FURNIVAL CHAMBERS - Key Persons
Adam manages to combine a busy criminal practice with a niche civil/commercial practice. He has extensive criminal defence and appellate experience both as a leading junior and a led junior. He is regularly instructed in high profile cases and has substantial experience of serious and grave crimes including; murder, manslaughter and other offences of a sexual or violent nature. He also specialises in fraud, and has a particular interest and expertise in financial crime, regulatory offences, money laundering offences as well as multi-handed conspiracy cases. He has an aptitude for assimilating financial information, terminology and procedure. He has defended in complex cases involving technical areas of fraud including share dealing, MTIC carousels and charitable funds.
His civil/commercial practice has an emphasis on company law and employment law. He has a comprehensive knowledge of bonus disputes, director's service agreements, restraints of trade, confidentiality, restrictive covenants and injunctive relief.
Adam is a member of the CBA, ELA & ELBA
Areas of expertise
Corporate manslaughter, Inquests & public inquiries, Serious crime
Al Awa v Czech Republic [2021] EWHC 1297 (Admin) - acting as junior alone during all stages of proceedings, Hannah represented the requesting judicial authority. The central issue in the case related to the requested person's mental health. It was argued that, in light of his Asperger Syndrome and depression, extradition would be oppressive. The case involved expert medical evidence from a psychiatrist.
Andrew Jordan has a wide-ranging criminal practice, principally in financial, serious and violent crime.
In these areas he is predominantly a prosecution advocate but he also accepts instructions to defend.
Andrew also defends motorists and he has significant experience of representing clients who are at risk of losing their driving licence.
He regularly represents professionals in defending allegations of professional misconduct, in front of their regulatory bodies.
Andrew is the only person practising at the criminal Bar in England who has been a partner in a global accounting firm.
Andrew is currently instructed in several cases which he is preparing for trial later this year. These include matters of insurance fraud, wounding with intent (grievous bodily harm), modern slavery and a "County lines" drugs investigation.
Job Titles:
- Co - Secretary of the Pupillage Committee
- Junior Counsel
- Specialist Practice Areas: Serious & Complex Crime, Fraud, Regulatory Proceedings ( Professional Misconduct ) and Police Disciplinary
Since joining chambers as a first-six pupil in 2006 Ben has developed a busy and successful defence practice at every level of the criminal justice system. Whilst specialising in serious crime Ben also has experience practising in regulatory and disciplinary proceedings (professional misconduct). For a number of successive years now, Ben has re-attained his ranking in the field of serious crime both in the Legal 500 directory and in Chambers & Partners.
Ben has successfully defended his clients in matters ranging from murder and serious violence to organised crime, drug importation, money laundering, firearms, complex fraud and sexual offences and has successfully appealed against wrongful convictions (e.g. R. v. Hamilton & 41 others [2021] EWCA Crim 577) and excessive sentences (e.g. R. v. Malin (Sadiq) [2014] EWCA Crim 1651).
Last year, Ben represented Dawn O'Connell, a deceased former post master, in the Post Office/Horizon appeals. The injustice suffered by Miss O'Connell and others was so egregious that their case garnered interest and support from the national media and Members of Parliament. Miss O'Connell's wrongful conviction was posthumously overturned as an abuse of the court's process
As junior counsel, Ben continues to appear regularly in homicide cases. In early 2020, Ben represented a young defendant who was acquitted of murder following an armed altercation on a busy London housing estate. Typically, the case involved technical evidence alongside emotive eye witness testimony.
Ben is co-secretary of the pupillage committee at chambers, a member of the tenancy committee and an enthusiastic advocacy trainer both at Furnival and for the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple.
Chloe specialises in criminal and regulatory work. Her criminal practice is wide-ranging but she has a particular interest in organised crime and has extensive experience both prosecuting and defending in large-scale drugs and firearms conspiracies.
She has successfully represented a multitude of defendants in cases involving allegations of serious sexual offences and is a member of the specialist rape and sexual offences prosecution panel.
In her regulatory and sports practice, Chloe is regularly instructed by the General Medical Council to present fitness to practice cases in front of the Medical Practitioners' Tribunal. She has experience in sports disciplinary work and is a member of the Disciplinary Panel of England Boxing and Chair of the Competitions Disciplinary Committee for England Handball. She is also member of the Sports Resolutions pro bono panel with specialisms in safeguarding and anti-doping. Chloe has experience representing clients before the Sports Resolutions Tribunal in proceedings brought by the Lawn Tennis Association and the British Horse Racing Authority.
Chloe has experience in private prosecutions and is also direct access qualified so can be instructed directly by lay clients to provide advice and representation without the need for a solicitor in appropriate cases.
Of particular relevance to private prosecutions is Chloe's in-depth understanding of disclosure in criminal cases - an area for which private prosecutions often come under close scrutiny and which, if not properly handled, can be their downfall. Chloe's efficient approach to her cases makes her well-suited to dealing with professional clients.
Chris has developed a multi-disciplinary practice which encompasses both criminal and regulatory law. He is regularly instructed in the Crown Court, appearing for both the prosecution and the defence. He has represented defendants who have been charged with serious offences which include aggravated burglary, robbery, drug offences inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, threats to kill, money laundering and sexual assault.
Chris is frequently instructed to represent members of the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association and has extensive experience defending those charged with driving offences and other associated matters.
Chris is regarded as an advocate who combines his knowledge of the law with a passion for fearlessly representing his clients which enables him to make persuasive oral and written submissions. It is this approach which has led solicitors to describe him as "articulate and robust in his advocacy" as well as being "meticulous with regards to case preparation".
Throughout 2018, Chris was seconded to the Business Crime Department at Peters & Peters Solicitors LLP.
Emma Smith has an exclusively prosecution practice which whilst covering the full spectrum of criminal offences focuses on two very distinct fields: serious sexual offences and fraud.
Estelle has developed a strong criminal defence practice and is instructed in serious and complex matters including murder, rape, large-scale drug conspiracies and multi-million-pound money laundering cases. She is meticulous in her case preparation and provides an outstanding level of dedication and commitment to every case.
Estelle is currently instructed to defend in cases which include: a matter concerning the rape of several young children, a case involving the supply of over 300 kilos of Cocaine and a matter involving a care worker accused of engaging in sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder.
Estelle's sharp and effective style in the courtroom is complemented by her compassionate and approachable manner with her clients in conference. Estelle's eye for detail and her ability to capture the attention of the jury allows her to consistently secure outstanding results for her clients. Recent cases of note and reported cases are outlined below.
Alongside her busy court practice, Estelle assisted the Financial Conduct Authority between 2019 - 2021; she was part of a lengthy investigation which focused on serious deficiencies within a major bank's transaction monitoring systems. Estelle remained on the project until its successful conclusion.
Areas of expertise
Serious organised crime & violence, Confiscation, Financial regulation & compliance, Serious crime
Specialist areas: Murder, serious violence and sexual offences, Private client criminal defence, fraud white collar and business crime. George is an experienced jury advocate who has a reputation for his ability to argue passionately, fearlessly and effectively on behalf of those he represents. He acts for the defence in the full range of all serious criminal cases.
He has a methodical and scientific approach to preparing cases leaving no stone unturned. He is not afraid to confront the most difficult and seemingly impressive witnesses and cross-examines with experience and skill.
George has particular experience in dealing with high-profile criminal cases involving high levels of media attention. He has a track record of dealing with defending cases across the spectrum of crime including sexual offences, violence and organised complex and financial crime.
His trial experience includes the use of forensic scientific evidence for the defence and using his understanding to undermine that evidence when presented by the prosecution. This includes the analysis of fingerprint evidence, DNA evidence, mobile telephone cell site evidence and the enhancement and management of considerable volumes of CCTV evidence. He is also used to dealing with the assessment of expert medical evidence, including in cases involving post-mortem pathology and the complicated issues surrounding mental health and its impact on criminal responsibility.
George has experience in dealing with the largest, most complex and high profile of cases. He has acted for the defence in the largest joint enterprise murder trial in British legal history, the largest flying squad robbery investigation into the robbery of jewellers. In the summer of 2009 he represented one of the men charged with the Graff jewellery robbery where £40 million of diamonds were taken during a daylight armed raid at the Bond Street store.
Although he has experience in dealing with large and complex cases, he never loses sight of the pain felt by those who have been wrongly accused of serious criminal allegations. He regularly deals with cases of serious sexual offences where the allegation is made by only one witness for the prosecution and where his ability to get to the truth through cross-examination is central to the success of his case.
George is a passionate believer in the constitutional independence of the bar of England and Wales and supports the teaching of members of the profession at all levels. He is an advocacy trainer at Lincolns Inn holding the highest grade of "Tutor Trainer". He regularly teaches bar students, pupil barristers and new practitioners as part of the mandatory teaching programmes.
Regarded as professional and meticulous in her approach, with a keen eye for detail, Hannah accepts instructions in extradition, regulatory and criminal matters.
Julian Winship is a dedicated criminal barrister of proven ability, with a wealth of experience both defending and prosecuting. He conducts a wide range of work, with a recent focus on terrorism, serious violent crime including attempted murder, causing death by dangerous driving, the possession of firearms with intent to endanger life, corruption, kidnapping and blackmail, the importation and supply of Class A drugs, sexual offences, including rape and controlling prostitution, and people trafficking. He has appeared for the defence or prosecution in 10 murder trials during the last 10 years.
His significant cases include instruction in a series of three, linked multi-handed murder trials at the Central Criminal Court, together with prosecuting, as led junior counsel, the first murder committed in the Republic of Ireland to be tried in the U.K.
In 2008 he led for the defence in an eight-week, £2 million fraud, defended in a four-week multi-assailant rape trial and represented one of six defendants in a high-profile sex trafficking trial at Southwark Crown Court. In 2009 he defended in a £6 million Ponzi-style investment fraud and represented a defendant indicted for importing automatic firearms and hollow-point ammunition. In 2010 he led for the defence in a multi-handed immigration fraud lasting for twelve weeks.
In 2012 he defended one of four men charged with laundering in excess of 30m of money directly linked to the European drug trade and had reported one of the leading authorities on non-insane automatism.
In the last 3 years he has represented defendants in long trials involving complex frauds on the rail network's ticketing system, the appropriation of client funds held on trust and large-scale handling of stolen mobile telephone handsets. He has very recent experience representing mentally disordered defendants charged with grave crimes, including terrorist offences, and those receiving orders under the Mental Health Act. 2017 and 2018 saw him prosecute 3 multi-handed kidnapping cases, the first of which was conducted on behalf of the Modern Slavery and Kidnap Unit.
Fraud also forms an important part of Julian's current workload. His experience includes prosecuting two heavy multi-handed Tax Credit frauds as well as using that experience to defend, as a leading junior, defendants charged with similar offences. He has worked in the Health & Safety regulatory field and has a particular interest in Inquest Law.
Julian has a strong, practical knowledge of all issues relating to disclosure, having been assigned the responsibility of co-ordinating responses in each of the homicide trials prosecuted within his case list. He also advises pre-charge and advises civil clients on the potential impact of criminal investigations. He is a registered CPS Advocate Panel Prosecutor, an approved pupil supervisor and a member of the South Eastern Circuit, the Criminal Bar Association. He is co-author of ‘Cross-Contamination: Time to Extend the Abuse of Process Doctrine?' [2003] Crim. L.R. 446. His case list shows the depth of his experience.
Areas of expertise
Inquests & public inquiries, Terrorism, Serious sexual offences, Fraud, bribery & corruption, Serious crime
Keith's practice encompasses serious and complex fraud, substantial drug importation and supply offences and violent crime, Judicial Review and appellate hearings, licensing (of all types including alcohol, gaming and firearms), Health & Safety, Trading standards, Road traffic, Prison law and Courts Martial.
The majority of the work Keith undertakes he is instructed in as a leading junior. Originally, Keith's practice was general common law which included family law, but which developed over the years to become principally crime based. Keith undertakes cases on the south-eastern and western circuit, but is also instructed in other parts of the country.
A very experienced criminal practitioner whose practice principally concerns serious and large scale Organised crime. He is also approved as a CPS Grade 4 prosecutor.
Lily appears daily in the Crown, Magistrates' and Youth Courts across a broad range of criminal matters. This includes sexual offences, violence, dishonesty, drugs and possession of weapons. Lily also undertakes extradition cases.
Often described as a fearless advocate, She has a proven track record of securing acquittals and achieving fantastic results for her clients. Lily is particularly skilful at representing vulnerable and youth clients. She has successfully defended in serious matters including violent offences and sexual assaults. Lily has also achieved results for clients on the basis of effective written representations on the law including persuading the Crown to not proceed on a robbery on a point of law and not proceeding on a S.18 matter on public interest grounds.
Lily is a Grade 3 CPS Prosecutor and has prosecuted in a number of serious cases including S.18s, firearm cases and serious robbery offences. She has assisted as a disclosure junior on a multi-handed murder case. Lily has received praise for her manner with complainants out of Court, her fair and effective way of dealing with matters in Court and the full and carefully thought-out advice she has given in a number of cases.
Clients often request Lily by name, due to being impressed with her previous results. Speaking of one such client who was acquitted of assaulting an emergency worker, a solicitor commented: "…my client was elated with the not guilty verdict that was arrived at and she commented on Miss Roberts-Phelps' excellent advocacy skills, but mostly importantly she felt that a strong fight for justice was advanced on her behalf and thoroughly achieved".
During her pupillage, Lily was awarded the Pupil's Advocacy Prize from the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple and was noted by one of the judges as being "one of the most gifted advocates he had ever encountered on the pupils' course"
Before commencing pupillage, Lily worked as a paralegal at a busy criminal defence firm. Here, Lily assisted in the running of Crown Court cases and Extradition matters.
"Lily's results speak for themselves… Her tenacity and persistence coupled with her ability to add the gentle touch where it requires it, is a wonderful balance of skill and flair." (Stuart Miller Solicitors)
Mark McDonald has a formidable reputation within criminal law. He specialises in criminal defence and has experience across all offences. Mark has led in a number of trials involving serious offences.
Mark is regularly instructed in cases involving murder, serious assaults, rape, organised crime and Terrorism. He is known for the thoroughness of his preparation, providing clear and concise advice to clients and in particular for his ability to get on with clients. He has considerable experience of dealing with defendant's with profound psychiatric and psychological issues.
Mark advises regularly on appeals against conviction and sentence to the Court of Appeal and continues to be involved in a number of high profile appeals against conviction including Michael Stone and Ben Geen.
In 2007 Mark founded the London Innocence Project, a non-profit legal resource clinic. The project worked to exonerate the wrongfully convicted by examining their cases and subjecting both the evidence and the trial process itself to close scrutiny. Mark led a team of barristers and bar student volunteers committed to providing high-quality legal representation to those who maintained their innocence.
Mark helped set up a UK based group, Amicus which became a leading charity working on the death penalty in the USA. As a Trustee he created a training programme on US criminal procedure and constitutional law enabling the organisation to send hundreds of lawyers to the US to help assist the representation of inmates on death row.
Mark spent some time working in Palestine with the Bar Human Rights Committee and on return set up Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East. The group is now one of the largest and most influential in the Labour party. He has debated at numerous universities on the middle east, he has lectured, chaired events, written articles in major newspapers, appeared on the BBC, Sky, the Today programme, CNN and many other main steam news agencies. Mark also stood for Parliament at the last general election in 2019.
Mark has produced numerous briefs and documents that have been submitted on behalf of defendants in the UK and, through his work with Amicus, in the USA and international tribunals. He has been involved in a number of campaigns that have led to Early Day Motions being tabled in Parliament and I have lobbied Members of Parliament, Cabinet Ministers and the Prime Minister.
Mark has worked across the political spectrum on a number of issues including human rights in the Middle East, the Godard Independent Inquiry into Sexual Abuse and campaigning for the Human Rights Act and the abolition of the death penalty. He has also appeared before the Privy Council representing inmates on Death Row in Jamaica and Trinidad.
In 2009 Mark was the minority pro bono lawyer of the year.
Mark in an advocacy trainer for Lincoln's Inn and was one of the first to teach the Vulnerable Witness Training Course.
Mark is also a Bencher at Lincoln's Inn.
Job Titles:
- Fees and Finance Clerk / Management