Following World Menopause Day, Mountford Chambers hosted an engaging and informative event yesterday evening, bringing together members of Chambers, solicitors, staff and guests to encourage meaningful discussions around menopause and its impact within the legal profession. We had the pleasure of hearing from our guest speakers, HHJ Samantha Leigh, Dr Nicky Keay and Mountford Chambers member, Bozzie Sheffi, who shared their knowledge, experiences and perspectives on menopause, its impact and the importance of greater awareness and understanding within the legal profession. Our sincere thanks to all three speakers for their valuable contributions and to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening such a success. Guests also received goody bags featuring a selection of wellbeing items.

Anna Renou has successfully appealed a four-year sentence for Class A drug supply, securing a reduction to 32 months and her client’s immediate release from custody. Anna argued that insufficient account had been taken of her client’s limited cognitive functioning and that the sentence should have been set much closer to the starting point indicated by the sentencing guidelines. The Court of Appeal quashed the original sentence and substituted a term of 32 months’ imprisonment. Anna was instructed by Sian Eglinton of Dalton Holmes Gray. mountfordchambers.com/court-…

Mountford Chambers Pupillage Open Evening: Chambers is pleased to invite aspiring barristers to our in-person Pupillage Open Evening on Wednesday 2 December 2026, from 18:00 to 19:30. The evening will include a panel discussion led by Head of Pupillage Colin Aylott KC, alongside Lead Advocacy trainer Fiona Clegg and Deputy Head of our Regulatory Practice Group James Lloyd. To find out more and register, visit: mountfordchambers.com/pupill…

Edward Henry KC Successfully Concludes Multi-Million-Pound Fraudulent Trading Prosecution. Edward Henry KC and Sonal Dashani KC, instructed by Jennifer Richardson of Blackfords LLP, have brought a multi-million-pound Trading Standards fraudulent trading prosecution to an end at Derby Crown Court. Following a lengthy trial and substantial legal argument, Edward’s no-case submissions succeeded on ten of the thirteen counts. Sonal then successfully argued that the proceedings amounted to an abuse of process, resulting in the entire prosecution being stayed. mountfordchambers.com/edward…

On Saturday 17th October, members of Mountford Chambers attended The Bar Council’s Pupillage Fair, engaging with aspiring barristers interested in pursuing a career at the Bar. The event provided an opportunity to share insights into life at the Criminal Bar, discuss the pupillage application process and provide information about pupillage at Mountford Chambers. Our thanks to The Bar Council for organising the event and to everyone who took the time to visit our stand. For more information about Pupillage at Mountford Chambers, visit: mountfordchambers.com/recrui…

We are delighted to announce Mountford Chambers’ rankings in the Chambers and Partners UK Bar Guide 2027. Mountford Chambers continues to be recognised as a leading set in Crime and Financial Crime, with this year’s rankings also marking its first recognition as a leading set in Crime (South Eastern) Bar. 18 members have received individual rankings across the following practice areas: - Crime (London) - Crime (South-Eastern Bar) - Financial Crime - Inquests & Public Inquiries - POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture - Professional Discipline Our clerking team has also been highly commended, with clients noting: “The clerks provide an excellent and highly professional service. They are consistently approachable, efficient and responsive, with outstanding communication skills that ensure instructions, availability and case developments are managed smoothly.” We extend our congratulations to all ranked members and our sincere thanks to our clients, referees and Chambers and Partners research team. View our full rankings in the Chambers and Partners UK Bar Guide 2027: chambers.com/law-firm/mountf…

Considering a career at the Criminal Bar? Come and meet members of Mountford Chambers at this weekend's Pupillage Fair, organised by The Bar Council of England and Wales. Our members will be on hand to answer your questions about a career at the Criminal Bar, the pupillage application process and what to expect from pupillage at Mountford Chambers, one of the country’s leading criminal defence sets. The fair will take place this Saturday 17 October, from 10am to 3pm, at Convene, 133 Houndsditch, London EC3A 7BX. For more information about pupillage with Mountford Chambers, visit: mountfordchambers.com/recrui… For details about the Pupillage Fair, visit: barcouncil.org.uk/training-e… We look forward to seeing you there.

Mountford Chambers was pleased to attend the North West Legal Consortium (NWLC) Annual Training Event in Liverpool yesterday. James Lloyd and Jim Olphert attended on behalf of Chambers, with James speaking on “AI in the Courts: A Cautionary Tale”, considering recent cases involving generative AI, the risks of unreliable AI-generated material, and responsible AI use in legal practice. Thank you to the organisers for a fantastic event and to everyone who stopped by to say hello.

Historic sexual offences case abandoned on the evening before a dismissal hearing. The CPS has abandoned its prosecution of a man charged with four counts of historic rape and assault by penetration within a marriage, on the evening before the Crown Court was due to hear an application to dismiss. The application, drafted by Edward Henry KC, focused on a detailed analysis of the complainant’s own evidence against the legal requirements for establishing lack of consent and reasonable belief in consent. The Crown offered no evidence and not guilty verdicts were recorded on all counts. Edward Henry KC, leading Megan Cox, was instructed by Ian Lewis of JMW Solicitors LLP. mountfordchambers.com/histor…

Following a 4 ½ month trial at the Loughborough Super Court, Alan Kent KC’s client was found not guilty of murder. He was convicted of the lesser offence of Manslaughter. 10 defendants stood trial for what the prosecution alleged was a gang related murder following a series of ‘tit for tat’ incidents. The Prosecution case relied extensively on telephone evidence, CCTV, Ring doorbell footage, DNA, bad character, possession of weapons and drill lyrics. Alan led Laura Pitman from Castle Gate Chambers, Nottingham. Alan and Laura were instructed by Jonathan Greenhill and Barbara Johal at CJH Solicitors in Derby. mountfordchambers.com/alan-k…

We are pleased to welcome three new pupils to Mountford Chambers. Tomas Higginson, Harry Rogers and Tehreem Sultan officially commence their pupillage with Chambers today, marking an exciting new chapter in their careers. We warmly congratulate them and wish them every success as they begin their pupillage with us. mountfordchambers.com/mountf…

The Legal 500 Bar Awards 2026 take place this evening and we are delighted to announce that two members of Mountford Chambers have been shortlisted: Edward Henry KC – Financial Crime Silk of the Year Alexandra Scott – Financial Crime Junior of the Year We wish Edward, Alexandra and all those shortlisted the very best of luck at this evening’s awards. The full shortlist can be viewed here: legal500.com/events/bar-awar…

Georgia-Mae Chung and Chloe Lennon successfully defended two protestors charged with wilfully obstructing a highway during the Birmingham refuse workers’ strike. Following a two-day trial at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court, both defendants were acquitted. The case involved arguments concerning Articles 10 and 11 ECHR. Georgia-Mae and Chloe were instructed and assisted by Vanetha Armon of Thompsons Solicitors. The case has been reported by BBC News and The Guardian. Further details can be found here: mountfordchambers.com/georgi…

Edward Henry KC secures acquittals for two Cheshire Forest Hunt directors. Edward Henry KC represented two directors of Cheshire Forest Hunt Limited at Chester Magistrates’ Court, where animal welfare charges against both were dismissed following a successful submission of no case to answer. The Judge found the prosecution evidence to be “weak, vague and inconsistent” and awarded both defendants their costs. Edward was instructed by Astrea Linskills and supported by Stephen Welford of Welford Law. mountfordchambers.com/edward…

Following a four-week trial at Aylesbury Crown Court, Stephanie Panchkowry secured a unanimous acquittal for her client, who was charged with conspiracy to transfer a firearm. The prosecution relied on extensive phone and cell site evidence, including hundreds of messages and voice notes, as well as items recovered from the defendant’s home address. Both defendants were unanimously acquitted. Having spent six years in custody, Stephanie’s client was released following his acquittal. Stephanie was instructed by Jonathan Tyson of Henscott Solicitors. mountfordchambers.com/stepha…

Mountford Chambers is delighted to be hosting an open discussion on menopause, wellbeing and supporting women in the workplace on Wednesday 21 October. Bringing together perspectives from the medical profession, the judiciary and the Bar. The discussion will be followed by an open Q&A, with refreshments provided. 📅 Wednesday 21 October 2026 🕕 6:00pm–7:30pm 📍 Mountford Chambers, 13 Ely Place, London EC1N 6RY The event is free and open to all, but places are limited. For more information and to register, visit: eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-m-wor…

Key dates for the 2026/2027 Pupillage Gateway application cycle have now been announced. For more information, visit pupillagegateway.com/for-app…

We are delighted to announce that Alejandra Tascon has been appointed as a panel member of the The Bar Standards Board (BSB) Tribunal Representation Panel. The Panel provides representation in disciplinary and other regulatory proceedings brought by the BSB. Congratulations to Alejandra on her appointment.

Stephanie Panchkowry secures not guilty by Reason of Insanity verdict in attempted murder case. The trial involved complex psychiatric evidence from three consultant forensic psychiatrists, with differing opinions as to whether the defence of insanity applied. Stephanie was instructed by Jonathan Tyson of Henscott Solicitors. mountfordchambers.com/stepha…

Alexandra Scott provides an overview of ‘Fraud in the Digital Age’, which was published on 14th July 2026. This comprehensive report is the second produced as part of the Jonathan Fisher KC’s Independent Review of Disclosure and Fraud Offences. It identifies the difficulties increasingly encountered in the detection, investigation and prosecution of fraud offences, including the impact of Artificial Intelligence and the digitisation of the modern world, and makes a number of wide-ranging recommendations to address these issues. Alexandra’s article for LexisNexis UK summarises some of the key issues raised and proposals advanced, and offers a brief analysis of the difficulties that are likely to be encountered in implementing these recommendations.