Congratulations to our members on their success in this year’s Chambers and Partners 2025 Edition
October 17, 2024
Crime – North Eastern (Bar) Band 2
What the Team is Known For
Dere Street Barristers is noted for its “high-quality and experienced barristers” for a wide range of criminal matters, including serious crimes such as homicides and serious sexual offences. Several members of the team are on CPS panels, and the chambers is also home to a number of specialist rape prosecutors. Additional areas of strength for the set include cases relating to organised crime, such as drugs conspiracies, and criminal fraud matters. Instructions have recently included the prosecution of gang violence during a mass street party after the Moss Side Caribbean Carnival.
Craig Mead is the senior clerk.
Strengths
“The clerking team has a helpful attitude.”
“The clerks are a truly professional and proactive team.”
Notable Practitioners
John Elvidge KC attracts plaudits for his impressive experience of dealing with a broad variety of serious criminal matters. He has expertise in cases involving homicide, serious and organised crime, commercial drugs supply and serious sexual offences. He has been instructed to prosecute and defend cases brought by the CPS Complex Crime Unit.
Peter Makepeace KC is a respected silk who is experienced at both prosecuting and defending a range of serious crime cases. His practice includes cases concerning drugs, homicide and serious violence. He sits on the CPS Specialist Fraud Advocate Panel. “He sees the bigger picture and has great tactical awareness.” “Peter is knowledgeable and committed and his communication skills with clients are excellent. He is also masterful in front of a jury.” “Peter is an excellent operator.”
David Lamb KC is a notable barrister with strong expertise in serious criminal cases. He is called upon to prosecute and defend matters relating to sexual offences, murder and manslaughter. “David is extremely efficient and effective. He is incisive in getting to the key issues and dealing with them with minimal fuss, always on the ball and proactive.”
Anne Richardson is a very capable junior with extensive experience in cases concerning sexual offences, including historic sexual abuse allegations. She also handles matters relating to murder, drugs and firearms. “Anne has excellent skills.”
Anthony Davis is a well-regarded junior who wins praise for his impressive criminal practice. He regularly acts for defendants facing serious charges, such as homicide, conspiracy to supply and money laundering. “He is an exceptional advocate who is clear, concise and pays attention to detail.”
Daniel Cordey is a respected junior with notable experience in a wide range of criminal cases. He regularly handles matters relating to rape, murder and drugs offences. “Daniel is great with vulnerable witnesses.”
Family: Children – North Eastern (Bar) Band 2
What the Team is Known For
Dere Street Barristers has a sizeable team of barristers, often called on to act for local authorities and guardians, as well as parents, across the full range of children work. Members handle all manner of difficult cases, from those concerning serious injury and death to private law disputes over child arrangements and contact. The set is also noted for its experience in Court of Protection cases and is particularly well regarded for the barristers’ ability to act for vulnerable clients.
Notable Practitioners
David Rowlands specialises in private and public law child cases. He often acts for local authorities and families in connection with grave charges, such as factitious illness and physical or sexual abuse as well as cross-border welfare proceedings.
Elizabeth Callaghan is a committed family law advocate whose practice covers both public and private law, with a focus on cases involving sexual abuse and alleged non-accidental injury. She acts for parents, children and local authorities – although she has particular experience with vulnerable clients.
Pauline Moulder is an experienced senior junior who is exceptionally well versed in child care law. She has experience of acting in serious sexual abuse cases that lie at the intersection of children and criminal law. “Pauline Moulder is a formidable opponent. You want her on your side.”
Timothy Donnelly often acts for local authorities and parents in care proceedings involving complex medical evidence, such as allegations of sexual abuse and induced illness. He has particular experience in cross-examining children and other vulnerable witnesses. He also acts on child arrangement and abduction matters.
Family: Matrimonial Finance North Eastern (Bar)
Crispin Oliver (Band 2) is an applauded senior junior well versed in financial remedies and financial order applications. He acts as an arbitrator as well as an advocate both in financial and children-related matters. “Crispin Oliver is very experienced, dependable and personable.”
Personal Injury – North Eastern (Bar)
Daniel Edwards (Band 1) of Dere Street Barristers is a highly regarded barrister who maintains a broad personal injury practice. He represents both claimants and defendants in catastrophic injury and fatal accident claims, with particular expertise in cases involving issues of employers’ liability. He counts insurers, businesses and private individuals among his clients.
Strengths
“Daniel has a very nice manner. He is very solid tactically and has a good eye for details.”
“He is very bright and is a pleasure to deal with.”
“Daniel is good at cutting through legal issues and is very pragmatic. He flags up the risks and is very clear. He is also very good with clients, emotionally intelligent and reads the room well.”