General Crime

We are one of the leading criminal sets in the UK, with a stellar reputation in our field. Our barristers specialise in all types of serious and general crime, financial crime and criminal regulatory work.

We receive instructions to prosecute and defend at every level, and accept both publicly-funded and privately-funded work.

We provide specialist representation and astute, strategic advice at all stages of a case, including pre-charge, trial and appeal. Key areas of practice include:

• Cyber crime
• Drug trafficking
• Fraud
• Human trafficking
• International crime
• Money laundering
• Murder and manslaughter
• Private prosecutions
• Road traffic offences
• Robbery
• Serious and organised crime, including corruption and bribery
• Serious sexual offences including historic abuse
• Terrorism
• Violent offences

We have 33 Category 4 Prosecutors – more than any other barristers’ chambers in the UK. We receive instructions from the CPS and other prosecuting authorities / specialist agencies including the Serious Fraud Office, the North West Counter Terrorism Unit, CAA, SOCA, HMRC, BIS, DWP, HSE and the Environment Agency.

Members appear in all levels of court and in quasi-criminal jurisdictions such as The General Medical Council, the Coroner’s Court and in all forms of judicial inquiry. Many members also specialise in regulatory and professional disciplinary hearings, where their experience from the criminal courts brings distinct advantage.

Our barristers are regularly invited to provide training to local authorities, solicitors, police and other professional bodies.

What the Directories Say

“Exchange Chambers houses a number of experienced criminal barristers and enjoys an excellent reputation for its handling of serious criminal cases.”
Band 2 Leading Set – Crime (North Eastern Circuit), Chambers and Partners 2024

‘Exchange is a very strong chambers.’
Tier 2 Leading Set – Crime (General and Fraud), The Legal 500 2024