Sonn Macmillan Walker Retains Band 2 and Legal Aid Spotlight Rankings in Chambers UK 2027

Sonn Macmillan Walker is delighted to announce that the firm has maintained its Band 2 ranking for Crime in the Chambers and Partners UK Guide 2027, alongside its continued Spotlight recognition for Crime: Legal Aid Specialists. These prestigious rankings reaffirm the firm's position as one of London's leading criminal defence practices and reflect its longstanding commitment to providing exceptional legal representation.

Having been promoted to Band 2 in the 2026 edition, the firm's continued recognition is a testament to the strength, expertise and dedication of its criminal defence team. Sonn Macmillan Walker regularly represents clients in some of the most serious and complex criminal proceedings, including cases involving homicide, serious violence, sexual offences, organised crime and terrorism.

The latest Chambers guide highlights the firm's exceptional approach to case preparation, litigation and client care, with commentators praising the team's ability to deliver outstanding representation:

"The level of preparation, litigation support and client care marks Sonn Macmillan Walker out as exceptional in the field."

Another commentator commended the team's adaptability and commitment to excellence:

"The team is able to adapt and provide a unique approach to each of their cases, whilst providing legal excellence throughout."

The firm's meticulous approach to case preparation and collaborative working has also been recognised, with one commentator stating:

"They do a really stellar job of preparing their cases and supporting their clients and barristers."

Alongside its Band 2 ranking, Sonn Macmillan Walker has retained its Spotlight recognition for Crime: Legal Aid Specialists, acknowledging the firm's continued commitment to access to justice and its expertise in providing high-quality criminal defence representation to legally aided clients.

The firm prides itself on ensuring that every client receives the same exceptional standard of service, regardless of whether their case is privately funded or legally aided. This recognition reflects the team's determination to provide robust, thorough and compassionate representation at every stage of criminal proceedings, from the police station through to the appellate courts.

The firm's success in the 2027 guide is further reflected in the individual recognition of six of its practitioners. Katy Smart maintained her prestigious Band 1 ranking for Extradition, while Amy Cox retained her Band 2 ranking for Crime. David Bloom and Rachel Hobba also maintained their respective Band 3 ranking for POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture and Band 5 ranking for Crime. This year also marked two particularly exciting achievements, with Leah Connolly progressing from Up and Coming to Band 5 for Crime, and Phoebe Coleman receiving her first individual Chambers ranking as an Associate to Watch for Crime. These achievements highlight the exceptional talent across Sonn Macmillan Walker and the firm's continued commitment to developing and recognising excellence at every stage of its practitioners' careers.

Maintaining both rankings is a significant achievement for Sonn Macmillan Walker and reflects the collective hard work, dedication and expertise of the entire team. We are immensely proud of this continued recognition and remain committed to delivering the highest standard of criminal defence representation while ensuring access to justice for all.