Nine Chambers announces the appointment of Vanessa Thomson and Phil Barnes as Kings Counsel

Nine Chambers is pleased to announce that Vanessa Thomson and Phil Barnes have been appointed King’s Counsel in the new silks appointments announced today.

The appointments are made by His Majesty The King, on the advice of the Lord Chancellor, following consideration by the independent King’s Counsel Selection Panel. The formal appointment ceremony will take place at Westminster Hall, where the title of King’s Counsel will be bestowed. 

Vanessa Thomson, Head of the Criminal Team at Nine Chambers, has over 25 years’ experience in the prosecution and defence of the most serious and complex criminal cases. Her practice encompasses murder and manslaughter, rape and serious sexual offences, large-scale drug conspiracies, gang-related violence, fatal road traffic offences and complex fraud. She is a Category 4 Prosecutor and a member of the Rape and Child Sexual Abuse Panel, and is frequently instructed at an early stage to advise on trial strategy, disclosure and case preparation in cases of exceptional gravity. She is recognised for her rigorous preparation, sound judgement and effective advocacy, and for her ability to work closely with instructing solicitors and vulnerable witnesses throughout proceedings. Her appointment reflects a sustained career of distinction in criminal practice.

Phil Barnes has over 20 years’ experience across the criminal courts, having begun his legal career as a solicitor before being called to the Bar in 2014. He is now recognised as a leading practitioner in the prosecution of serious and organised crime, while maintaining a substantial defence practice in complex and sensitive matters.

He is a Category 4 CPS panel advocate and a member of the RASSO panel, and regularly prosecutes on behalf of the CPS Complex Casework Unit and the National Crime Agency, including in large-scale multi-defendant prosecutions and cases involving complex disclosure and novel legal issues. His experience has also been recognised through judicial appointments, having served as a Deputy District Judge and as a Recorder in the Crown Court.

Nine Chambers congratulates Vanessa and Phil on their appointments and welcomes their continued contribution to chambers at the highest level of criminal practice.