At New Park Court Chambers, we do things a little differently. With a total of 74 barristers, including 13 King’s Counsel, our reach and influence stretches far beyond the bounds of our Circuit.
As a Tier 1 Set based in Leeds and Newcastle we are home to a number of high profile and nationally and internationally reputable Counsel.
News & Events
New Park Court retains its standing on the North Eastern Circuit and ‘The Regions’ and leads the rankings in the 2022 edition of Chambers and Partners as a Band 1 set for Crime, with Paul Greaney QC “an outstanding barrister” ranked across 5 practice areas. Paul Greaney QC also recognised as a star individual alongside Robert Smith QC.
15 members of the New Park Court Criminal Team are ranked barristers. The directory has highlighted Chambers’ strengths in inquests and enquires stating “New Park Court Chambers demonstrates a considerable depth and breadth of expertise in the inquests and inquiries field. The set is equipped to handle a wide range of complex inquests such as those involving the police and medical practitioners, in which members draw on their coronial, criminal and professional disciplinary experience.”
The client service provided by the New Park Court Staff has also been commented on in the latest edition.
“The service provided by the clerking team is first class. I would particularly mention Teresa Pugh and Kirsten Frankland, who provide a fantastic clerking service. Nothing is ever too much trouble, and emails and calls are responded to virtually immediately.”
CRIME SILKS
Robert Smith QC (Star Individual) has ‘significant expertise in homicide, corporate manslaughter, and health and safety cases. He is also particularly well versed in medico-legal matters and demonstrates deep knowledge of human rights issues’.
Paul Greaney QC (Star Individual) is ‘an outstanding barrister who is routinely instructed in high-profile homicide and organised crime cases, and offers broader expertise in the areas of financial crime and sports law. He also has extensive experience in terrorism cases and regulatory crimes’. “He is super experienced. He makes cross-examination look easy – it looks as if he’s doing it in his sleep.”
Alistair MacDonald QC ‘offers vast experience in complex homicide and major fraud matters, while his prior training as a biochemist only serves to strengthen his performance in matters containing a scientific element.’
Robert Woodcock QC is ‘an esteemed silk highly regarded by market sources for his specialism in homicide matters.’
Nicholas Lumley KC ‘frequently handles serious criminal cases, including those concerning homicide, rape and drugs. He is particularly experienced in medico-legal matters.’
Jason Pitter QC ‘routinely acts for both the defence and prosecution in a broad range of cases, including homicide, organised crime and fraud. He demonstrates particular skill when tackling drug importation cases.’
Simon Kealey QC is ‘a respected practitioner who is highly regarded for his advocacy in serious criminal cases. He is especially familiar with cases involving drugs conspiracy and people trafficking. ‘
Nicholas de la Poer QC is ‘known for his expertise in serious fraud cases. ‘ “He is very authoritative and generous with his time.”
CRIME JUNIORS
Tom Storey is a ‘junior who acts for both the defence and the prosecution in a broad range of general criminal cases. He specialises in large-scale, serious criminal matters and is well respected for his deft handling of highly sensitive cases. He is also noted for handling cases involving serious sexual offences.’
Geraldine Kelly ‘is an experienced criminal practitioner who attracts praise for the strength of her advocacy.’
Matthew Donkin ‘frequently instructed on complex crime cases. His practice spans a broad range of matters, including homicide and fraud offences.
“A very calm and smooth operator.”
Adam Birkby’s ‘practice encompasses the full range of serious criminal matters. He also boasts significant experience in dealing with young clients and defendants with mental health issues.’
Chloe Fairley is ‘recognised for her wide-ranging general crime practice and excellent advocacy skills’
INQUESTS AND INQURIES
Paul Greaney QC ‘remains a prominent presence in the inquests and inquiries sphere, and tends to be instructed by coroners or the government to lead major investigations as counsel to the inquiry. His areas of particular expertise include police conduct and operations, and compliance with health and safety law.’
“Without a shadow of a doubt he is the best advocate I’ve worked alongside. He can deal with any witness you put in front of him and get the best evidence from them.” “He is a strong performer in high-profile national cases.”
PROFESSIONAL DISCIPLINE
Paul Greaney QC is ‘an experienced silk with a wide-ranging professional discipline practice encompassing the healthcare, sport and police sectors. He represents police officers and sports regulatory bodies in disciplinary proceedings.’ “An excellent reputation in the regulatory field.”
Jason Pitter QC is ‘a vastly experienced silk noted for handling misconduct hearings before the GMC, the NMC and police misconduct panels. He receives recognition for his expertise in the prosecution of healthcare professionals for the GMC and for his defence of police officers.’
“He is able to carry out expert analysis and to break things down in a clear and concise manner.”
Sharon Beattie “She’s a good choice for a very complex or lengthy case.”
FINANCIAL CRIME
Paul Greaney QC is ‘a highly commended criminal silk well versed in serious fraud cases. He is experienced in the handling of cases involving money laundering and corruption issues. He is also recognised for his expertise in matters concerning organised crime.’ “He’s hard-working, very thorough and a very good advocate. He’s also excellent with clients
Nicholas de la Poer QC is ‘praised for his practice in financial crime, as well as in related regulatory matters. He is experienced in both the prosecution and defence of fraud cases, including revenue fraud and MTIC fraud.’ “Highly regarded by both judges and opponents.”
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Paul Greaney QC is ‘a well-regarded criminal barrister who is noted for his adroit handling of high-profile inquests and inquiries as well as regulatory matters. He provides counsel to companies, individuals and organisations, and is adept at advising on corporate manslaughter cases.’ “An outstanding silk.”
ENVIRONMENTAL
Lee Fish is ‘an experienced barrister specialising in environmental crime and regulatory matters. He frequently acts for the Environment Agency in prosecutions relating to contaminated land, pollution and the unlawful disposal of waste.’ “Lee is very sensible, very bright and very good to work with.”
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