Charles Row KC

Charles’ ability to deal with complex, paper heavy cases had led to instructions in substantial, long running murder trials. His careful preparation and resolute advocacy style has led to positive results for his clients.

R v PW – Charles defended a mechanic accused of gross negligence manslaughter resulting in the death of 4 people including a four-year-old girl. The incident occurred in Bath when the brakes on the tipper truck PW had been responsible for servicing and inspecting failed. The young driver lost control and collided with pedestrians and vehicles.

R v H-F – Charles successfully defended a man with psychiatric difficulties who was accused of attempting to murder his mother. She was a vulnerable woman in her 70s with a long history of alcohol abuse, suspected Korsakoff syndrome and delusions of parasitosis.

R v RH and NH – Charles has defended the one of two defendants in the machete attack in the Tesco Eastville store in Bristol. The 2 men were charged with GBH section 18 after people were severely injured following the attack.

Charles also frequently acts within serious sexual offence cases. These often involve Charles handling multi complainant historic abuse matters, rape and abuse within families. His experience with vulnerable witnesses and defendants of varying age, maturity and intellectual ability allows him to command these cases with the upmost care and detail. He is used to dealing with intermediaries, psychiatrists, psychologists and experts of all types.

R v NM & others (Operation Button) – He successfully defended a young Somali male accused as part of Operation Button, a multi handed, multiple victim case involving the serious sexual abuse and rape of young, vulnerable teens by a group of men from Bristol.

R v NM & others (Operation Blisland) – Charles defended the same young Somali male, along with others, charged with allegations of a similar nature in trial. The jury were hung after the first trial which lasted 7 weeks but the defendant was acquitted at the subsequent retrial.

R v DC – Charles defended a man charged with historic abuse of his step daughter. the allegations dated back over 40 years. DC was charged with 9 counts including offences of Rape, Child cruelty and indecent assault. The case required meticulous examination of historic medical records and microfiche records obtained from social services.

“Charles is calm and persuasive to judge and jury. Charles is very knowledgeable, and he has great client care skills.” Chambers and Partners 2024

‘Charles is articulate, conscientious, dedicated and always meticulously prepared. He is skilled at handling expert evidence. [Charles Row KC] has ‘the ability to be persuasive and effective even when running the most difficult cases’ Legal 500 2024

‘Charles is a superb and skilful advocate with an exceptional eye for detail. He has a very light touch and builds enormous rapport with clients. He is well-liked and respected by judges.’ Legal 500 2023

‘He has forensic attention to detail and is excellent in court. A consummate professional. He engages well with juries and has the respect of the judges he appears before, because his advocacy is persuasive and has warmth.’ – Legal 500 2022

“A formidable advocate with a powerful court presence, he is liked by judges and jurors alike while retaining the common touch with clients.” – Legal 500 2021

“He is able to connect with the jury even in the most difficult of cases.” – Legal 500 2020

“A class act who is on his way to silk“ – Chambers and Partners 2019

“Highly methodical, with a very keen eye for detail.” – Legal 500 2019

“He’s an outstanding advocate who exudes confidence and professionalism.” “He delivers exceptional preparation and research of complicated matters.” – Chambers and Partners 2018

“A talented advocate.” – Legal 500 2018

“A really good practitioner. I have a huge amount of time for him, he’s excellent.” – Chambers and Partners 2017

“He has a very pleasant manner; he is accessible, amiable and really professional when on the other side.” – Chambers and Partners 2016

“Experienced in complex fraud, serious sexual offences and murder trials.” – Legal 500 2016

“He is an incredibly capable barrister, and has a keen eye for the tactics in a case.” – Legal 500 2015

“He is very authoritative and conscientious, never flustered, and respected by judges.” – Chambers and Partners 2015

“He is not showy, but is very effective, and he has a beautiful style of advocacy.” – Chambers and Partners 2014