No5 Barristers’ Chambers is a nationally recognised UK set of barristers with a long‑established reputation in criminal law, providing specialist advocacy and advice in serious, complex, and high‑profile criminal cases. Our criminal barristers act for both the prosecution and the defence at all stages of criminal proceedings.
The Crime Group comprises 18 Silks and 37 Juniors offering unrivalled strength in depth and exemplary client service, with specialists providing their expertise in the most complex criminal trials. Our Crime Barristers offer a nationwide service and is regarded as the pre-eminent criminal set on the Midland Circuit. We pride ourselves on our commitment to clients and excellent advocacy.
Our King’s Counsel have been instructed on behalf of both the prosecution and the defence in many of the leading criminal trials of the last decade. Our Junior counsel provides instructing solicitors and their clients with expertise at all levels, and at all stages of the criminal process.
Members of the group who provide representation throughout the country are regularly involved in serious and high-profile cases. Examples include The News of the World phone hacking case, the MPs’ expenses scandal, numerous Counter Terrorism Trials and the plot to smuggle drugs and phones into prisons, which was the subject of a TV documentary.
Counsel prosecute and defend on both a legal aid basis, and on a privately funded basis.
Work is undertaken at all levels with a considerable increase in the amount of regulatory work undertaken over recent years.
We offer barristers with expertise across a range of specialist areas including:
Our counsel are experienced in drafting both grounds of appeal and applications for judicial review.
Thank you to all those who attended our Pupillage Open Evening at our London office. It was lovely to meet and talk with so many…
Are you considering a career at the bar and interested in applying for a pupillage at No5 Chambers? We’re delighted to announce two exciting pupillage…
We enjoyed hosting the Denmark vs England Euros game yesterday! We looking forward to more thrilling matches ahead⚽
Cathlyn Orchard, led by Jennifer Josephs KC from St Philips, successfully prosecuted 3 brothers for the murder of 22-year-old Mohammed Khan. A fourth man was…
On 6th February, following a 13-day trial at Birmingham Crown Court, 29-year-old Michael Povey was convicted of the murder of 28-year-old Lee Baker. Instructed by…
Deng Chol Majek has been sentenced to Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 29 years in a case prosecuted by No 5 barristers, Michelle…
Sharon Bahia and Ashanti-Jade Walton successfully prosecuted Deshaun White and Shaun Andrews for offences of Attempted Murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life…
Michael Burrows KC and Olivia Whitworth have successfully prosecuted John McDonald for causing the death of Suzanne Cherry, who was fatally injured whilst playing golf…
Joshua Purser successfully argued that his client’s sentence for numerous historic sexual offences against his stepdaughter was manifestly excessive. He persuaded the Court that the…
Harpreet Sandhu KC was instructed by the CPS’ Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division to prosecute two men who were convicted (after a trial before…
Chloë Ashley acted for the Crown in the prosecution of Norbert Gyurcsik, a 48-year-old man from Hereford, who has been sentenced to 40 months’ imprisonment…
Michael Burrows KC and Cathlyn Orchard, instructed by West Midlands Complex Casework Unit, have successfully prosecuted Seeraj Ayub for the murder of 19 year old…
Matthew Brook KC has successfully prosecuted Mohammed Samak, for the brutal murder of his wife Jo. The Defendant, who had played international hockey for both…
Michelle Heeley KC, leading Holly Kilbey, were instructed to prosecute Deng Chol Majek, who was found guilty by a unanimous jury at Wolverhampton Crown Court…
Phil Bradley KC and Sarah Slater, instructed by Samantha Dixon of the Serious Violence, Organised Crime and Exploitation Unit, prosecuted 46-year-old Aaron Nubie and 28-year-old Kimani…
On Wednesday, 17 September 2025, Harpreet Sandhu KC (Leader of the Midland Circuit and representing the Bar Council) gave evidence before the House of Lords…
On 12th September 2025, 39-year-old Matthew Jonathan was sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of 55-year-old Jamie Gawler. His Honour Judge Burbidge KC…