General Crime

We are one of the leading criminal sets in the UK, with a stellar reputation in our field. Our barristers specialise in all types of serious and general crime, financial crime and criminal regulatory work.

We receive instructions to prosecute and defend at every level, and accept both publicly-funded and privately-funded work.

We provide specialist representation and astute, strategic advice at all stages of a case, including pre-charge, trial and appeal. Key areas of practice include:

• Cyber crime
• Drug trafficking
• Fraud
• Human trafficking
• International crime
• Money laundering
• Murder and manslaughter
• Private prosecutions
• Road traffic offences
• Robbery
• Serious and organised crime, including corruption and bribery
• Serious sexual offences including historic abuse
• Terrorism
• Violent offences

We have 40 Category 4 Prosecutors – more than any other barristers’ chambers in the UK. We receive instructions from the CPS and other prosecuting authorities / specialist agencies including the Serious Fraud Office, the North West Counter Terrorism Unit, CAA, SOCA, HMRC, BIS, DWP, HSE and the Environment Agency.

Members appear in all levels of court and in quasi-criminal jurisdictions such as The General Medical Council, the Coroner’s Court and in all forms of judicial inquiry. Many members also specialise in regulatory and professional disciplinary hearings, where their experience from the criminal courts brings distinct advantage.

Our barristers are regularly invited to provide training to local authorities, solicitors, police and other professional bodies.

What the Directories Say

“Home to top-flight barristers who defend and prosecute at all levels. Members are instructed in serious criminal matters such as homicide, people trafficking, drugs and fraud.” “It is a strong criminal set with a number of standout advocates.”
Band 1 Leading Set – Crime (Northern Circuit), Chambers and Partners 2019

“Exchange Chambers’ crime practice has ‘great strength in depth’, housing 40 grade 4 CPS prosecutors in the group.”
Tier 1 Leading Set – Crime (Northern and North Eastern Circuit), The Legal 500 2018/19