5KBW - Leading Barristers' Chambers
Background

5KBW has long been recognised as a leading set in public prosecution. Our members are trusted prosecutors with a reputation for excellence. They are renowned for their integrity, professionalism, meticulous preparation and outstanding advocacy.

We are regularly instructed by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and other prosecuting authorities to appear in the most complex, sensitive, and high-profile criminal cases around the country.


Specialist CPS and government prosecution work

Members of Chambers prosecute at all levels of the criminal courts. Currently, there are three members of the Treasury Counsel team in Chambers and two monitorees. Mark Heywood KC is former First Senior Treasury Counsel. A significant number of our barristers are accredited to the CPS Advocate Panel at Grade 4 level, both on the general panel and also the CPS specialist unit panels including:

  • Serious Economic, Organised Crime and International Directorate (SEOCID)
  • Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO)
  • Counter Terrorism Division

Our barristers are also instructed by local CPS borough groups. Members of 5KBW also regularly provide pre-charge advice to the CPS and other prosecuting agencies. This can include disclosure and third-party advice.

Our experienced team includes 10 King’s Counsel and around 40 leading juniors, many of whom are recognised by directories for their skill in prosecuting homicide, serious and organised crime, serious sexual offences, financial and business crime and other complex criminal cases.

Read more

Public sector prosecution

While we are regularly instructed by the CPS, our prosecution work extends to a broad range of government departments, local authorities and public bodies. Members of Chambers have prosecuted on behalf of:

  • The Serious Fraud Office (SFO)
  • Trading Standards departments
  • Environmental Protection Units
  • Local Authorities
  • Health and Safety Executive

Our experience includes prosecutions relating to consumer protection, counterfeit goods, food safety, environmental regulation, and disciplinary matters.

Efficient and collaborative case management

At 5KBW, we understand the importance of clear communication and efficient case handling in public prosecution work. Our barristers work collaboratively with instructing solicitors and investigating teams, maintaining detailed written records of hearings, offering prompt case updates, and delivering written advice within agreed timescales in line with the Farquharson guidelines.

We pride ourselves on being approachable and proactive throughout the lifecycle of a case, supporting our instructing solicitors with advice on disclosure, legal strategy, and trial preparation.

Developing talent and depth of experience

We foster a strong prosecution culture within Chambers. From the earliest stages of their careers our junior members gain exposure to and experience in prosecuting. They are regularly led by our senior members, enabling them to develop their skills in a culture of high standards and high expectations. The result is a deep pool of talented advocates who are well-versed in the complexities of criminal procedure and trial advocacy. This allows us to match the right barrister to every case, regardless of its size or complexity.

Why choose us

Our reputation in public prosecution is built on experience, skill, and a genuine commitment to the traditional values of the bar. Whether prosecuting serious organised crime, leading on sensitive RASSO cases, or bringing complex regulatory prosecutions on behalf of local authorities, 5KBW delivers expert advocacy, smart legal strategy and peerless professionalism.

To discuss how we can assist with public prosecution work, please contact our clerking team.

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

Public Prosecutions Barristers

Mark Heywood KC

Call 1985 | Silk 2010

Anthony Orchard KC

Call 1991 | Silk 2011

Danny Robinson KC

Call 1993 | Silk 2019

Simon Sandford

Call 1979

Irshad Sheikh

Call 1983

Benjamin Temple

Call 1997

Sexual Offences

Ian Dear

Call 1999

Catherine Pattison

Call 2000

Louise Oakley

Call 2001

William Davis

Call 2003

Dickon Reid

Call 2005

Ben Holt

Call 2006

Charlotte Hole

Call 2009

Aska Fujita

Call 2011

Frederick Hookway

Call 2011

Samantha Bonner

Call 2013

Phoebe Bragg

Call 2015

Sam Willis

Call 2015

Harry O’Sullivan

Call 2016

Anna Dutka

Call 2018

Harriet Palfreman

Call 2022

Portfolio Builder

Select the legal expertise that you would like to download or add to the portfolio

Download    Add to portfolio   
Portfolio
Title Type CV Email

Remove All

Download


Click here to share this shortlist.
(It will expire after 30 days.)