5KBW - Leading Barristers' Chambers
Background

5KBW has a long-standing reputation for excellence in counter-terrorism cases, offering specialist advice and representation at all levels. Our members are frequently instructed in the defence and prosecution of the most serious and sensitive terrorism-related offences, ensuring that clients receive expert assistance from pre-charge advice through to trial advocacy, and subsequently on appeal.


Specialist expertise in counter-terrorism cases

We have extensive experience defending and prosecuting counter-terrorism cases involving:

  • Acts preparatory to terrorism
  • Membership of proscribed organisations
  • Encouragement and dissemination of terrorist material
  • Terrorist-financing and asset-freezing orders
  • Control orders and Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures (TPIMs)
  • Cross-border and international terrorism offences
  • Cases involving national security and intelligence agencies

Our members have appeared in some of the most high-profile and complex counter-terrorism cases in the UK, involving highly technical evidence and inflamed or politically sensitive issues.

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Expert evidence

Counter-terrorism cases frequently involve highly complex evidential issues. Our members’ experience with expert and forensic evidence, particularly around drugs, explosives and gun-shot residue, makes them ideal representatives in cases where violence and/or the funding of terrorist activities are involved. We can provide expertise on a variety of evidential issues including:

  • Digital forensic analysis and encrypted communications
  • Surveillance and intelligence-gathering techniques
  • Expert evidence on radicalisation and extremist ideologies
  • Financial forensic evidence related to terrorist financing
  • Forensic evidence relating to explosive and firearms

Defence advocacy at the highest level

Our members provide expert representation for defendants facing counter-terrorism charges, including individuals accused of politically or ideologically motivated offences. We recognise the significant cultural, religious, and political sensitivities that often arise in these cases and provide strategic and rigorous defence advocacy at both Silk and junior levels.

Pre-charge advice and prosecution expertise

Members of 5KBW are regularly instructed to provide pre-charge advice to prosecution authorities in counter-terrorism matters. Our counsel work closely with investigative agencies, ensuring robust and effective case-building at an early stage to ensure the highest possible chance of success. We have deep experience in advising on:

  • The admissibility of intelligence-based evidence
  • The use of covert surveillance and intercept evidence
  • The interplay between criminal law and counter-terrorism legislation
  • The application of human rights law in counter-terrorism cases
  • Counter-terrorism law applications and asset freezing orders

In addition to criminal prosecutions, our members are also instructed in counter-terrorism law-related applications, including:

  • Control Orders and TPIMs
  • Asset freezing and civil recovery under counter-terrorism legislation
  • National security deportations and extraditions
  • Challenges to administrative detention and blacklisting

Why choose us?

At 5KBW, we offer unparalleled expertise in counter-terrorism cases, combining legal excellence with strategic insight. Whether defending high-profile counter-terrorism cases, challenging government counter-terrorism measures, or advising on pre-charge investigations, we are committed to delivering the highest standard of representation.

If you require specialist legal assistance in a counter-terrorism-related case, please contact us to discuss how we can assist you.

For further information about instructing our barristers please contact our Senior Clerk.

"5KBW continues to go from strength to strength. The quality of its advocates and the work generated is very impressive."

Legal 500

"The set has repeatedly shown it has real strength and depth in counsel and has noted expertise in dealing with complex and sophisticated cases."

Chambers & Partners

Counter Terrorism Barristers

Sarah Forshaw KC

Call 1987 | Silk 2008

Mark Heywood KC

Call 1985 | Silk 2010

Danny Robinson KC

Call 1993 | Silk 2019

Charlotte Newell KC

Call 1994 | Silk 2020

Sexual Offences

Catherine Farrelly KC

Call 1999 | Silk 2024

Mark Dacey

Call 1985

Benjamin Temple

Call 1997

Dickon Reid

Call 2005

Ben Holt

Call 2006

Rupert Kent

Call 2006

Nicholas Robinson

Call 2007

Aska Fujita

Call 2011

Frederick Hookway

Call 2011

Phoebe Bragg

Call 2015

Sam Willis

Call 2015

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