authoritative skills when he is on his feet.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Clodaghmuire Callinan – ‘Clodaghmuire is a silk in the making. She knows her cases inside out, her written work is excellent, and she is great with lay clients, particularly young and vulnerable clients. She is also a great tactician and a strong and persuasive advocate.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Rupert Hallowes – ‘Rupert is simply fantastic. He is incredibly personable and gets on well with clients. He is fiercely intelligent and leaves no stone unturned in advancing a defence. He is also first class in court; articulate and charismatic in his delivery.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Sarah Read – ‘Sarah is a natural advocate. Her calm and disarming delivery makes her a favourite with judges and juries alike. When she speaks, everyone in the court room listens.’
Ranked: Tier 3
John Waller – ‘John is a persuasive advocate with a focused, composed and measured approach. His cross-examination is very effective and his closing speeches are decisive and powerful. He is a charming and charismatic barrister who is clearly very bright.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Rory Field – ‘Rory is plainly a skilled and experienced advocate. He doesn’t miss a question in cross-examination and gives compelling closing speeches. He is a pleasure to work with and polite and friendly at all times.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Ruth Zentler-Munro – ‘Ruth is an outstanding lawyer. She is a superb defence advocate and pleasure to work with.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Beth Crocker – ‘Beth is an extremely talented junior. She is a master tactician who knows her cases inside out and her written work is of the highest quality. She is also extremely persuasive in her submissions to judges and fantastic in cross-examination.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Clare Dowse – ‘Clare forensically considers the evidence in a case, no matter how voluminous, and provides detailed analysis and advice. She is then able to implement this level of knowledge into her advocacy, allowing her to achieve excellent results.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Charles Evans –
Ranked: Tier 4
Matthew Hardyman –
Ranked: Tier 4
Patrick Maggs –
Ranked: Tier 4
Sophie Shotton –
Ranked: Tier 4
Testimonials
‘A sensitive and supportive clerks’ room, with clerks who understand the needs and strengths of their members. Tom Parker deserves a special mention and chambers would be unable to function without the services of Sue Wright. She has been instrumental in helping to promote chambers, helping it to retain its friendly yet professional approach.’
’15NBS is a thriving set of Chambers and they have a very strong set of counsel.’
‘An excellent set for complex crime cases.’
‘An extremely strong set of barristers with lots of choice of exceptional advocates.’
‘Tom Parker is a first rate clerk – he is polite, professional and helpful.’
‘Under Glenn Matthews there is a strong and friendly clerks’ room at 15NBS. Poppy Maddison is an extremely welcome addition, who will go far.’
’15 NBS is known for having real depth of talent at each level of practice. Members are understated but effective.’
‘The clerks are excellent. They manage cases brilliantly and keep you up to date on a regular basis.’
We would like to take this opportunity to thank our clients who took the time to act as referees in this process.
The new edition of the Legal 500 can be viewed here
