Ben Berkson

Call 2018

Photo of Ben Berkson

  • Beyond the Bar

    Ben is a keen golfer, illustrated by his victory in the Northern Circuit’s Carlisle Cup in 2021. Prior to pupillage, Ben worked as a paralegal in a commercial litigation / regulatory setting. Most of his caseload concerned the revocation / refusal of shotgun / firearm certificates.

  • Education

    • University of Liverpool: Geography (BA) – First Class
    • Liverpool John Moores University: GDL – Merit
    • Manchester Metropolitan University: BPTC – Very Competent

  • Appointments

    • Grade 1 CPS Panel Advocate

  • Memberships

    • The Honourable Society of Gray’s
    • Criminal Bar Association

Criminal

Ben became a tenant of Exchange Chambers in September 2021 following pupillage under the supervision of Martine Snowdon.

His busy case load has provided Ben experience in all manner of Crown Court hearings. Ben has a varied practice in both the Magistrates Court and the Crown Court. His experience spans a broad range of instructions (both prosecuting and defending) in the following areas:

  • Motor and vehicle offences
  • Drugs offences
  • Offences against the person
  • Sexual offences
  • Dishonesty offences

As a CPS grade 1 prosecutor, Ben has prosecuted appeals against convictions in the Crown Court. In the Magistrates’ Court, Ben has successfully defended and prosecuted a number of trials. He has also built experience in questioning vulnerable and child witnesses.

Ben has also been instructed on committal hearings in the County Court for breaches of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (often acting for the Applicant).