Ten 7BR barristers appointed by CPS to prosecute the most serious cases

 After a six-month national assessment exercise, the Crown Prosecution Service has appointed 28 of 7 Bedford Row’s criminal barristers to grades based on advocacy skill and legal knowledge. Ten were appointed to grade four, the highest, and nine to grade three. Grade four barristers are appointed only if they are assessed as capable of prosecuting all criminal offences, including murder. In addition nine of these barristers were appointed to a specialist panel of counsel experienced in the prosecution of rape cases.

The appointments mean the 28 barristers will prosecute on the Midland circuit, in East Anglia, in south-east England and central London.

The assessment exercise did not apply to Queen’s Counsel; these 28 barristers are in addition to the team of 12 criminal silks at 7 Bedford Row.