Peter Caldwell, David Rhodes, Jonathan Price, Anthony Vaughan and Adam Wagner newly appointed King’s Counsel
Doughty Street Chambers is thrilled and proud to announce that our leading juniors, Peter Caldwell, David Rhodes, Jonathan Price, Anthony Vaughan and Adam Wagner have been appointed King’s Counsel following their success in the 2024 competition.
Peter Caldwell is a leading barrister specialising in financial crime, extradition, and sanctions. Ranked by Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, he is described as “a giant in his field”, “an intelligent, tactically astute, and decisive advocate” with a “deep knowledge of international crime and extradition.” Clients commend his ability to “easily guide the judge and jury through the most complex arguments.”
Peter is head of Doughty Street International's Sanctions Team, advises on sanctions compliance, enforcement and de-designation. He is relied on to protect his clients from the adverse reputational consequences of criminal and regulatory investigations.
David Rhodes is highly regarded in criminal law, ranked by Chambers & Partners and Legal 500. Praised for his intelligence, strategic acumen, and meticulous preparation, he is described as “an incredible advocate” with “exceptional written work” whose advocacy “commands the attention of the courtroom”.
David handles serious cases, including homicide, organised crime, sexual offences, and fraud, with particular skill in representing defendants with complex needs and working with expert witnesses. He also advises on criminal appeals and has expertise in extradition, courts martial, and public law.
In 2023, he was appointed a Recorder, sitting part-time in the Crown Court.
Defamation, privacy and human rights expert Jonathan Price has acted in many important and high-profile cases in his field at first instance and appellate level domestically and in applications to the European Court of Human Rights. Jonathan’s international media defence work includes advocacy before the UN, the OECD and other treaty bodies on behalf of journalists and human rights defenders.
Described as “committed, incisive, and always on the ball,” Jonathan is praised as “a class act” with “excellent” court delivery and is noted for his “mastery of the applicable legal framework” and “depth of experience” in providing practical guidance.
Anthony Vaughan is a highly regarded barrister specialising in public law, human rights, and equality law, with particular expertise in immigration, deprivation of liberty, and human trafficking. Recognised as “a leader in the field”, he is ranked as a leading junior by Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 in immigration, civil liberties, and public law.
Anthony is praised for his “meticulous preparation” and “breadth of knowledge in human rights law” and for advocacy that is “focused and precise” with “a mastery of detail”. He regularly appears before courts at all levels, including the Supreme Court, and has represented clients before the Strasbourg Court and international human rights bodies. He is also a member of the Equality and Human Rights Commission panel of specialist counsel.
Adam Wagner specialises in human rights, public inquiries, constitutional, and international law. Recognised for his role in key public law and human rights cases, including leading judgments on the right to protest and constitutional law during the Covid-19 pandemic, he is celebrated as “a real force in protest law” and praised for his “excellent judgment,” “strategic thinking,” and ability to handle complex legal and political issues with precision.
His work often involves issues of the highest political and constitutional sensitivity, including recent public inquiries into Covid-19 and political corruption in Gibraltar. In 2024, Adam was awarded the Halsbury’s Award for the Rule of Law and received an honorary doctorate from the University of Law for his contributions to protest law and his work during the pandemic. He has been shortlisted again for the 2025 Halsbury’s Award for the Rule of Law for his pro bono work representing the British families of hostages in Gaza.
The appointments to King's Counsel of Peter, David, Jonathan, Anthony and Adam, brings chambers’ complement to a total of 44 Silks with leading reputations both domestically and internationally, across the range of criminal, public and administrative law.
For more information about the work of Peter and David, please contact Matthew Butchard.
For more information about the work of Jonathan, Anthony and Adam, please contact Sian Wilkins.