Claire was called to the Bar by Middle Temple in 1999 and practises in serious and complex criminal law, specialising in allegations of homicide, organised crime, fraud and sexual offences, often in multi-handed trials. She is a member of Farringdon Chambers in London.
In 2016 Claire became a Crown Court Recorder (part-time judge) and in 2022 was authorised to try cases at the Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey). Claire also took silk (became King’s Counsel) in 2022.
Claire is a Bencher at Middle Temple where she delivers advocacy and ethics training. She is also a qualified facilitator for vulnerable witness training. She has a particular interest in equality, diversity and inclusion and, as Leader of the South Eastern Circuit (2025-26) she set up a cross-discipline mentoring scheme to support practitioners.
Alongside the Bar Council and Criminal Bar Association, Claire has been heavily involved in the Bar’s ‘Justice needs juries’ campaign, organising court visits for MPs and giving oral evidence to the Public Bill Committee for the Courts and Tribunals Bill.
Commenting on her election, Claire Davies KC said: “It is an honour to be Vice Chair of the Bar Council for 2027.
“It is a critical time for the publicly funded Bar and, now more than ever, the whole Bar must remain united in influencing the decisions that shape our future to continue our international reputation.
“I am committed to continuing the vital work already being undertaken to oppose the curtailment of jury trials. We must ensure we have a justice system representative of the society it serves and one which increases access to justice for all. I welcome the planned initiatives to improve efficiency within our criminal justice system. By embracing the increased use of technology to modernise the way we work we can deliver better outcomes for justice while improving practitioner wellbeing.
“A focus of mine will be retention of practitioners, encouragement of the talent already at the Bar and recruitment into our profession. This is central to our future and that includes ensuring a properly funded public Bar.
“During my career at the Bar, great strides have been made concerning equality, diversity and inclusion, and following the publication of the Harman Review efforts have been made to eliminate bullying. We cannot be complacent. There is more still to be done, and I look forward to continuing the work I have already undertaken in these vital areas.
“I look forward to working with the Bar Council team and Chair to ensure a positive and bright future for all at the Bar.”
Claire will join the officer team from 1 January 2027 alongside current Vice Chair Heidi Stonecliffe KC, who was elected unopposed as Chair of the Bar for 2027, and Lucinda Orr (partner at Enyo Law) who was elected unopposed as Treasurer for 2027.