Nine Chambers Crime Team Ranked Tier 3 in The Legal 500 UK Bar 2026

Nine Chambers’ Crime Team has been ranked Tier 3 in The Legal 500 UK Bar 2026, reflecting its breadth across both prosecution and defence work.

The directory praises Vanessa Thomson as “fierce in the courtroom” and for leaving “no stone unturned” in her preparation, with recent notable work defending a teenager charged with attempted murder following a police pursuit.

Members of the team act in cases spanning murder and manslaughter, terrorism, serious and organised crime, sexual offences, fraud, money laundering, modern slavery, police misconduct, and more. Known for diligence and tenacity, the team provides representation from pre-charge advice through to appeals at the highest levels, across the Northern Circuit and beyond.

Band 2 Leading Junior – Vanessa Thomson

Vanessa Thomson is recognised by The Legal 500 UK Bar 2026 as a Band 2 Leading Junior in Crime. The directory notes:

“Vanessa is very good with clients. She is exceptionally well prepared on all aspects of the case and available to discuss issues.”

Head of the Criminal Team at Nine Chambers, Vanessa has over 25 years’ experience prosecuting and defending the most serious cases, including murder, manslaughter, sexual offences, gang-related violence, large-scale drug conspiracies, and fraud. A Category 4 Prosecutor and member of the Rape and Child Sexual Abuse Panel, she is praised for her meticulous preparation, persuasive advocacy, and ability to put vulnerable clients and witnesses at ease, while working closely with solicitors to ensure a strategic and thorough approach at every stage of proceedings.

Band 3 Leading Junior – Hayley Bennett

Hayley Bennett is recognised by The Legal 500 UK Bar 2026 as a Band 3 Leading Junior in Crime. A Category 3 Prosecutor, she has developed a strong practice in serious criminal cases with a particular focus on gang-related crime, and is praised for her charismatic jury advocacy alongside the patience and care she shows when working with vulnerable defendants and witnesses. She has acted in major prosecutions including multi-defendant sexual offences, large-scale drugs conspiracies, and county lines operations, and also defends in cases involving violence, sexual offences, firearms, and serious public disorder. Known for her dedication, technical ability, and strong courtroom presence, Hayley is increasingly instructed in complex and high-profile trials, reflecting her growing reputation as a skilled and versatile advocate.

Band 3 Leading Junior – Helen Longworth

Helen Longworth is recognised by The Legal 500 UK Bar 2026 as a Band 3 Leading Junior in Crime. She has a significant Crown Court practice encompassing complex crime, serious fraud, sexual offences, money laundering, and large-scale drug conspiracies, acting in both prosecution and defence. A CPS Level 3 Panel Advocate and specialist prosecutor in fraud, POCA, and serious crime, she is frequently instructed in multi-defendant trials and long-running conspiracies. Helen is known for her analytical advocacy, strong communication skills, and ability to work sensitively with vulnerable clients and witnesses, including those affected by mental health issues, addiction, or youth justice proceedings. Alongside practice, she teaches advocacy on the MMU Bar Training Course and serves on the Northern Circuit Executive Committee.

Band 3 Leading Junior – Robert Neil Smith

Robert Neil Smith is recognised by The Legal 500 UK Bar 2026 as a Band 3 Leading Junior in Crime. The directory notes:

“Robert is an excellent advocate. He is always professional and listens to the clients before providing detailed and honest advice. He is patient with clients, and his advocacy skills are excellent.”

Deputy Head of the Criminal Team, Robert has over 18 years’ experience prosecuting and defending complex and serious cases including murder, organised crime, sexual offences, large-scale fraud, and drug trafficking. A Category 4 Prosecutor and member of the CPS RASSO Panel, he is frequently instructed in confiscation and restraint proceedings, public interest immunity cases, and advisory work for local authorities and police forces, where he also acts as special counsel on issues of legal professional privilege. Robert is highly regarded for his meticulous preparation, measured advocacy, and ability to balance technical complexity with clear and practical advice to clients.

Band 3 Leading Junior – Geoff Whelan

Geoff Whelan is recognised by The Legal 500 UK Bar 2026 as a Band 3 Leading Junior in Crime. With over 20 years’ experience at the Bar, Geoff has a strong and wide-ranging criminal practice, regularly instructed in cases of murder, attempted murder, serious sexual offences, drugs conspiracies, fraud, and organised crime. Primarily instructed by the prosecution but also with a significant defence practice, he is known for his thorough preparation, clear and persuasive advocacy, and ability to deal sensitively with vulnerable witnesses. Geoff is praised for his open communication with both instructing solicitors and investigative teams, and is regarded as a dedicated and tenacious advocate with extensive experience in complex and serious trials.

Rising Star – Emma Clarke

Emma Clarke is recognised by The Legal 500 UK Bar 2026 as a Rising Star in Crime. The directory notes:

“Emma is an exceptionally bright barrister. She is very intuitive and has knowledge and skills beyond her year of call.”

Since joining Chambers following pupillage with Phil Barnes, Emma has developed a strong practice prosecuting and defending across a broad range of criminal matters. A Category 2 Prosecutor and member of the Government Legal Department’s Junior Panel, she has quickly gained trial experience, securing both acquittals and convictions in contested cases. Emma is praised for her meticulous preparation, calm and confident advocacy, and client-focused approach, and her growing profile is reflected in her involvement with the COVID-19 Inquiry as part of the junior counsel team.