After an incredible lifetime at the Bar, Criminal Barrister Ben Nolan KC has decided to retire.

Kenworthy’s Chambers sends our best wishes to Ben upon his retirement and thanks him for his service.

Head of Chambers, Barry Grennan, said, “Dear Ben, so many things I could say, but first and foremost, you will be badly missed as a person and as a Silk. It seems like only yesterday we completed our first case together.”

“I have thoroughly enjoyed being in your company and in cases together.”

“May I wish you all the best in your retirement, and if you are ever near, please do not hesitate to pop into chambers. Have a great retirement!!!”

With an incredible 34 years of experience prosecuting and defending as a Silk, Ben led numerous high-profile criminal cases, including over 200 murder cases. His expertise extended into Regulatory Law and Civil Litigation cases involving personal injury, workplace accidents, and industrial disease. He also took a keen interest in food safety scandals, acting in landmark food safety fraud cases.

In a message to staff, Ben said, “After almost 55 years at the Bar, I have decided to retire. I would like to thank Barry Grennan and Maria Rushworth for your tremendous loyalty and support over the thirty-plus years that I have been associated with Kenworthy’s Chambers!

“I have been proud to be a member of the team, and I appreciate and thank all our Clerks and staff. Very best wishes, Ben.”

His wealth of experience was unmatched and will be missed.

Our Criminal, Inquests and Regulatory Barrister, Patrick Williamson, said, “Ben led me in a murder several years ago. He was a delight to work with from start to finish, and I learned a lot in those weeks.”

Not only this, but he was also kind enough to present me with my red bag and Tom, the Junior Clerk at that time, with a bottle of whisky. May he enjoy a very happy and long retirement.”

Meanwhile, Leading Criminal Defence Barrister Stephen Tettey effused, “Ben Nolan KC’s career stands as one of real distinction. Over many years, he has been at the forefront of the most serious and complex cases, those that not only tested the very best Advocates but went on to shape the way cases are prosecuted and defended today. His contribution to the development of criminal advocacy is both substantial and enduring.”

“Those of us who had the privilege of appearing before him when he sat as a Recorder will remember not only his sharp legal mind and firm, fair case management, but also the ease with which he conducted proceedings. He brought authority without arrogance, and clarity without complication. He was, in every sense, a pleasure to appear before.”

“What has always set Ben apart, however, is that his considerable success never came at the expense of his humanity. His sense of humour, his relatability, and his unmistakable identity as a true member of the Bar remained constant throughout his career. He was as respected in the robing room as he was in the courtroom.”

“His retirement is richly deserved. We hope retirement brings Ben the time and enjoyment that a career of such calibre has earned. He will be greatly missed by colleagues and friends alike, and he leaves behind very big boots to fill.”

Criminal Defence Barrister David Morton added, “We wish Ben a wonderful new chapter in his life.”

Practice Manager Maria Rushworth reflected, saying “Ben’s decision to retire marks the end of an era. I must say congratulations on an incredible career and would like to add thank you for everything you have done for us at Kenworthy’s Chambers. You remain an inspiration to us all. Enjoy your well-earned retirement.”

Kenworthy’s Chambers has accepted three Door Tenant Silks in recent years to accept instructions in heavyweight criminal cases. They are David Lamb KC, Martin McCarthy KC, and Andrew Selby KC.

Ben Nolan KC is no longer accepting cases and will cease practicing by the end of March 2026. If you need a highly experienced Criminal Barrister or King’s Counsel for your case, contact our Criminal Clerks, Paul Mander and Greg Highton, directly on 0161 832 4036, email Paul@kenworthys.co.uk, or Greg@kenworthys.co.uk today.