Criminal Law

We would like to thank all at Wilberforce Barristers for the service we have received over the last 25 years.

Everyone within Chambers has provided an excellent service

All the barristers are very approachable and friendly

We feel like we are dealing with a large team of very experienced barrister

We get the benefit of shared knowledge and experience

The clerking is second to none, they have really strong, efficient clerking

The clerks are very responsive and accommodating

The clerks make a special effort to form relationships with instructing solicitors

A special mention for Wayne Stevens who since joining Chambers has been nothing short of superb. He has always found the right person for the right job, as well as late cover for last-minute hearings. He’s very responsive – there’s no delay in getting back to us.  He is truly a credit to Chambers.

When approaching Wilberforce, the clerks are always super helpful and polite, including the reception staff.

All Barristers from Wilberforce Chambers I have worked with have kept me involved throughout and they are especially always on hand to assist our Apprentice Solicitors, from a training point of view

Michael Masson was extremely thorough. He did a great job

Chloe Ogley has been brilliant – as per usual. Client was over the moon!

I have found Wilberforce Barristers to be extremely efficient, always contactable and always available to assist, even at short notice

Reports from clients are always positive

A special mention to Gail Farrington. She is always available for a discussion on any case and will drop everything to assist. Her communication skills with clients are exemplary. She has a tremendous ability to put clients at ease throughout a case. She and indeed her colleagues are our first choice when counsel is required.

Charlotte (Baines) is a very talented member of the Bar. An efficient and incisive advocate with power and style in equal measure. Her judgement is exceptional. She is first-rate in both prosecuting and defending. Her cross-examination is very high-quality.

Julia (Baggs) has very sound judgement. If a point can be taken, she will take it. Very personable and fights her corner. An excellent advocate who is very empathetic with clients

Michele (Stuart-Lofthouse) is an extremely approachable advocate, and she provides a high-quality level of client care. Very good in cross-examination

Joanne (Jenkins) is a confident and tenacious advocate who is always thoroughly prepared. Her empathetic approach and drive to secure the very best outcome for her client sees her always go above and beyond the call of duty

We have instructed Gail Farrington in a number of family cases and the results and feedback from our clients have been highly positive.  She provides clear and realistic advice, and is able to manage clients’ expectations in a calm, yet extremely confident manner.  She has excellent negotiation and advocacy skills and we are consistently pleased with her outcomes.  We receive invaluable support from Counsel’s Clerks who we find engaging and helpful at all times.

Gail Farrington was very efficient, confident, articulate and professional in her role. She was attentive to the client’s needs and wishes putting him at ease throughout the process. She was approachable and friendly whilst maintaining her professionalism and wasn’t afraid to actively manage the client’s expectations.

The clerks are helpful and responsive to any query from routine, minor queries to more complicated questions enabling any matter to run smoothly behind the scenes.

Rob Hastie’s vast experience and knowledge of the Pubs Code sets him apart and makes him our go-to for such matters – highly recommended

We instructed Rob Hastie on an unusual matter relating to recovery of land. As well as a competitive fee quote Mr Hastie’s advice was fulsome and sensitive to the individual circumstances and interests of multiple stakeholders and the media. He brings a fresh perspective, having crossed over from private practice, is well prepared and does not leave anything to chance. He is my go-to Counsel on a range of property related issues and never disappoints.

Amber Hobson is thoroughly well prepared and in command of her brief, sets her lay clients’ minds at ease with her approachable but clear and objective approach. Negotiated a tricky settlement against a difficult opponent

I have found the clerks to be helpful, professional always willing to go the extra mile to arrange representation and can be trusted on their recommendations for a case. Commercial and realistic on fixing fees and willing to listen when doing so.

Stephen Robinson is our go to counsel for complex matters in the Crown Court. He is thorough in his preparation and very personable with both clients and members of my team…..

Cathy Kioko-Gilligan is a tenacious advocate who is always meticulously prepared and fights for every client no matter what the case……

Dale Brook has an outstanding command of difficult cases and is a phenomenal jury advocate…….

Wilberforce Barristers are our first choice for counsel…..

Rob Hastie has a keen eye for detail which is matched by his outstanding knowledge of his specialist area.  He can always be relied upon to give sensible, commercial advice whilst suggesting innovative solutions to the most complex of matters.  I have no hesitation in recommending him to my clients.

Wilberforce Barristers are our first port of call when seeking Counsel.  Always make every effort to be accommodating.  Friendly and approachable.

Sally Collins and I have worked together on a number of difficult cases over the years, including care proceedings when acting for children with significant physical injuries.  Sally is calm and confident and her knowledge of family law is second-to-none.

I have worked alongside Gavin Button for many years on numerous cases and his knowledge and expertise are excellent.  He is a fearless advocate and a calm and reassuring presence with difficult or nervous clients.

As a former solicitor and Children Panel member Richard Lee’s knowledge and experience are impressive.  Richard has a sharp mind and is very good at dealing with clients in difficult circumstances.

Joanne Jenkins is a strong and confident advocate and a reassuring presence in Court.  We wouldn’t hesitate in instructing Joanne with something tricky.  She is very friendly and approachable and very good with paperwork and communications.

Rob (Hastie) provides a first-class service with excellent client engagement, offering insightful and comprehensive advice on areas of speciality that are second to none. Rob has an excellent skill of distilling complex and detailed matters into easily relatable and pragmatic commercial advice.

Julia (Baggs) is a very skilled advocate who is tenacious and very well prepared. I have instructed Julia on many a difficult public family law case and have been impressed by her empathetic approach to young, vulnerable clients and her willingness to go the extra mile to defend her client’s position.

Gavin (Button) is a very well-prepared advocate who is respected by advocates and Judges alike. I have instructed and worked alongside Gavin on numerous public family law cases and find him to be a reassuring presence in and outside of the court with a down to earth and approachable manner that means he is able to manage nervous and vulnerable clients with great skill.

Joanne Jenkins is a superb advocate with a firm grasp of the law. She has an excellent ability to explain difficult concepts to clients at all levels to ensure they feel listened to whilst providing realistic advice where necessary. I am continually impressed by Joanne’s dedication and commitment to securing the best possible outcome for her client, she always goes above and beyond the call of duty. Her tenacity, empathy and willingness to fight her client’s corner is second to none and makes her a “go to” barrister for complex cases.

Debi (Miller) is a thoroughly prepared advocate. Her calm and reassuring manner combined with her persuasive advocacy in court places clients at ease whilst maintaining their confidence that she will fight their corner.