Specialisms
- Drug importation and supply
- Fraud
- Firearms
- General Crime
- Homicide
- Money Laundering, Confiscation And Asset Forfeiture
- Motoring Offences
- Prison Law
- Sexual Offences
Additional Information
The Criminal Team at Deans Court Chambers is one of the strongest and most experienced teams both on circuit and nationally.
Members have received instruction in some of the most high profile cases in recent times.
Their work covers both prosecution and defence work at every level from serious organised crime to minor offences, in all areas of crime and criminal practice.
We believe that we are part of a team acting in the best interests of the client.
The basis upon which we undertake this work is set out in our Terms for Criminal Work.
"The clerking is excellent; they are very approachable, proactive and provided seamless service during lockdown."
Chambers and Partners, 2022
an established set on the Northern Circuit, known for broad expertise spanning the full range of serious criminal matters. The set houses a strong bench of experienced practitioners, and its members are regularly instructed in high-profile cases relating to homicides, people trafficking and drugs offences.
Chambers and Partners, 2021
Deans Court Chambers 'retains a strong cadre of criminal experts and has always been able to provide quality advocates, even at short notice, in this area'. In particular, it has been praise for 'taking on a number of new pupils and junior barristers to strengthen the availability of the lower end of chambers, which is a strong move in the current climate'.
Legal 500, 2021
Deans Court Chambers is regularly instructed in major criminal cases across the UK, as well as in several British overseas territories. The set houses an impressive roster of barrister who handle complex cases involving violent crimes, sexual assaults and drug offences. Instructing solicitors describe the set as "first-rate," adding that "the barristers gain the confidence and trust of their clients, and the quality of the representation they provide is extremely high."
Chambers and Partners, 2020
Deans Court Chambers is home to several strong criminal practitioners and is considered 'a first-class set' for criminal work by some clients. Notable areas of specialism include historic sexual abuse allegations, recent serious sexual offences, and large-scale drug conspiracies.
Legal 500, 2020
Houses a number of experienced criminal advocates who practice on the Northern Circuit and beyond. Members are frequently instructed in high-profile criminal matters such as murder, sexual offences and other violent crimes. They also act in cases relating to serious organised crime, including major drugs offences. Recent work highlights include R v Hughes and Hughes, with members acting for the defendants accused of systematic physical and sexual abuse of two girls who had been in long-term foster care.
Chambers and Partners, 2019
Deans Court Chambers has solid expertise across a spectrum of criminal matters, with advocates acting for the defence and prosecution in high-profile cases of murder, people trafficking, historic and recent sexual abuse allegations as well as multi-defendant drugs conspiracies. The set houses leader of the Northern Circuit Michael Hayton QC.
Legal 500, 2018
A well-respected team on the circuit, Deans Court Chambers has a wealth of experience of acting in some of the most high-profile cases of the last year. Its expertise covers the full spectrum of criminal activity and its members have expert knowledge of cases involving complex forensic and medical evidence.
Chambers UK, 2016