In the latest edition of the Legal 500 KBW Chambers was ranked as a Tier 1 set on the Northeastern Circuit. Entries describe KBW as “a very friendly set that never fails to deliver the goods” with “extremely helpful” clerks, with 13 members ranked across Crime, Employment, Family, Immigration, Inquests and Regulatory law.
Of particular note are the rankings for Roxanne Frantzis and Manisha Marwaha, both ranked Tier 1 for immigration, and the only immigration practitioners on circuit to have been ranked.
A full list of the rankings achieved by members is below:
Crime
KBW’s criminal team is instructed on serious cases such as drug-related or sexual offences and serious violent crime. In a notable recent case, Anthony Dunne prosecuted, as a junior alone, four defendants charged with conspiracy to supply drugs and firearms, with the lead defendant also facing a further charge relating to the supply of a handgun to a known organised criminal group.
Leading Silks
David Brooke QC – “Recommended for homicide cases.”
Leading Juniors
Anthony Dunne – “His calm advocacy style belies a tenacious character.”
Christine Egerton – “Particularly experienced in cases involving sexual violence.”
Ian Mullarkey – “His practice includes sexual offence cases, as well as cases involving vulnerable defendants or complex technical evidence.”
Matthew Bean – “His preparation is meticulous and his advocacy measured and highly effective.”
Paul Cleasby – “Prosecutes and defends a wide range of cases.”
Rupert Doswell – “Naturally intuitive with a jury, tactically superb and an outstanding advocate.”
Rebecca Stevens – “Specialises in serious sexual and violent offences.”
Employment
KBW is home to Simon Mallett, who acts for both claimants and respondents in a wide range of employment law cases, including on a direct access basis, and has a particular focus on representing respondent police forces in employment claims. Notable recent cases include a whistleblowing claim brought by a senior finance manager at HSBC on the claimant side, and the defence of a race discrimination claim against a police force on the employer side.
Leading Juniors
Simon Mallett – “His practice includes discrimination, dismissal and whistleblowing claims.”
Family and Children Law
Members of KBW are instructed primarily on private law proceedings, with a particular focus on complex fact-finding hearings involving abuse allegations. Olivia Checa-Dover is notable for her increasing prevalence in complex private law children proceedings, while Manisha Marwaha has considerable experience in cases with an international aspect, as well as representing vulnerable clients
Leading Juniors
Olivia Checa-Dover – “Very focused and gives clear advice.”
Manisha Marwaha – “Approachable and good with clients.”
Immigration
Members of KBW are often instructed at all levels of the judicial system in relation to immigration cases, acting for all parties involved, though the set is most notable for its work on behalf of the Home Office. Notable recent cases include Roxanne Frantzis’ work for the government in Upper Tribunal case R (Rostami) v Secretary of State for the Home Department, concerning removals to Iran.
Leading Juniors
Roxanne Frantzis – “An expert litigator.”
Manisha Marwatha – “A rising star.”
Inquests and Inquiries
Members of KBW are commonly instructed by police forces in inquests and ‘never fail to deliver the goods’. A key recent work example is Ian Mullarkey’s representation of West Yorkshire Police in the inquest into the death of Nathan Cooke, who hanged himself within hours following his release from police custody.
Leading Juniors
Ian Mullarkey – “Specialises in representing police forces at inquests.”
Regulatory, Health and Safety and Licensing Law
Police law is the watchword at KBW, with members frequently in demand for the defence of civil claims against the police and representation of forces in misconduct hearings. Olivia Checa-Dover recently acted for Northumbria Police in misconduct proceedings brought against an officer who had arrested a man attempting to take his own life.
Leading Juniors
Olivia Checa-Dover – “Her ability to turn around instructions under the most relentless pressure is unmatched.”
Ian Mullarkey – “A very methodical and conscientious advocate.”
Simon Mallett – “A police law specialist.”
Toby Wynn – “A stong advocate who puts officers at ease in misconduct proceedings.”