John O’Higgins joined No5 Chambers Birmingham in 2017 bringing with him 30 years of experience of practising criminal law at the highest level in London and the South-East.
He has appeared in numerous cases of homicide [including murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, causing death by careless/dangerous driving], serious violence, sexual offences, drugs and fraud.
He is one of the small number of leading juniors on the Midland Circuit who are recommended by both of the leading Legal Directories. This is what they say about him:
Recommendations
"John is an outstanding barrister."
Chambers UK 2023
"John is very thorough in all cases and his technical ability is exceptional. He is very good at building rapport with clients and putting them at ease throughout their cases. His advocacy skills are also exceptional, often able to persuade judges and juries to accept submission he has made. He is very professional in his approach to clients and courts and is well respected by his peers."
Legal 500 2023 Tier 1
Ranked Tier 2
Chambers UK 2022
John is highly intelligent and hardworking. He is at the very top end of the junior bar and is at ease in dealing with cases which might ordinarily might be expected to merit the involvement of leading counsel.’
Legal 500 2022
An accomplished junior who has acted in a vast number of cases, including those concerning homicide, serious violence, sexual offences and fraud. He regularly acts for both the prosecution and the defence.
Strengths: "Very calm, measured and experienced. He is a tough opponent."
Chambers UK 2021
A persuasive and forceful advocate who is very tactically astute and regularly achieves the very best results for clients - TIER 1 LEADING JUNIORS
The ‘extremely intelligent and tactically astute‘ John O’Higgins is highly recommended for cases requiring a leading junior
Legal 500 2021
“A very strong advocate with an air of authority.”
Legal 500 2020
“He is very intelligent and diligent. He is very much feared by his opponents.” “His preparation, skill with clients and court manner are all very impressive.”
Chambers UK 2020
“Very intelligent, tactically astute and inspires confidence in his clients.”
Legal 500 2019
Memberships
Criminal Bar Association
Midland Circuit
South Eastern Circuit
Kent Bar Mess
Qualifications
Queens’ College, Cambridge University in Modern History [B.A. 1982; M.A. 1986]
Common Professional Examination [1983]
Law Society Final Examination [1984]
Admitted Solicitor [1986]
Called to the Bar of the Middle Temple [1990]
CPS “Grade 4” prosecution panel advocate
Specialist Rape panel advocate.
