Public Access Barristers

Simon Laws KC

Simon Laws KC has practised exclusively in criminal law for 27 years. He represents both the prosecution and the defence.

“Centres his highly regarded practice on homicide, fraud and drug crime, with additional strengths in cases involving sexual offences. He is frequently engaged to defend and prosecute murders and serious drug conspiracies”

“An incredibly bright lawyer with a lovely manner”

Band 1 – Chambers and Partners 2020

Hugh Cornford

Hugh has extensive experience acting for Local Authorities, parents, grandparents, Guardians and proposed special guardians in care proceedings, including representing young and vulnerable parents, clients with learning difficulties and clients with chronic health conditions.

Lara Spencer

Lara has represented both Claimants and Defendants in a variety of matters for over 20 years. She has a wide general civil litigation practice, and has given numerous Continuing Professional Development talks and seminars. She is certified to conduct all aspects of litigation, and therefore is certified to carry out all the legal work that not only barristers do, but also those legal activities usually reserved to solicitors.

Theresa McCormack

Theresa is instructed in multi-day final hearings at which the Court determines whether children should be placed in care of the Local Authority, remain in the care of the Local Authority, be returned to their parents, placed with other family members or have placement orders made in respect of them. 

Helen Bray

Helen is a very experienced member of our Family Team in Chambers.
(Full Profile to follow)

Bathsheba Cassel

Bathsheba is a criminal barrister with a wealth of experience across all areas of complex and serious crime.

Joss Ticehurst

Joss Ticehurst is instructed to defend and prosecute in cases involving the most serious criminal offences in the Crown Court, particularly those relating to allegations of rape, attempted murder, multi-defendant cases involving drugs and murder, and multi-defendant cases of fraud and drug conspiracies.

Will Parkhill

Regularly instructed to defend in matters involving the most serious violence including two recent allegations of Murder.

Felicity Payne

Felicity is a common law barrister with an established and varied practice in all aspects of criminal and civil law. Felicity is thorough, practical and robust in her approach, whilst remaining personable.

Laura Searle

Laura is a family barrister with a busy and varied practice acting and advising in public and private law proceedings, applications for injunctive relief and financial remedy proceedings. She is a personable and approachable advocate who prides herself on going the extra mile for her clients. She has studied and worked internationally in France, Brussels, Luxembourg and New Zealand and is a Denning and Eastham Scholar of Lincoln’s Inn

Emmi Wilson

Emmi is a specialist family barrister with established practices in all aspects of public and private law proceedings, injunctive proceedings and ancillary relief. Emmi joined Walnut House in September 2014 having successfully completed a twelve-month pupillage in chambers, and since then has continued to enjoy a busy family practice. Emmi prides herself on being a personable and persuasive advocate who is both thorough and robust in her approach