The Legal 500 recognised Kenworthy’s Chambers as a set in Criminal Law with ten of our Member Barristers achieving ranking, up from eight last year, which is a new record for the set!

Congratulations to Door Tenant Martin McCarthy KC, Barry Grennan, Patrick Cassidy, David Morton, Waheed Baber, Soraya Lawrence, Sara Haque, Chudi Grant, Stephen Tettey, and John Richards who were all ranked the field of general crime and fraud in the 2025 Legal 500.

For further reading see Kenworthy’s Chambers Legal 500 Rankings 2025 and Kenworthy’s Chambers’ 2025 Legal 500 Immigration rankings.

Martin McCarthy KC

It is fantastic to have a Silk with such an outstanding reputation join Kenworthy’s Chambers as a Door Tenant as Martin McCarthy KC. “Martin is a superb Barrister. He is a wise and considered practitioner who shows great judgement in which battles to pick.” The leading legal directory added, “Martin is an able advocate who spots good points of law, argues the point well and is clearly an adroit trial tactician.”

Huge congratulations to Martin for achieving his first ranking as a Silk in Legal 500 this year, recognised in the fields of crime and fraud. Legal 500 said “He has a delightful court manner which charms judges and juries alike as well as a steely resolve. Martin is a stellar performer who was made for silk robes.”

Learn more about Martin McCarthy KC’s skills and knowledge in Introducing Kenworthy’s Chambers’ New King’s Counsel Barrister Martin McCarthy.

Barry Grennan

Head of Chambers Barry Grennan has achieved Tier 1 ranking in the Legal 500! He has been working very hard on a high-profile drugs conspiracy case over the past year which has broken records for its length.

Legal 500 says that “Kenworthy’s Chambers is home to Barry Grennan, who specialises in criminal defence, especially in cases arising from gangland murders, fire offences, and drug conspiracies.”

Patrick Cassidy

Our Deputy Head of Chambers Patrick Cassidy is recognised by the Legal 500 as a multi-talented expert. Not only is he ranked here in the Criminal Law section, but he is also recognised for his work in Inquests and Inquiries, and Professional Disciplinary Law.

Legal 500 praise Patrick Cassidy’s criminal practice by saying “Patrick Cassidy is a strong criminal defence practitioner.”

David Morton

David Morton was recognised as a Leading Junior in crime by Legal 500. They said, “David Morton has substantial expertise in handling a variety of cases, from serious violence and murder, organised gang activity, and public disorder charges, to drug and sexual offences, fraud, and arson.”

Waheed Baber

“Waheed Baber is another core member of the team” according to the leading legal directory.

This year the Leading Junior has been representing a defendant in the multi-handed drugs conspiracy trial which has broken records for the length of time it has lasted and in which Head of Chambers Barry Grennan is representing another defendant.

Soraya Lawrence

It was only last month that we introduced Kenworthy’s Chambers’ New Senior Criminal Defence Barrister Soraya Lawrence but she has already secured her ranking as a Leading Junior in the Legal 500 with a couple of strong testimonials.

“Soraya has many strengths but in particular what stands out is her client care. She is able to put a client at ease often in the most stressful time of their life.”

“Soraya Lawrence has an expansive knowledge of criminal law and the ability to identify the key issues from the outset. She is also a strong defender in court.”

Sara Haque

“Sara Haque is called upon to defend and prosecute in cases of serious sexual offences; she is especially skilled in representing vulnerable clients.”

“Sara has an unwavering dedication to her cases, and her meticulous preparation for conferences and hearings, coupled with a determination to secure the best outcomes for her clients, sets her apart as an exceptional legal professional.”

“In court, she really does fight for the interests of her clients and the preparation she has undertaken beforehand is clear to see and puts her miles ahead of her opponents.”

Chudi Grant

Congratulations to Chudi Grant who was once again recognised as a Leding Junior by Legal 500.

The legal directory says, “Chudi has a very calming persona and immediately puts clients at ease. They feel listened to and confident in his representation, and he is particularly excellent in dealing with distressed families and ensuring that they feel involved in the case.”

Stephen Tettey

“Stephen Tettey is another notable name, and he defends those accused of fraud and terrorism offences.” He is a regular inclusion in Legal 500’s rankings and is recognised as a Leading Junior.

John Richards

Special mention goes to John Richards for his first Legal 500 ranking as a Leading Junior!

John is a qualified level 3 prosecutor with expertise in serious fraud, assault, drug conspiracies, and sexual offences. His practice involves defending and prosecuting and his clients often describe him as extremely approachable.

This Case Study details how Criminal Barrister John Richards successfully prosecuted in a case where a drug debt collection went horribly wrong, resulting in a death caused by stab wounds.

Criminal Clerks



Thanks to our Criminal Clerks Paul Mander and Greg Highton who are in constant contact with our Criminal Law team dealing with diaries and client enquiries.

Their hard work was noted by Legal 500 who say, “The Criminal Clerks are always very helpful and try to assist and work with other criminal justice partners.”

The leading legal directory also provided two more testimonials for Paul. “Paul Mander is a Criminal Clerk who is very helpful.”

“Paul Mander is particularly helpful and dependable.”

If you have a criminal case, you need advice or advocacy for, call our Criminal Clerks Paul Mander and Greg Highton on 0161 832 4036, e-mail [email protected], [email protected], or fill out our contact form.