Introduction

Treasury Counsel are a team of specialist advocates who prosecute many of the most serious and complex cases in the country, and advise and appear on behalf of the Law Officers, and other government departments.

The title “Treasury Counsel” derives from the days when all Crown Counsel at the Central Criminal Court were instructed by the Treasury Solicitor. That procedure was changed in 1908 and today the Treasury Counsel team accept the majority of their instructions from the Crown Prosecution Service.

Latest News

Jocelyn Ledward KC appointed First Senior Treasury Counsel

Jocelyn Ledward KC has been appointed First Senior Treasury Counsel (FSTC) and will become the first woman to lead the Treasury Counsel team in its history, dating back to 1834.

The Attorney General, Ellie Reeves KC MP, has announced the appointment, which will take effect on 1 April 2027. Jocelyn will succeed Tom Little KC, who has held the role since April 2024.

Treasury Counsel prosecute some of the most serious and complex criminal cases in England and Wales and play an important role in the wider criminal justice system.

As FSTC, Jocelyn will lead the Treasury Counsel Room, setting its strategic direction and ensuring it remains a centre of excellence for the prosecution of the most serious and complex cases. She will maintain its capability and professional standards, develop its members and work closely with partners across the criminal justice system, alongside continuing to prosecute cases herself.

Jocelyn was appointed Junior Treasury Counsel in 2014 and Senior Treasury Counsel in 2022. She has practised in serious and complex criminal law at QEB Hollis Whiteman Chambers since 1999 and was appointed King’s Counsel in 2024.

Her appointment comes as the CPS progresses recruitment to the remaining Treasury Counsel roles, with the new appointments intended to take effect from 1 April 2027.

We congratulate Jocelyn on her appointment and look forward to working with her as she prepares to take up the role. We would also like to thank Tom Little KC for his continued leadership and contribution as First Senior Treasury Counsel.

The Treasury Counsel team

The Treasury Counsel team comprises Senior and Junior advocates, and are led by First Senior Treasury Counsel. They are drawn predominantly from criminal sets of Chambers, although not all have previously been members of the CPS Advocate Panel.

Given the nature of their work, it is vitally important that the brightest and best applicants are attracted to this role, regardless of background or where they may be based.

There are currently 18 Treasury Counsel, as follows:

First Senior Treasury Counsel

• Tom Little KC, Deka Chambers

Senior Treasury Counsel

• Deanna Heer KC, 5 Paper Buildings
• Paul Jarvis KC, 6 King’s Bench Walk
• William Emlyn Jones KC, 3 Raymond Buildings
• Jocelyn Ledward KC, QEB Hollis Whiteman
• Louise Oakley KC, 2 Bedford Row
• Jonathan Polnay KC, QEB Hollis Whiteman

Junior Treasury Counsel

• Kerry Broome, QEB Hollis Whiteman
• Julia Faure-Walker, 2 Hare Court
• Nicholas Hearn, 3 Raymond Buildings
• Ben Holt, 5 King's Bench Walk
• Ben Lloyd, 6 KBW College Hill
• Philip McGhee, QEB Hollis Whiteman
• Catherine Pattison, 5 King’s Bench Walk
• Sarah Przybylska, 2 Hare Court
• Peter Ratliff, 6 KBW College Hill
• Alistair Richardson, 6 KBW College Hill
• Fiona Robertson, QEB Hollis Whiteman

'The Room’

The Treasury Counsel team share office space at the Central Criminal Court (‘the Old Bailey’) where many of their cases are heard. This office space is called ‘the Room’, which is why advocates who are appointed Treasury Counsel are said to be ‘in the Room’.

The Room structure provides a training environment that allows Treasury Counsel to operate as a team, supporting one another, sharing knowledge, and enhancing their skills. Accordingly, members of the team are generally expected to operate from the Room.

Appointment as Treasury Counsel

Treasury Counsel are appointed by the Attorney General through fair and open competition, in consultation with the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Junior Treasury Counsel are appointed following a three-year monitoring period (see below). Once appointed, Junior Treasury Counsel serve an initial period of three years, which can be renewed for a further three years. At the end of the second period of three years Junior Treasury Counsel are eligible to enter the open competition to become Senior Treasury Counsel.

Senior Treasury Counsel are similarly appointed for an initial three years, which can be extended for a further three years.

An open competition is normally held every three years to appoint new Senior Treasury Counsel. This involves a written application and an assessed interview. Applicants do not need to have been Junior Treasury Counsel in order to apply.

Limiting the periods Treasury Counsel serve ensures that ‘the Room’ is invigorated, and that those within it bring a range of skills and specialisms.

Treasury Counsel video interviews

First Senior Treasury Counsel Tom Little KC

Tom Little outlines what's expected of Treasury Counsel applicants, what inspired him to join, and the career progression within Treasury Counsel.

Play video: First Senior Treasury Counsel Tom Little KC - Full Interview

Junior Treasury Counsel member Fiona Robertson

Fiona Robertson shares her experiences and how she was able to balance her caring responsibilities with the duties of being a part of the Treasury Counsel.

Play video: Junior Treasury Counsel Fiona Robertson - Full Interview