New Park Court Chambers retains Band 1 ranking for Crime in Chambers & Partners 2024

New Park Court retains its standing on the North Eastern Circuit and ‘The Regions’ and leads the rankings in the 2024 edition of Chambers and Partners as a Band 1 set for Crime, with Robert Smith KC also recognised as a star individual alongside Paul Greaney KC.

New Park Court is recognised for work for Inquests and Public Inquiries and ‘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.’

Thirteen members of the New Park Court Criminal Team are ranked barristers for Crime, where Chambers is ‘noted for its expertise spanning the full range of serious criminal work’ . ‘The set houses a “cadre of good counsel” who are regularly instructed in high-profile homicides and sexual assault cases, and have considerable experience of acting for both the prosecution and defence’.

For Professional Discipline, New Park Court is a set ‘which can offer copious expertise in the medical and police disciplinary spheres, drawing on a strong profile in criminal law.’

The client service provided by the New Park Court Staff has also been commented on in the latest edition.

“The clerks at New Park Court are unrivalled. They go above and beyond to ensure professional clients’ needs are met.” 

“Callum Byrne and Bryan Barclay-Semple are a credit to the set, they will regularly go above and beyond to help.”

Crime:

Robert Smith KC (Star Individual)

“He is a guru of the circuit.”

Alistair MacDonald KC

“He’s got everything in terms of presence: when he addresses the courtroom, everybody is waiting with baited breath.”

Robert Woodcock KC

“Highly regarded for his specialism in homicide matters”

Paul Greaney KC (Star Individual)

“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 inquests and public inquiries”

“Paul is the best advocate I know on circuit or beyond.”

Nicholas Lumley KC

“Nicholas Lumley KC is a fantastic advocate. He has an understated yet extremely effective approach in the courtroom.”

“Nicholas is a very fine criminal advocate who gives 100% to every case.”

Jason Pitter KC

“The go-to man for defending murder cases.”

“Jason is an excellent advocate and a fierce performer.”

Simon Kealey KC

“Simon Kealey was well prepared, knew the case inside out and has an advocacy style that appeals to a jury.”

“He is a strong, capable advocate.”

Nicholas de la Poer KC

“Nicholas de la Poer’s calming and courteous presence in court is well received by a jury.”

Tom Storey

“He is a great advocate, well respected by judges and extremely popular with clients.”

Geraldine Kelly

“Geraldine Kelly is a knowledgeable and thorough advocate who is meticulous in her preparation.”

Chloe Fairley

“Chloe Fairley is recognised for her wide-ranging general crime practice and excellent advocacy skills.” “She has a very good court manner and is canny.”

Matthew Donkin

“Matthew Donkin is exceptional in his field. He has a fantastic eye for detail. He has a calm, considered and sensitive approach to his cases. Nothing appears to phase him.”

Adam Birkby

“Adam Birkby is an exceptional advocate. He is able to deal with a wide range of complex and sophisticated offences.”

Inquests & Inquiries:

Paul Greaney KC

Band One Silk –  “a prominent presence in the inquests and inquiries sphere…”

“Paul is highly thought of and well-liked by clients; he is easy to deal with and highly responsive.”

Professional Discipline:

Jason Pitter KC

Band 1 Silk: “a vastly experienced silk.” “A compelling advocate.” “A very talented lawyer.”

Environment:

Lee Fish

“Lee Fish is a very good barrister and a pleasant opponent.”

Financial Crime:

Paul Greaney KC

“He has natural gravitas and an ability to take complex matters and distil them into reasoned argument, taking on board different views and delivering advice that is clear and well thought through.”

Nicholas de la Poer KC

“He is excellent: he has a lot of experience and handles things really well.”

Health & Safety:

Paul Greaney KC

“He’s very strategic and clearly has significant gravitas. He also has a very lovely manner with clients.”