Rebecca Thomas

Year of Call: 2019

Rebecca is a barrister practising in all areas of criminal law, proceeds of crime, family and extradition proceedings.

Our specialist clerks can be contacted by email on clerks@5sah.co.uk or phone on 020 7332 5400. To contact our Chambers Director directly in relation to a specific members’ practice, please email dscothern@5sah.co.uk

"Rebecca is tenacious and not afraid to get stuck into a POCA argument. Her skeleton arguments and notes to assist the court are some of the best."

The Legal 500, 2025 | Proceeds of Crime (POCA) and Asset Forfeiture

Overview

Rebecca prosecutes and defends in a wide range of criminal cases. She has a growing practice in proceeds of crime and related areas and also accepts instructions in extradition and family proceedings.

Here’s what some of those who have worked with Rebecca have said about her:

"Her communication skills are first-class – she is able to quickly put clients at ease and gain their trust."

Client Testimonials

"She is incredibly astute – she picks up on the fine details of cases immediately."

Client Testimonials

Direct Access

  • Rebecca accepts direct access instructions in appropriate cases.

Professional Panel Appointments

  • CPS External Advocates Panel (Grade 2).
  • CPS Specialist Prosecutor – POCA (Grade 2).
  • Government Legal Department ‘Junior Junior’ Scheme Member.

 

Criminal Defence

Rebecca has a busy crime practice and regularly appears in the Crown and Magistrates’ Courts. Rebecca has dealt with a wide range of matters, including drug offences, violence, sexual crimes and robbery. 

 

Rebecca has experience in dealing with young and vulnerable defendants in the youth and adult courts. She welcomes instructions in cases with a quasi-criminal jurisdiction, for example applications for Sexual Risk Orders.  

Criminal Prosecutions - Private & Public

Rebecca has experience prosecuting a range of matters in the Crown Courts. She regularly deals with appeals against conviction or sentence and has a growing trial practice. 

 

Rebecca also has a developing private prosecution practice, having been instructed on behalf of private prosecutors in trademark offence matters.  

Asset Forfeiture, Confiscation & Civil Fraud & Business Crime & Financial Regulation

Rebecca is regularly instructed in confiscation proceedings for both the defence and prosecution. She has a detailed knowledge of restraint, confiscation and enforcement proceedings.

 

She represents defendants in high-value confiscation proceedings, both as a led junior and a junior alone.

 

Rebecca appears at enforcement proceedings at the Magistrates’ Court concerning the activation of default sentences for the non-payment of confiscation orders. 

Family & Children

Rebecca has been instructed in a variety of family matters, including occupation orders and non-molestation orders. She has experience acting for both applicants and respondents in child arrangement order proceedings.  

 

Rebecca also accepts instructions in financial proceedings following a divorce or separation. 

Extradition & International

Rebecca accepts instructions in extradition matters.  

 

Professional Discipline & Regulatory

Having gained experience acting on behalf of the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) Rebecca has a growing practice in professional discipline and regulation.  

Interpol

Additional Information

Education and awards

  • University of St Andrews – M.A. Hons English: First Class.
  • City, University of London - Graduate Diploma in Law: Commendation.
  • City, University of London - LLM (Professional Legal Skills, including BPTC): Distinction.

Scholarships

  • Ann Felicity Goddard Scholarship: Gray’s Inn.
  • David Karmel Scholarship: Gray’s Inn.
  • Prince of Wales Scholarship: Gray’s Inn.
  • Dean’s List: University of St Andrews.

Professional Memberships

  • Women in Criminal Law (WICL).
  • Criminal Bar Association (CBA).
  • Defence Extradition Lawyer’s Forum (DELF).