Category: News

1MCB Chambers is pleased to announce that with effect from 3 August 2026, 13 members and 2 clerks from the former Staple Inn Chambers will joining 1MCB.

The addition of these experienced practitioners broadens and strengthens Chambers expertise across crime, family, immigration, housing and civil, complementing our established practice areas and further enhancing the breadth of specialist legal services available to our professional and lay clients.

Founded in 1977, 1MCB formerly 8 KBW, has remained committed to excellence in advocacy, access to justice and representing all sectors of the community. The members and clerks joining share those values and their arrival reinforces Chambers commitment to delivering high quality legal representation through a strong, collegiate and multidisciplinary set.

Following the move, the former Staple Inn members will practice as members of 1MCB supported by experienced clerks ensuring continuity of service and maintaining the strong professional relationships they have established with solicitors and other professional clients. Existing instructions and ongoing cases will continue without interruption. Clients will continue to receive the high standard of service they expect, with the added benefit of access to the wider expertise, broader range of practice areas and enhanced resources available across 1MCB.

We are delighted to welcome our new colleagues and look forward to the contribution they will make as Chambers continues to develop, grow and strengthen its multidisciplinary practice for the benefit of clients, professional users and the communities we serve.

Jemma Levinson secures a swift unanimous acquittal for a defendant charged with wounding with intent (s.18) and unlawful wounding (s.20). D and her partner (C) were involved in an altercation during which time D stabbed C. D’s case was that she was acting in self defence but inflicted actual wound accidentally. The trial lasted 6 days. The jury acquitted in one hour and 30 mins.

Jemma was instructed by Michelle Simpson from Amosu Robinshaw Solicitors

The case involved the novel issue of penetration during sleeping and an analysis of the implications of explicit text messages in a marital relationship, complex travel and living arrangements and the determination of a locus in quo within a narrow spectrum of time in a volatile and coercive relationship.

The case was listed at Snaresbrook Crown Court and  lasted for 7 days.

David Langwallner was Instructed by Emmanuel Udu from Dorian and Co Solicitors.

A defendant accused of exposure and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order was unanimously acquitted at Snaresbrook Crown Court. After a 5 day trial the defence exposed major investigative omissions and demonstrated that the identification evidence was unsafe. The police had fixed on the defendant following a Jigsaw match from an unrelated incident the next day, but failed to obtain CCTV, phone data or alternative suspect enquiries. With detailed preparation by Dobsons Solicitors, the defence showed that the Code D procedure operated as confirmation rather than testing, and that the complainant—who gave sincere evidence—was a truthful but mistaken witness. The defendant, who had documented mental health vulnerabilities, gave evidence and explained the context of his no comment interview. The jury returned unanimous acquittals on both counts.

Michael Chambers was instructed by David Nicholson of Dobsons Solicitors.

Following a five-day trial at Croydon Crown Court, the central issue was consent, with both the defendant and the complainant giving evidence.

Derek was instructed by Ola Amosu of Amosu Robinshaw Solicitors.

Phil Romans, instructed by TSABI Law, recently acted as defence counsel in a complex 5-week trial at the Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey), representing one of six defendants in a case involving aggravated arson and serious offences under the Terrorism Act 2000 and the National Security Act 2023.

The case involved attacks on property and individuals at the behest of the Wagner Group, a terrorist organisation closely connected to the Russian state. One attack targeted an operation in east London supplying goods to Ukraine. The trial at the Central Criminal Court attracted considerable national and international media attention. 

For article click here

Derek Barry represented a client facing a serious four-count indictment, including allegations of assault by penetration and sexual assault on a stranger in London late at night. The case was heard at Wood Green Crown Court.

Following robust written and oral legal submissions made by Derek, the Crown Prosecution Service offered no evidence on the second day of trial. As a result, the judge directed not guilty verdicts on all four counts.

Derek was instructed by David Battaliou of Richard Body Law

We are pleased to announce that Matthew Hunt has commenced tenancy at 1MCB Chambers following successful completion of a probationary tenancy. Before coming to the Bar, Matthew was a teacher and lecturer, and he brings to his practice a distinctive ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity and conviction. His recent cases have involved serious and sensitive matters, including human trafficking, sexual offences, and public law challenges. We look forward to his continued contribution to Chambers.

Bryan Cox KC successfully secured the dismissal of all disciplinary charges faced by students before the Oxford University Student Disciplinary Panel. The students affiliated to the Oxford for Palestine Movement staged a peaceful protest at the Vice Chancellor’s office, calling on the University to review its Investments in Israel arguing that the University risked complicity in war crimes. Following a 2 day hearing during which the Panel heard legal argument, the Panel dismissed all charges.

For more information about instructing Bryan Cox KC please contact the senior clerk, Adam Brosnan

Ranjeet Dulay, led by Laurie-Anne Power KC of 25 Bedford Row and instructed by Selase Sunu of Criminal Defence Solicitors, defends man accused of murdering a London bus driver. The trial at Central Criminal Court is estimated to last 4 weeks.

We are excited to announce that Matthew Hunt has joined 1MCB as our new probationary tenant. Please join us in welcoming Matthew to the team!

Matthew accepts instructions in Magistrates’ Court, Youth Court, and Crown Court matters. He is a CPS Grade 2 prosecutor.

1MCB is pleased to announce that James Murray-Smith has been appointed to Level 4 on the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Advocate Panel. This appointment recognises James’ exceptional advocacy skills and his extensive experience in handling complex criminal cases.

All of us at 1MCB are proud of James’ accomplishment and look forward to his continued success in this role.