5KBW - Leading Barristers' Chambers
Background

5KBW is widely recognised both nationally and internationally as a leading criminal set, providing expert advice and outstanding representation across the full spectrum of criminal offences. Within chambers, we have barristers with experience of representation in courts at every level and in cases from the ostensibly straightforward to the most complex.

Our members have extensive experience in handling cases involving:

  • Serious and violent crime
  • Sexual offences
  • Drug offences
  • Fraud and financial crime
  • Firearms offences
  • Public order offences
  • Road traffic offences

5KBW offers unrivalled expertise and exceptional ability at all levels throughout the legal process, from pre-charge advice to representation before the highest appellate courts.


First-class advocacy and expertise

Members of 5KBW are dedicated to delivering legal representation of the highest calibre and achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients. The quality of our advice and advocacy is frequently recognised by the judiciary, instructing and opposing solicitors, and clients, combining detailed technical legal knowledge with engaging and persuasive courtroom performance. Our members are renowned for upholding the finest traditions of the bar – integrity and professionalism allied to astute strategy, tactical excellence and a willingness to work with opposing counsel to achieve the best outcomes.

Read more

Public access work

A number of our members accept instructions via the Public Access Scheme, which allows individuals and businesses to instruct a barrister directly without needing to go through a solicitor first. This can provide a cost-effective and efficient route to accessing expert legal representation.

Why choose us?

At 5KBW, we pride ourselves on our commitment to technical excellence, professionalism, and client-focused service. Whether you are a solicitor seeking a first-class advocate or a private individual in need of expert legal advice and representation, we have a talented barrister who can help.

If you require specialist criminal representation, please contact us today to discuss how we can support 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

"A serious outfit with the ability to take on very high-level cases."

Legal 500 2017

"Containing 'a wealth of high-end experience' in criminal law, 'chambers is providing the full package at a time when others fail or fall by the wayside."

Legal 500 2016

General Crime Barristers

Sarah Forshaw KC

Call 1987 | Silk 2008

Mark Heywood KC

Call 1985 | Silk 2010

Jonathan Higgs KC

Call 1987 | Silk 2011

Anthony Orchard KC

Call 1991 | Silk 2011

Natasha Wong KC

Call 1993 | Silk 2017

Danny Robinson KC

Call 1993 | Silk 2019

Charlotte Newell KC

Call 1994 | Silk 2020

James Brown KC

Call 1999 | Silk 2025

Sexual Offences

John Fairhead

Call 1978

Simon Sandford

Call 1979

Irshad Sheikh

Call 1983

Mark Dacey

Call 1985

Pieter Briegel

Call 1986

Martin Hooper

Call 1988

Gregory Fishwick

Call 1996

David Osborne

Call 1996

Benjamin Temple

Call 1997

Pauline Thompson

Call 1998

Jason Cross

Call 1998

Sexual Offences

Ian Dear

Call 1999

Catherine Pattison

Call 2000

Louise Oakley

Call 2001

Sexual Offences

Gordon Carse

Call 2002

William Davis

Call 2003

Sexual Offences

Valeria Swift

Call 2003

Dickon Reid

Call 2005

Ben Holt

Call 2006

Rupert Kent

Call 2006

Nicholas Robinson

Call 2007

Fiona Ryan

Call 2009

Charlotte Hole

Call 2009

Aska Fujita

Call 2011

Frederick Hookway

Call 2011

Ria Banerjee

Call 2012

Samantha Bonner

Call 2013

Jack Triggs

Call 2014

Phoebe Bragg

Call 2015

Rosheen Iyer

Call 2015

Sam Willis

Call 2015

Olivia Haggar

Call 2016

Harry O’Sullivan

Call 2016

William Sneddon

Call 2016

Anna Dutka

Call 2018

Grace Bowland

Call 2021

Aamina Khalid

Call 2022

Claire Mainwaring

Call 2022

Harriet Palfreman

Call 2022

Maddison Fisher

Call 2023

Jonathan Reuben

Call 2012

General Crime News

Read more about 25 years for man who smuggled more than 3000 people into Europe
Acquittal for man acting in self-defence
Read more about Acquittal for man acting in self-defence
Acquittal of blackmail and forced labour allegations
Read more about Acquittal of blackmail and forced labour allegations

View all related news and resources

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.)