Many members of Chambers recognised in the Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2024 Edition
October 19, 2023
Crime – North Eastern (Bar)
Dere Street Barristers is noted for an “excellent selection of 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 ten men for kidnap and murder as well as defending a child sexual exploitation case.
Client service
“The clerks are extremely professional and give a personal touch.”
“The clerks are always helpful and available.”
The senior criminal clerk is Craig Mead.
John Elvidge KC attracts plaudits for his impressive experience of dealing with a broad variety of serious criminal matters. He hasexpertise 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. “He is very impressive with clients and a fantastic trial advocate.”
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 is a very strong advocate.”
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 incisive in getting to the key issues, 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. “She provides expert and detailed advice and support at every stage of the case.”
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. “Mr Davis is an excellent all-round performer and is extremely user-friendly for both solicitors and clients.”
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. “Dan is highly respected for his efficient and effective advocacy.”
Employment – North Eastern (Bar)
Samuel Healy
Samuel Healy is a specialist employment advocate with a vast abundance of experience to offer his clientele across the breadth of the practice area. He has impressive experience handling TUPE and discrimination claims.
Strengths
“Samuel is very experienced and very smart, and he does very high profile claimants’ work.”
“Samuel is excellent.”
“He’s very experienced, responsive and good with the clients.”
Family: Children – North Eastern (Bar)
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. Sources praise the set for its “wide range of counsel” and the “excellent client care, advocacy and preparation” provided by its barristers.
Client service
“The availability of the clerks is extensive. The clerking is very good; they are very organised and they resolve any difficulties.”
“The clerks are always fair in relation to the fees they charge and they’re always open with us. They are often available.”
“The clerking is really good and you can get hold of them.”
Neil Gibson is the senior family clerk.
Elizabeth Callaghan
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, though she has particular experience with vulnerable clients. “Always very prepared and has very good judgement.” “She’s very good with clients who are very vulnerable. With her, clients feel they are being represented really well.”
Pauline Moulder
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 which lie at the intersection of children and criminal law. “A forensic advocate who really gets to the bones of the case.” “She is very good in cases involving medical issues.”
David Rowlands
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. “He is extremely bright and he works very hard.” “David is razor-sharp and acts in an affable and amiable way. He is a safe pair of hands.” “He knows what points are going to be more persuasive than others and he works hard at the case.”
Timothy Donnelly
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. “Very methodical, detailed and careful to be accurate.”
Family: Matrimonial Finance – North Eastern (Bar)
Crispin Oliver
Crispin Oliver is an applauded senior junior well versed in financial remedies and financial order applications. He acts as an arbitrator as well as an advocate in both financial and children-related matters.
Strengths
“Intellectual and careful. A very able advocate.”
“He is very clear with clients, but also understanding of their situation. He provides clear advice as to what courts can do.”
Personal Injury – North Eastern (Bar)
Daniel Edwards
Daniel Edwards 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 is a tactical advocate and well liked by clients.”
“He is excellent at breaking down complex cases into individual parts and advising on practical ways forward.”
Real Estate Litigation – North Eastern (Bar)
Stephen Fletcher
Stephen Fletcher of Dere Street Barristers provides high-quality representation in property-related tribunals and trials. He has experience of an interesting array of issues including rights of way, landlord and tenant disputes, covenants and joint ventures.
If you wish to instruct any of the barristers recommended or any member of the teams respectively then please contact any one of the clerks who will be happy to assist.
Dere Street Barristers provides legal services fit for the technological age, using a range of media platforms to deliver advocacy and advice whenever and wherever required.
Our large, specialist, clerking staff is available in and out of conventional hours so that our clients can receive assistance without delay.
We have fully staffed premises at Newcastle, Middlesbrough and York. All our premises offer modern, comfortable and flexible facilities to host conferences and access remote hearings and meetings across the country.
In Newcastle we occupy premises at the historic Trinity House complex, adjacent to the Law Courts
Our state of the art premises at Centre Square in Middlesbrough are also directly opposite Teesside Law Courts.
Our newly refurbished York premises are located within the city walls, a short distance from the courts and close to the Railway Station.
