Members of Chambers ranked in Chambers and Partners 2026 Edition
October 16, 2025
Crime – North Eastern (Bar)
What the Team is Known For
Dere Street Barristers is noted for its team, which includes “experienced silks and juniors as well as an energetic group of talented younger barristers.” The set is noted for their expertise in 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 case of R v Thomas Kwan, a GP charged with attempted murder of mother’s partner.
Craig Mead is the senior clerk.
Client service
“Dere Street Chambers has a large, experienced clerking team which responds quickly and effectively to ensure that the needs of clients are met.”
“Dere Street clerks are exceptional. Craig is my go-to guy. No matter where he is in the world, he will always seek to help.”
“Dere Street Chambers clerking staff are second to none.”
“Dere Street clerks will always go the extra mile to accommodate.”
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. “John Elvidge is fantastic.”
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. “Peter is simply the best.” “Peter is just a superb advocate with a real flair for putting clients at their ease and a first-rate jury 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 a conscientious, well-prepared and effective silk.” “David Lamb KC’s case preparation is meticulous.”
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 is an outstanding choice for the most demanding cases.”
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. “Anthony is a superb practitioner and a skilled jury advocate.” “Anthony is hugely popular and a terrific advocate.”
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 a busy and well-liked practitioner.” “Daniel Cordey is exceptionally good.”
Family: Children – North Eastern (Bar)
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. One source says that Dere Street Barristers “have a wealth of practitioners who confidently grapple with the most complex of cases.”
Neil Gibson is the senior family clerk.
Client service
The clerks at Dere Street are responsive, efficient and courteous.
Sam Tattersall, family clerk, is an excellent clerk and will bend over backwards to help you.
The clerks are always available and understanding of the needs of our practice.
The clerks respond quickly to enquiries and are willing to accommodate my and my client’s needs where possible.
Notable practitioners
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 – although she has particular experience with vulnerable clients. “Elizabeth is very knowledgeable and good at her job.”
Pauline Moulder
Pauline Moulder is an experienced senior junior who is exceptionally well versed in childcare law. She has experience of acting in serious sexual abuse cases that lie at the intersection of children and criminal law. “Pauline is exceptionally well-organised and proactive in case management. She is compassionate and reassuring in client interactions, yet uncompromising and formidable when advancing their interests.”
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. “David is highly attuned to client needs and consistently delivers tailored, strategic advice. A persuasive and composed advocate.”
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.
“Tim is always thoroughly prepared for each case and provides excellent advice to clients who respond well to his approach.” “A persuasive courtroom presence – sharp, composed and highly effective under pressure.”
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 both in financial and children-related matters.
“Crispin is willing to assist between court hearings which is vital in cases which involve complex financial issues. His advocacy is excellent.” “Crispin has a great rapport with the client. He is a strong advocate in court proceedings and in private settlement conferences, and always provides good and pragmatic advice.”
Personal Injury – North Eastern (Bar)
Daniel Edwards
Daniel Edwards 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.
“He is very well respected, sound and bright. He is also a recorder, so he’s got good insight.” “Dan is an excellent barrister with great service and a keen eye on the end result. He is very good with clients.” “He is a superstar. He is an exceptionally gifted advocate, he has got a wonderful grasp of strategy, and he is a pleasure to work with.”
Real Estate Litigation – North Eastern (Bar) Chancery-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. He is a highly regarded chancery barrister who has experience in a variety of cases including corporate and personal insolvency, probate and property.
“Stephen is very well grounded, very personable and knowledgeable, and he always puts clients at ease. He is very straightforward and explains things very well.” “Stephen’s business acumen and legal expertise leads to successful outcomes in cases time after time.” “Stephen is my go-to. His knowledge, I can’t speak highly enough of. He is just an all-rounder.”
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, Broad Chare and Provincial House, 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 and our newly occupied offices in Provincial House that is a stones throw away from the Civil & Family Court Centre, Barras Bridge.
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.
