Overview
We have been at the forefront of the expansion of criminal law into related areas of public and civil law. Our chambers include many of the leading practitioners in their fields.
We act in many of the most significant, sensitive, and high-profile cases heard in the UK, Europe, and around the world. Among our associates we count a number of leading practitioners in foreign jurisdictions, including particularly strong links with Hong Kong, Mauritius and the Cayman Islands. Many of the landmark cases in crime, extradition, and proceeds of crime have been argued by our members.
History
6KBW College Hill was established in the 1930s. During World War II, work was disrupted when members were called up to serve. In the mid 1940s, chambers regrouped under the leadership of John Buzzard QC. Housed at 6 King’s Bench Walk in the Inner Temple for some 50 years, we moved to our current address on College Hill in June 2013: hence “6KBW College Hill”.
Post-war, chambers established itself as a leading set in the fields of criminal and public law. John Buzzard appeared in some of the most notable criminal trials and appeals of the time, and was a preeminent extradition lawyer. Fellow member, John Leonard became a dominant force in crime-related judicial review.
In the 1970s and 1980s chambers went from strength to strength, counting among its members some of the leading advocates of their generation. In 1981, one of our members, Ann Curnow, became the first woman to be appointed Senior Treasury Counsel at the Central Criminal Court.
Our commitment to scholarship
Our commitment to academic scholarship and publication is long-standing.
In the 1960s, John Buzzard QC became a leading contributor to Archbold, Criminal Pleading, Evidence and Practice, and a co-author of Phipson on Evidence. In 1973, another member of chambers, Stephen Mitchell became Archbold’s General Editor, a role he fulfilled until 1988.
This legacy is ingrained in 6KBW College Hill today. David Perry KC serves as the General Editor of Blackstone’s Criminal Practice, to which numerous members of chambers contribute. We publish regularly in the Criminal Law Review and other leading journals, as well as responding to Law Commission publications, and contributing to practitioner texts.
Former members & associates
Former members of 6KBW College Hill include a number of members of the judiciary and figures in public life:
- Her Excellency Judge Joanna Korner CMG KC Judge of the International Court
- The Hon. Mrs Justice Arbuthnot
- The Hon. Mr Justice Nigel Sweeney
- The Hon. Mr Justice Nicholas Hilliard
- His Hon. Judge Anthony Leonard KC
- His Hon. Judge Mark Dennis KC
- His Hon. Judge Chris Hehir
- His Hon. Judge Mark Weekes
- His Hon. Judge Kwame Inyundo
- Her Hon. Judge Sarah Whitehouse KC
- District Judge Annabel Pilling
- Roy Amlot KC, former Chairman of the Bar
- Sir David Green CB, KC, former Director of the Serious Fraud Office
- Bruce Houlder CB KC, former Director of Service Prosecutions
We also count among our associates a number of leading practitioners in foreign jurisdictions, including particularly strong links with Hong Kong, Mauritius and the Cayman Islands.
Diversity and Inclusion
In light of the broader issues of structural inequality highlighted by the Black Lives Matter movement, 6KBW College Hill reiterates its commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.We acknowledge that there is more to be done before the Bar can be said to fully reflect the society it serves (see the BSB report on Diversity at the Bar) and are committed to making 6KBW College Hill itself and the profession as accessible, welcoming and supportive as possible to the best candidates, whatever their background. A dedicated committee has been developing an action plan of positive steps we can take to address equality, diversity and inclusion.
Chambers’ Diversity and Inclusion Officers:
- Miranda Hill
- Annie Fendrich
- Christine Giscombe.
For further details, please follow the links below:
Bar Standards Board BSB Report
Mini-pupillage
Pupillage
Equality & Diversity Policy
