- Murder
- Homicide
- Manslaughter
- Corporate Manslaughter
- Terrorism
- Assault & Wounding
- Sexual Offences
- Rape
- Indecency
- Historic Abuse
- Cybercrime
- Malicious Communications
- Kidnapping & Abduction
- Stalking & Harassment
- Witness Interference
- Child Abuse & Neglect
- Domestic Violence
Criminal
Areas of expertise include:
- Public Disorder
- Gang Offences
- Robbery
- Self Defence
- Courts Martial
- Insurance Fraud
- Mortgage Fraud
- Money Laundering
- Proceeds of Crime
- Confiscation
- Drug Offences
- Animal Cruelty
- Dangerous Dogs
- Football Violence
- Banning Orders
- Hate Crimes
- Incitement
- Human Trafficking
- Metal Theft
- Motor Offences
- Dangerous Driving
- Excess Alcohol
- Speeding Offences
- ‘Road Rage’ Offences
- Totting up Offences
- Forgery
- Counterfeiting
- COVID 19 Furlough Fraud
- Firearms
- Corruption
- 'Cash for Crash' Fraud
- Legal/Medicinal Cannabis
- Industrial Hemp
- Cannabidiol (CBD) Products
Criminal Barristers
"Trinity Chambers is a notable set on the North Eastern Circuit with bases in Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Leeds. The barristers at Trinity Chambers are well regarded for their expert handling of a wide range of criminal cases and regularly appear in the Crown Courts across the North East, as well as Yorkshire and the Midlands. Areas of expertise for the team include serious cases relating to homicides, terrorism, sexual offences and large drugs conspiracies. The set also houses considerable strength in the full range of motor offences, and regularly acts for both the prosecution and the defence." "The service from the clerks is exceptional. They are always willing to assist." "The clerks are first class all round." “Trinity Chambers has one of the best set of clerks in the North East Circuit.”
Chambers & Partners 2024
Led by King's Counsel Toby Hedworth K.C. and Caroline Goodwin K.C., and with over 30 juniors, Trinity’s Criminal barristers have an exemplary reputation for both prosecution and defence legal advice and advocacy in all courts, including the Court of Appeal, Crown Court, Magistrates’ Court and Courts Martial.
Whilst the group’s geographic focus is in Newcastle, Teesside, Leeds and Durham, barristers from the group are instructed by solicitor clients from across the North Eastern, Northern Circuits and beyond.
Members of Trinity Chambers are instructed in cases across the spectrum of criminal offences including murder, manslaughter, terrorism, gangland shootings, sexual offences, drugs conspiracies, cybercrime, fraud, money laundering and driving offences.
The team boasts several Grade 4 CPS prosecutors, dealing with the most complex and serious prosecution cases, some of whom are also part-time members of the Judiciary. Members of the team are specialist Rape and Serious Sexual offences prosecutors as well as CPS Fraud specialists. The team also has a wide range of experience advising and prosecuting on behalf of Local Authorities. Barristers in the group also receive instructions relating to Private Prosecutions.
The criminal barristers are instructed in motor offence cases, ranging from death caused by dangerous driving to mobile phone use, excess alcohol, drug driving and speeding. The specialist motoring offence barristers cover "totting up" and "road rage" cases.
The team recognise that being charged with a criminal offence is a very stressful experience. Barristers in the group aim to minimise that stress by holding early conferences with clients - in person or remotely - to discuss their case and advise on the court process. Trinity's barristers work closely with instructing solicitors, recognising that teamwork is the key to effectively helping and representing defence clients.
Trinity Chambers understands that ongoing support may be needed even after criminal cases have concluded and the team provides the full range of legal representation. This includes Parole Hearings, Appeals to the Crown Court and the Court of Appeal and Judicial Review. Trinity’s criminal barristers provide advice and representation in post-conviction matters such as Proceeds of Crime (POCA), Confiscation and Football Banning Orders.
Members of Trinity's criminal team have experience of advising on a wide range of issues relating to legal/medicinal cannabis, industrial hemp, and cannabidiol (CBD) related products, including licensing, enforcement, advertising, storage, distribution and importation (including condemnation proceedings) and the application of the Exempt Product Criteria. This includes investigations and enforcement proceedings brought against hemp and CBD related businesses including manufacturers, retailers and distributors.
Internal Investigations - organisations and businesses can face a wide range of internal issues that require investigation by an independent third party, including allegations of discrimination, misconduct, racism, bullying, sexual harassment, theft and fraud. A thorough and impartial investigation demonstrates strong governance and rigour, and can be the best course of action to minimise day-to-day disruption, manage risk, and protect an organisation or business' reputation. Trinity’s Investigations team can assist with early assessment, interviews, document review and report writing.
Barristers in the Criminal group frequently deliver in person or online training events to clients, including workshops, seminars and webinars attracting Solicitors Regulation Authority CPD.
Liam Gorman
Lead Criminal & Regulatory Clerk
Liam joined Chambers in August 2010 as an Office Junior after leaving school at 17. He has held a number of positions in Chambers before becoming a Criminal Clerk in 2014. In 2017 Liam became our Lead Criminal and Regulatory Clerk. In this role, Liam is responsible for the Practice Management and Development of all members within his Team. This includes fee negotiation, diary management and business development across the group.
Legal 500 2025
'Liam Gorman is courteous, helpful and highly efficient'.
Chambers & Partners 2024
‘Trinity Chambers has one of the best set of clerks in the North East Circuit. Liam Gorman is the lead criminal and regulatory clerk.’
Legal 500 2024
‘Liam Gorman and Chris Gibbin are always on hand to deal with last minute issues, and have an excellent working relationship with local courts.’
Legal 500 2023
‘Clerks are attentive and quick to get back to you. Liam Gorman can sort any problem out quickly.’
Legal 500 2022
'The clerks, in particular the lead criminal clerk Liam Gorman, are excellent. Incredibly helpful and friendly and always respond quickly to queries. Have never had a problem with the service they provide, and they make everything very easy.'
'The criminal team is run to perfection by Liam Gorman.'
'Liam Gorman is a fantastic friendly clerk always willing to help.'
Chambers & Partners 2022
'The lead criminal clerk Liam Gorman is particularly good.'
'We receive exemplary service.'
Chris Gibbin
Clerk
Chris had over 9 years experience as a Senior Clerk in a barristers chambers in Middlesbrough before joining Trinity Chambers. Prior to that Chris worked in the Lord Chancellors Department, now HM Courts and Tribunals Service, at Teesside Combined Court Centre for over 10 years. During that time Chris covered most areas but the majority of his experience was gained in dealing with Criminal and Family Law matters. Chris’ latter years in the LCD were spent in the Listing Office at Teesside Crown Court where he developed his skills which ultimately saw him transferring to his role in a barristers chambers.
Chris is a member of the Institute of Barristers Clerks.
Outside of work Chris enjoys playing cricket for Marske Cricket Club in the North Yorkshire and South Durham League, watching football and rugby and socialising.
Legal 500 2025
'Chris Gibbin can only be described as outstanding - an unsung hero! He is a great ambassador for Trinity Chambers'
Legal 500 2024
‘Liam Gorman and Chris Gibbin are always on hand to deal with last minute issues, and have an excellent working relationship with local courts.’
Legal 500 2022
'Chris Gibbin is an extremely helpful and experienced clerk.'
'The Teesside branch is spearheaded by Chris Gibbin who is extremely helpful and efficient.'
Chambers & Partners 2022
'I cannot fault the clerking services – Chris Gibbin in Middlesbrough is very helpful, offers prompt responses and is always willing to assist.'
Paul McNab
Civil & Criminal Silks' Clerk
Paul joined Trinity Chambers in March 2020 following the closure of Zenith Chambers.
Paul has a wealth of experience in the legal profession having commenced his career in the late 80's and qualified as a legal executive in the early 90's whilst working for one of the countries largest criminal law firms dealing with serious criminal cases before moving to Number One Fountain Court in Birmingham as the Senior Clerk. Following the merger of Number One with St Philips Chambers in 2002 Paul became the Senior Criminal Clerk looking after what was then the largest criminal team in the country at the time.
Paul took almost a decade away from clerking during which he was the Chief Executive of an International Law firm specialising in domestic and international public law and human rights law adding a range of business and management skills to his CV before returning to the Bar in 2017 as the Senior Civil Clerk at Zenith Chambers in Leeds.
Away from Chambers, Paul can be found on the sidelines at Five Ways Old Eds RFC where he played second row for many decades, or coaching the age grade players at Old Halesonians RFC. When not coaching rugby, Paul is a season ticket holder at Bristol Bears (following the demise of Wasps) and religiously follows Ireland Rugby home and away where he enjoys the occasional "sociable pint"! With more time on his hands Paul plans to learn his native Irish language in 2025!
Legal 500 2025
'The clerks' room is excellent. Paul McNab goes the extra mile to assist us and ensures that we always have access to counsel.'
'Steve Walker and Paul McNab are very responsive and a pleasure to deal with.'
Chambers & Partners 2024
'Paul McNab is always available, commercial and pragmatic.'
'Paul McNab, clerk, is the go-to person. If Paul can't do it no one can. He is the finest clerk I have worked with. He's an asset to the chambers.'
Legal 500 2024
‘Paul McNab, Aimee Bloxham and Josh Stewart-Tilling are always on the end of the phone or email to help us find barristers with availability, even at short notice.’
‘Steve Walker and Paul McNab are always friendly, approachable and make excellent suggestions as to which counsel may be best suited for a particular matter.’
‘Paul McNab is always available and always willing to assist where he can.’
Chambers & Partners 2023
'Paul McNab, clerk, is excellent and has never let me down.'
Legal 500 2023
‘Clerks are approachable and accommodating.’‘Paul McNab – contactable, adaptable, and provides a good service.’‘Paul McNab is responsive, professional and knowledgeable.’
Chambers & Partners 2022
'Paul McNab is an excellent clerk. He's responsive, reliable and personable.'
Chloe Lau
Criminal & Regulatory Clerk
Chloe joined Chambers in November 2010 as an office junior after leaving school at 17.
She has held a number of positions in Chambers before becoming a Criminal & Regulatory Clerk in March 2022.
Chloe is responsible for the general day to day management of the Criminal and Regulatory teams' administrative activities.
Outside of work Chloe enjoys socialising with friends and spending time with her young family.
Edward Shepherd
Criminal & Regulatory Clerk
Edward, known as Ted to those who know him, joined Trinity in 2024 as a Clerk in the Criminal and Regulatory teams after working 5 years in the quality and compliance and the day-to-day coordination and management of operations at a Northeast commercial law firm.
Edward’s interest in law, specifically criminal law, dates back to his university days, where he achieved a 2:1 BA (Hons) degree in Criminology from Liverpool John Moores University in 2018.
Outside of Chambers Edward enjoys long-distance running, socialising with friends and following Middlesbrough Football Club.