New Park Court Chambers awarded Tier 1 status in Professional Disciplinary Law and Crime – Legal 500 2026

The strength and depth of New Park Court Chambers’ members has been recognised once again by The Legal 500 across multiple practice areas. Our set is described as ‘an excellent set, which provides elite barristers at the top of each of its practice groups.’

KCs are at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases and widespread endorsement from clients and peers.

Commenting on the rankings, New Park Court Chambers CEO, Rob Wagg, said, “I am delighted that our legal expertise has been recognised once again in this year’s Legal 500 Directory, especially having 3 new Silks listed alongside an increase to 38 individual rankings which is an acknowledgment of both the breadth and depth of talent and experience we have as a set. To our clients, thank you. We really appreciate you taking the time to be referees for The Legal 500 survey – it is wonderful to read your feedback and recommendations in your own words. Our never-ending commitment is to provide you with the highest quality legal advice and support.”

Professional Disciplinary Law 

In this area, New Park Court Chambers has once again been awarded Tier 1 Status, with 5 members of chambers being ranked in Tier 1, which reflects our national reputation within this specialism.

‘New Park Court are a top set to deal with who have a great range of exceptional barristers in this field. The number of barristers they have who excel in this line of work means it’s never difficult to find Counsel for different types of cases.’

‘Counsel consistently show high levels of expertise in the area, and provide quality advocacy. Counsel provide a first-class service, and are professional, but approachable and friendly, and pragmatic in their approach to cases.’

‘Chambers does a lot of police work, and they have a good reputation for it.’

Recommended are:

• Jason Pitter KC – recognised as a Tier 1 Leading Silk and noted for being ‘thoroughly professional’ and ‘that he is an excellent advocate, with an impressively balanced style. From observing his advocacy, you are always left with the impression that he is in complete control of every case.’
• Adam Birkby – Tier 1 Leading Junior 
• Jade Bucklow – Tier 1 Leading Junior – ‘Jade is extremely knowledgeable and hard-working, and brings with her a wealth of experience in the field. She has a fantastic ability to identify and advise on issues that may otherwise be overlooked.’
• Ryan Donoghue – Leading Junior – ‘Ryan is a calm and tactically shrewd operator who has a very good way with clients.’
• Chloe Fairley – Leading Junior – Noted for being ‘confident and intelligent’ and that ‘she is a clear concise advocate, who quickly identifies the important issues and doesn’t waste time. Tribunals find her advocacy helpful and persuasive.’
• Chloe Hudson – Leading Junior – Praised for her ‘fantastic attention to detail’ and noted that ‘She’s a very talented advocate and has significant experience in this field. She’s diligent in her preparations and has fantastic attention to detail.’

Crime 

For Crime, New Park Court Chambers has retained Tier 1 status with 20 members of chambers recommended, of which 4 are ranked in Tier 1. New Park Court Chambers was described as a ‘well-regarded set, with strength in depth throughout the criminal team’, handling both high-profile prosecution and defence work. It was noted that our KCs are at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. 

Members of the Criminal Team recognised in Tier 1 are:

• Nicholas Lumley KC – Leading Silk – ‘An exceptional barrister’ and regarded as ‘the best choice of barrister for vulnerable or technical cases’ and ‘Nicholas is an exceptional advocate who takes the most challenging cases in his stride. His calm, confident manner appeals to judges and juries. His approach to vulnerable clients instils confidence, and he supports them through the court process.’
• Robert Smith KC – Leading Silk 
• Alistair Macdonald KC – Leading Silk 
• Paul Greaney KC – Leading Silk – ‘Paul is a brilliant man with formidable intelligence and an approach to advocacy. He is thorough, engaging, skilled, and efficient. He is humble and personable on a professional level.’

Our other highly rated practitioners are:

• Sharon Beattie KC – Leading Silk – ‘Sharon is a class act and reliable with paperwork. She is clear, fearless, determined, and has the respect of her peers.’
• Jason Pitter KC – Leading Silk 
• Simon Kealey KC – Leading Silk 
• Nicholas de la Poer KC – Leading Silk – ‘Nicholas is simply outstanding. He ticks all the boxes and impresses everyone within the justice system. He is immaculate in his preparation and presentation.’
• Tom Storey KC –  2024 Silk – ‘Tom has an exceptional eye for detail. He is calm and unflappable in his dealings with others. His courtroom advocacy is wonderfully measured, thoughtful and engaging.’
• James Bourne-Arton KC – 2024 Silk 
• Geraldine Kelly KC – 2025 Silk – ‘Geraldine has a great court manner. She appears to be very calm but is very focused and strategic.’
• Chloe Hudson – Leading Junior – ‘Chloe is incredibly hard-working and efficient and has good insight into the issues.’
• Lee Fish – Leading Junior 
• Helen Chapman – Leading Junior
• Matthew Donkin – Leading Junior – ‘Matthew prepares, researches and presents his cases meticulously. He can get to grips with complex evidence and is comfortable advocating before tribunals at the highest level. His cross-examination is robust and thorough. He presents cases fairly and with integrity.’
• Susannah Proctor – Leading Junior – ‘Susannah is brilliant. As a trial advocate, she has a calming, personable and highly persuasive approach. She is always meticulous in her preparation.’
• Adam Birkby – Leading Junior – ‘Adam is highly able and extremely diligent.’
• Eleanor Fry – Leading Junior – ‘Eleanor is a highly accomplished junior. She knows her cases inside out and can see points that others have not. Her advocacy is both focused and persuasive.’
• Jessica Slaughter – Leading Junior – ‘Jessica is very competent, hardworking and well-prepared. Her documents are well-researched, legally sound and timely.’
• Claire Anderson – Leading Junior – ‘Claire is an excellent barrister. She is brilliant with lay clients, and her forthright, honest approach is a real strength. Her approach in court allows her to maintain a very positive yet professional rapport with colleagues and the judiciary. She is focused, immaculately prepared and highly persuasive.’
• Richard Holland – Leading Junior – ‘Richard is extremely thorough and tenacious and pays close attention to detail. His preparation is first-class, and has a strong command of his brief.’

Business & Regulatory Crime

In this practice area, New Park Court Chambers has been awarded Tier 2, with five members ranked as Tier 1 status and is described as ‘an exceptional set. The depth and breadth of counsel about regulatory crime are excellent.’

• Paul Greaney KC – Leading Silk 
• Jason Pitter KC – Leading Silk – ‘Jason demonstrates a commanding presence during the trial when challenging defendants.’
• Nicholas de la Poer KC – Leading Silk 
• Adam Birkby – Leading Junior – It was noted that Adam’s ‘knowledge of health and safety law is second to none’ and that ‘he is a safe pair of hands with a sharp eye for detail. He is a persuasive advocate with the ability to articulate technical issues of law and evidence clearly and concisely whilst maintaining the force and credibility of an argument.’
• Ryan Donoghue – Leading Junior 

Inquests & Inquiries

In this practice area, New Park Court Chambers has been awarded Tier 2, with three members ranked as Tier 1 status.

• Paul Greaney KC – Leading Silk – ‘Paul is an excellent advocate, his delivery is calm, persuasive and articulate and he is able to take control of any hearing that he is involved in.’
• Jason Pitter KC – Leading Silk – ‘His strengths are his calmness and ability to communicate to any one on a personal level.  His advocacy is particularly impressive as he has a natural authority which comes from experience and preparation.’
• Nicholas De La Poer KC – Leading Silk – ‘An exceptional advocate in the inquiries space, seamlessly combining persuasive communication with strategic foresight to deliver incisive and compelling submissions.’
• Georgina Goring – Leading Junior 

Family 

Valerie Sterling continues to lead the Family Team at New Park Court Chambers and is recognised as a leading Junior, along with Eleanor Fry.

• Valerie Sterling – Leading Junior – ‘Valerie is extremely knowledgeable and always willing to share that knowledge to assist a case, sometimes offering opinions pro bono on particularly complex matters. Valerie is also very good at dealing with vulnerable clients and explaining things to them in ways they will understand and she also hits the perfect balance between being professional and sympathetic.’
• Eleanor Fry – Leading Junior  

Clerking

New Park Court Chambers’ Clerking Team, led by Practice Director Teresa Pugh, has been recognised for delivering excellent service and support to clients, as has the chambers collectively.

‘All of the team are communicative, cooperative and assistive. Teresa Pugh is recommended.’

‘Teresa Pugh is always helpful.’

‘The clerks are personable and quick to respond to urgent requests.’

‘The clerks are always very friendly and accommodating.’

‘New Park Court Chambers has a well-deserved reputation for efficient and successful clerking.’

‘Kirsten Frankland is an exceptional clerk. She responds quickly to any queries and ensures that appropriate counsel is available for any matters wherever possible. Nothing is ever too much trouble for Kirsten, or any of the other clerks at New Park Court, and it’s a pleasure to work with them.’

‘Kirsten Frankland is an excellent Clerk and Chambers Manager. The service she provides is outstanding.’

‘Clerks are efficient and responsive.’

‘The clerk’s room is excellent. Calls are answered and routed effectively. Messages are returned promptly, and case discussions are conducted professionally and productively.’