“His judgement, preparation and cross-examination are exceptional. He is a consummate practitioner and an absolutely brilliant advocate who is right at the top of the Bar.” Chambers UK 2025: Crime

“He is the most charming and persuasive advocate ever. His demeanour in court is exceptional.” Chambers UK 2025: Professional Discipline

“Alisdair is at the very upper echelons of the criminal Bar. He has an ability to read a courtroom that is second to none.” Legal 500 2025: Crime

“Alisdair is a brilliant tactician. He is both dominating and highly persuasive as an advocate and there is real depth to the way he addresses juries and handles even the most difficult of witnesses. He is also a joy to work with.”  Legal 500 2024:  Crime

“His advocacy skills, preparation, written submissions and tactical acumen mean he is at the very upper echelons of the Bar, possibly second to none. A first choice as an advocate for any case of complexity and seriousness.’  Legal 500 2024:  Police Law

“…has the gravitas to persuade the tribunal with his superb advocacy skills.”  Chambers UK 2024:  Professional Discipline

“He is excellent, both in terms of his level of detail and his client interactions.”  Chambers UK 2024:  Crime

“Outstandingly good in court” Chambers UK 2023: Crime

“Trusted by juries, respected by judges, and feared by opponents” The Legal 500 2023: Crime

“Knows everything inside out” Chambers UK 2022: Crime

“Brilliant, calm and always at pains to provide the best possible service” Chambers UK 2022: Professional Discipline

“instructed in the biggest cases and gets fantastic results for his clients” Chambers UK 2022: Professional Discipline

“An absolutely first-class advocate” The Legal 500 2022: Police Law

“He is simply impressive” The Legal 500 2022: Crime

“An impeccable performer” Chambers UK 2021: Crime

“Tactically brilliant” The Legal 500 2021: Police Law

“Efficient, thorough, and very approachable with good judgement” The Legal 500 2021: Crime

“He has a great strategic mind” Chambers UK 2020: Crime

“A tactically brilliant silk.” The Legal 500 2020: Police Law

“A brilliant cross-examiner with an instinctive feel for the right approach in every case.” The Legal 500 2019: Crime

“Technically brilliant – one of the very best.”.  The Legal 500 2019: Police Law

“So personable, with a sharp legal mind and a great manner with instructing solicitors and clients.” Chambers UK 2018:  Crime

“He has a fantastic manner. His witness handling is outstanding.”  Chambers UK 2018: Professional Discipline

“A majestic practitioner”. Chambers UK 2017: Crime

“A leading barrister in defending rape cases – calm, measured and a brilliant cross-examiner”.  The Legal 500 2017: Crime

‘His quality of advocacy in cross-examination is of the first order’. ‘Always the first choice for defendants facing allegations of rape or sexual assault.’ ‘He’s got a very reassuring manner with clients and an excellent jury manner.’ Chambers UK 2017: Crime

‘He’s very good at getting his head around a case quickly, and from there he makes the right strategic calls.’ ‘A highly experienced, unflappable advocate, he’s always calm and able to think on his feet.’ Chambers UK 2017: Professional Discipline

‘Unflappable and good at dealing with challenging clients.’ The Legal 500 2016: Crime

“He receives attention for the quality of his client care and for his abilities in cross-examination. “He is very thorough in his preparation of cases and is very good with clients, including potentially difficult ones.”  “He is an absolute master of the art of cross-examination. He has an ability to deal with everyone, from clients to solicitors and judges.”  Chambers UK 2016: Crime

‘He is a brilliant cross-examiner and an excellent jury advocate.’ ‘He’s very understated, but he’s an experienced tactician and very good at making clients feel comfortable.’ ‘He is very good with all aspects of the process. He grasps what the client needs and what the strong points of the defence are, and liaises with the police well.’ Chambers UK 2015: Crime

“He is a brilliant cross-examiner and a compelling advocate.”  “He is energetic, highly effective and a pleasure to deal with.”  Chambers UK 2014:  Crime

 “very tough and knows what he is talking about” … “plays well to the jury and has that bearing that juries expect of a senior advocate”.  Chambers UK 2013:  Crime

“a great presence at the Criminal Bar, with a strong reputation for handling murders and sexual offences.” Chambers UK 2012:  Crime