Lucy Coen
Call: 2019
Lucy Coen
BPTC, BPP Leeds, 2017–2019 (Very Competent)
GDL, University of Law, 2015–2017 (Distinction)
MA Peace Studies, University of Bradford, 2011 (Distinction)
BA Modern History and Politics, University of Liverpool, 2007–2010 (2:1)
Young Legal Aid Lawyers
Family Law Bar Association
Contact
T: 0113 246 2600 / 01274 722560
Lucy Coen is an Immigration specialist at Broadway House Chambers.
Lucy accepted tenancy at Broadway House Chambers after successfully completing her pupillage in December 2020 under the supervision of Giles Bridge and Paul Smith.
Lucy was called to the Bar in 2019 after completing the BPTC part-time at BPP Leeds. Prior to the Bar, Lucy worked for a number of years in a variety of roles in the not-for-profit sector, including working as an immigration caseworker, an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor [ISVA] and a support worker at a national children’s charity. As such she has wealth of experience working with a range of people and is particularly adept at communicating with lay clients.
Reputation
Articles
Immigration Status of a Parent in an Application for a Child Arrangements Order by Lucy CoenImmigration Matters: Visitors who Attempt to Stay in the UK Permanently by Lucy Coen
Recent Webinars Include
Immigration applications for children in care
Expertise
Immigration
Prior to the Bar, Lucy worked at a local charity as an immigration caseworker, where she drafted further submissions for clients who could not obtain legal aid as a result of their cases not meeting the merits test. She also regularly appeared in the First-Tier Tribunal once further submissions had been granted a right of appeal. Whilst in this role she gave legal advice at weekly clinic in Leeds providing much needed pro-bono assistance to migrants.
From 2015 to 2017 Lucy worked as an Independent Child Trafficking Advocate [ICTA] at Barnardo’s across the North of England. Lucy was the first ICTA in the North of England to undertake this role and worked closely with a variety of agencies including the police, social care and immigration practitioners to ensure that young people identified as having been trafficked were properly supported. Lucy’s prior experience working with young people and care-leavers makes her particularly well-suited to representing unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.
Lucy continues her commitment to vulnerable clients by undertaking pro-bono advocacy for the Manuel Bravo Project and Bail for Immigration Detainees.
Lucy is available to advise and represent clients with all immigration and asylum matters and works collaboratively with solicitors to ensure a firm understanding of the issues in a case prior to entering court.
Notable Cases
**Immigration case 2022**
Represented client from Iraq. Earlier negative credibility findings. Appeal granted on Article 8 grounds
**Asylum case 2022**
Represented client from Ethiopia. Appeal granted
**Asylum case 2021**
Represented client from Eritrea where nationality was disputed. Earlier negative credibility findings. Appeal granted
**Asylum case 2020**
Represented client from Nigeria. Client vulnerable due to mental and physical health difficulties. Appeal granted.
**Asylum case 2020**
Represented client from Nigeria. Appeal granted on Article 8 grounds
Clerks
Emily Hughes
Call: 2014
Emily Hughes
Year of Call: 2014
Inner Temple Scholar
BPTC, BPP Leeds 2013-14 (Very Competent)
LLB Law, University of Leeds 2010-13 (2:1)
Contact
T: 0113 246 2600 / 01274 722560
Emily accepted tenancy at Broadway House Chambers in December 2021 after successfully completing her Civil and Family Law Pupillage.
Emily has a busy practice and is available to take instructions in all areas covered by the Business, Property and Probate Team and Family Team.
Reputation
Expertise
Emily is experienced in Family and Civil Law
Business Property and Probate
Prior to commencing pupillage, Emily acquired six years of freelance advocacy experience in a wide range of civil litigation. Her practice encompassed the following areas: commercial and residential property, contract disputes, landlord and tenant, mortgage repossession, personal injury, credit hire, consumer credit, insolvency and debt recovery. She therefore had a working knowledge in these areas from which her practice within the Business, Property and Probate Team is developing.
Emily has considerable experience in a number of areas covered by the Business, Property and Probate Team and frequently appears in the County Court on behalf of both Claimants and Defendants. She is confident in dealing with all levels of contested applications and costs disputes. Emily is able to provide straightforward advice and draft pleadings within these practice areas.
Family
Emily commenced pupillage under the supervision of Kerry Barker in January 2021 and was involved in all aspects of family proceedings. Within public and private law, she has assisted with particularly difficult and complex cases involving preventable death, non-accidental injuries, sexual abuse, domestic violence and mental health aspects along with cross-jurisdictional elements up to High Court level. Emily has quickly established a strong practice of her own in these areas and is confident in dealing with multi-faceted cases.
Emily has also developed a keen interest in financial remedy cases, having accompanied a number of senior specialist practitioners in mid and high value cases during pupillage. She has also gained a valuable insight into needs-based cases requiring creative, practical solutions along with those involving family businesses and intervenors. Emily has established a broad practice within the Family Team and is keen to develop her financial remedy practice further. She is happy to advise in conference and in writing.
Clerks
Ella Embleton
Call: 2019
Ella Embleton
BPP Manchester, BPTC, Very Competent (2019)
BPP Manchester, Legal Practice LLM, Distinction (2019)
Law LLB, 1:1, University of Manchester (2018)
Ann Goddard Scholar
Criminal Bar Association
Grade 2 Prosecutor
RASSO Panel
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 / 0113 246 2600
Ella prosecutes and defends in a range of cases in the Crown Court. She has successfully prosecuted and defended in trials concerning sexual offences, offences against the person and drugs offences.
Reputation
Expertise
Criminal
Ella has experience in representing vulnerable clients who have been considered not fit to plead and stand trial. Ella has represented their interests at trial and secured an absolute discharge for one of her clients at a disposal hearing. Further to this, Ella has recently completed the Vulnerable Witness Training and is now able to conduct s.28 hearings and handle young and vulnerable witnesses.
As a result of her developing practice, Ella has experience in dealing with all stages of POCA proceedings.
In addition to her criminal practice, Ella has represented local councils in relation to matters concerning trading standards. She has also acted for Defendants in such hearings, dealing with closure orders and licence conditions.
Prior to commencing pupillage Ella worked as a paralegal at the General Medical Council, drafting allegations for tribunal hearings and facilitating expert reports. As such Ella has experience and knowledge of medical expert evidence.
Regulatory
Prior to joining the Bar, Ella worked for the General Medical Council in their Fitness to Practice directorate. As such, Ella has experience in interim order tribunals, and contested fitness to practice hearings before the Medical Practitioners Tribunal.
Since joining the Bar, Ella was appointed to the Nursing and Midwifery Council advocates panel and has represented the NMC in interim order hearings. Ella also has experience of representing doctors before the Medical Practitioners Tribunal for interim order hearings.
Ella has a keen interest in coroners court and inquest law, and welcomes instructions in this area too.
Notable Cases
R v T (2024): Represented to act for one of three defendants in a case concerning Production of Cannabis where the defence of modern day slavery was raised. Ella successfully made a submission of no case to answer, which resulted in her clients acquittal.
R v Salisbury (2024): Prosecution of ex-coronation street star and Emmerdale director for one count of sexual communication with a child.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13865825/Emmerdale-director-Harry-Styles-brag-grooming-teenage-boy-avoids-jail.html
R v X (2024): Ella Embleton secured a 2-year community order for her client charged with second offence of Arson (reckless as to whether life was endangered.
https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/24393512.woman-court-horton-park-health-centre-arson/
R v K (2024): Ella represented a client charged with possession with intent to supply Class A. Ella drafted a written an application to dismiss which was successful. This resulted in the case being dismissed.
R v S (2024): Ella represented a client charged with possession with intent to supply cannabis. On the day of trial, Ella successfully negotiated with the Prosecutor which resulted in the Crown offering no evidence.
R v Allinson (2024): Ella represented the Defendant at his sentencing hearing for an attempt s.18, in which the Defendant had run over the Complainant. Ella secured a sentence of 43 months’ imprisonment and a two-year disqualification.
https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/23940898.jailed-pair-said-claimed-ran-consett-arrest/
R v Riaz (2023): Ella represented a client charged with being drunk on an aircraft alongside four other offences. Ella successfully secured a 14 month sentence for her client.
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/plane-drunk-abused-air-stewardess-28018934
R v Hussain (2023): Ella represented a client for sentence for two offences of perverting the course of justice and secured a 12 month community order with 100 hours of unpaid work.
R v Naqui (2023): Prosecution of a 3rd strike burglar who received 6 years’ imprisonment.
https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/23954118.bradford-burglar-cruelly-lied-man-dementia/?ref=rss&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
R v Fitzpatrick (2023): Ella acted as junior defence counsel to Rodney Ferm for a client charged with several offences of blackmail and being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs. The Crown originally stated that it was 12 kilograms of cocaine, however after lengthy negotiations it was agreed that 5 kilograms would be a suitable basis on which the Defendant pleaded guilty. As part of this case, Ella considered a significant volume of EncroChat material.
https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/23940898.jailed-pair-said-claimed-ran-consett-arrest/
R v V (2023): Ella recently defended a client charged with Production of Cannabis. On the day of trial, Ella managed to persuade the Crown to offer no evidence in respect of her client due to the lack of evidence that he was involved in the production.
R v K(2023): Ella represented an ex-West Yorkshire Police Detention Officer charged with two offences of impersonating a police officer and a racially aggravated public order offence. After a two-day trial, the Magistrates returned not-guilty verdicts to all charges.
R v S (2023): Ella successfully prosecuted a burglary trial at Leeds Crown Court in which expert evidence relating to glass fragments was adduced and challenged.
R v Hussain (2023): Defence Counsel in a driving whilst disqualified / driving whilst using mobile phone / failing to stop case. The issue was identification. Ella succeeded in a half time submission of ’no case to answer’.
R v S (2023): Ella secured suspended sentence for client charged with perverting the course of justice https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/23330487.teen-crashed-seat-ibiza-fled-scene-reported-stolen/
R v D (2022): Ella secured a conviction in a 3-day robbery trial whereby the issue was ID. The case involved legal arguments concerning the admissibility of evidence.
R v Mobin (2022): Ella successfully prosecuted Zeeshan Mobin for offences of ABH and strangulation after an all-day trial in the magistrates court. The Defendant was committed to the Crown Court for sentence whereby he received 18 months’ imprisonment and was made subject to a 10-year restraining order. Mr Mobin was one of the first Defendants to be tried and sentenced for the new offence of non-fatal strangulation.
https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/23209479.bradford-man-zeeshan-mobin-jailed-throttling-partner/?ref=rss&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
R v P (2022): Ella secured an acquittal for her Defendant charged with Assault ABH after a trial involving three witnesses.
R v B (2022): Ella successfully defended at trial her client charged with ABH.
R v T (2022): Ella secured an acquittal after trial for her client charged with two counts of assault by beating. The case involved complex legal arguments considering res gestae and the admissibility of evidence.
R v Kluka (2022): Secured a suspended sentence order for client charged with dangerous driving who caused an estimated £120,000 worth of damage to a property in Stockport.
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/drunk-who-smashed-70k-audi-25343564
R v B (2022): Secured acquittal for client charged with child abduction.
https://www.broadwayhouse.co.uk/news/ella-embleton-successful-defence-abduction
R v Porter (2021): Ella represented the Prosecution in a trial concerning a charge of harassment at York Magistrates Court. Ella was successful and the Defendant was found guilty.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/horse-carrots-restraining-order-nelson-b1960884.html
Clerks
Edward Sullivan
Call: 2015
Edward Sullivan
Qualifications: LLB Hons: 2:1
Qualifications: BPTC: Very Competent
Memberships FLBA and Inner Temple
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Edward has a busy practice covering all areas of family law with a focus on disputes relating to children.
Before pupillage, Edward commenced his legal career as a court clerk at Leeds Magistrates' Court. He then progressed to the role of a justices' legal adviser with His Majesty's Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) in Sheffield Magistrates' and Family Court, advising magistrates on law and practice in Criminal and Family Law. Edward's legal training was overseen by experienced justices' legal advisers and the Judicial College.
Edward completed a family law pupillage in Sheffield under the tutelage of the head of the family law team.
Reputation
Expertise
Family
Private Law Children: Edward is instructed in private children matters, including findings of fact hearings, including and up to the most serious such as allegations of assault, rape and alleged sexual touching of children. Edward is comfortable advising vulnerable clients, negotiating with litigants in person and is interested in cases with a jurisdictional issue or the consideration of international mirror orders.
Public Law: Edward regularly appears on behalf of local authorities, parents and children. He appears before magistrates, the district and circuit bench and, on occasions, the high court in urgent case management and issues resolution hearings.
Edward has advised on appeals in private law matters and appeared in the appeal court and the High Court on behalf of a public body regarding disclosure.
Notable Cases
Family
Care, Circuit Judge, representing the local authority at a contested first hearing, through cross-examination of the mother, persuaded the court that there were no safeguards the court could put in place to protect the child. The court found the initial threshold was crossed, and the child remained in a care placement.
Private Law, appeal court, representing the grandparents in their appeal, found that the order allowing the grandparents to have contact only after the child had finished a leisure activity was wrong. The court went on to order that the child should have contact on a fortnightly basis to progress to weekly contact, with additional time in school holidays.
Private Law, Circuit Judge, representing a parent, Edward, had successfully persuaded the court that it had the jurisdiction to keep a temporary port order in place until at least a contested hearing when the parent with care of the child sought to fly to the UAE.
Clerks
Christopher James Bevan
Call: 2019
Christopher James Bevan
Bar Professional Training Course, The University of Law Leeds (2018)
Graduate Diploma Law, University of Plymouth (2016)
BSc (Hons) Psychology, University of Plymouth (2015)
The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple; Diana, Princess of Wales Scholarship
The University of Law; Provosts Award for excellence
The Middle Temple, Michael Sherrard QC Access to the Bar Award
Criminal Bar Association
Grade 2 RASSO Panel
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Christopher regularly takes instructions in criminal cases in both the Magistrates Court and Crown Court. Since completing his pupillage in 2022, Christopher has grown a Crown Court practice regularly taking instructions in Grade 2 prosecution matters and a variety of defence cases, including sexual offences for the defence.
Reputation
J. Bevan, ‘‘10-year prison sentences for breaching COVID-19 entry requirements into the United Kingdom’? Governmental Decree is undermining the Rule of Law‘, U.K. Const. L. Blog (24th Feb. 2021) (available at https://ukconstitutionallaw.org/))
J. Bevan, ‘Anti-HRA Rhetoric and the Conservative Party 2019 Manifesto: Are the Proposals for a British Bill of Rights and Repeal of the Human Rights Act “Dead in the Water”?’, U.K. Constitutional Law Association (28th Nov. 2019) (available at https://ukconstitutionallaw.org/)
J. Bevan, ‘Do local authorities have the power to impose a full-scale local lockdown?’, The Local Government Lawyer (18th September 2020) (available at localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk)
(Please note, to avoid academic confusion with another barrister of the same name, Christopher publishes using his middle name).
Expertise
Christopher has taken regular instructions in the Court Martial and is familiar with law and procedure and is indeed experienced in the military courts at both trial and sentence. Christopher has dealt with fitness to plead, automatism, and the wider array of common defences. Christopher has been praised for his attention to detail and his kind and considered approach with victims and witnesses. Christopher has dealt with an array of offences for both the prosecution and defence including up to assault occasioning grievous bodily harm in the Crown Court. Christopher has taken instructions in junior briefs and has been led at the Crown Court in multi-handed defendant trials for both the Crown and defence.
Before coming to the independent Bar, Christopher worked in a large local authority in West Yorkshire and is very experienced in dealing with local authority criminal matters. He cut his teeth prosecuting in the Magistrates Court for local authority matters. Since entering into self-employed practice and completing his pupillage, Christopher has regularly taken instructions for a variety of local authorities across the Northeast in relation to serious fly tipping matters, nuisance, and local authority licencing violations.
Christopher’s primary interest in the criminal law, and an area in which he excels are in prosecuting and defending those accused of sexual offences. He is experienced in that regard in Crown Court matters for both the prosecution and defence. He is working towards his CPS Grade 3 and is hoping to join the RASSO panel in order to take more instructions in those offences.
In his spare time, Christopher is a keen songwriter and pianist and may well be found writing a song or working on his next compositional project.
Notable Cases
R -v- I (2024) – Instructed by the Crown in a trial lasting 3 days at Bradford Crown Court. The defendant was found guilty following 4 allegations of historical sexual abuse perpetrated by a man in his mid 20’s against a 13 year old girl between 2010 and 2012.
R -v- T (2024) – Instructed by the Crown in a 9-day trial at Leeds Crown Court where the defendant was accused on 13 counts of sexual activity with his 9 and 14-year-old daughter when they would go stay with him in his caravan. The trial had to be paused overnight to deal with an urgent and unforeseeable disclosure issue.
R -v- B and Others (2024) – Led by senior counsel in a trial at Teesside Crown Court in a case involving a mob attack against two police officers, leading to multiple convictions for GBH and other offences.
R -v- PS (2024) – Instructed by the Crown, this case involved the defendant been convicted after trial following sexually assaulting two young teenagers (male and female) on their way to a shopping mall on a tram in Sheffield.
R -v- NP (2023) – Instructed by the defence to oppose the extension of a sexual harm prevention order. Whilst the order was extended, the Crown Court were persuaded to remove certain terms.
R -v- FC and Others (2023) – Instructed by the defence to represent the young lead defendant in a multi-handed, multi-count trial at Teesside Crown Court, involving GBH, drugs, and possession of a knife. The case resolved with certain pleas, leading to a suspended sentence for the lead defendant.
R -v- MR (2023) – Defendant acquitted following a trial at Durham Crown Court for one count of possessing a knife and threats of violence.
R -v- SL (2022) – Defendant acquitted of sexual assault following a trial in the Court Martial at Catterick.
R -v- DA (2022) – The male defendant was charged with two counts of sexual assault on a male. Christopher persuaded the Crown to only proceed with one of the charges which was subsequently dealt with without the need for a trial in the Court Martial.
R -v- RW and Others (2022) – In a multi-handed youth defendant trial for murder Christopher assisted junior counsel led by a QC in preparation for trial.
Clerks
Jon Flaherty
Call: 2019
Jon Flaherty
Newcastle University – LLB – 2:1 (2017)
University of Law, Leeds – BPTC – Very Competent (2019)
University of Law, Leeds – LLM – Distinction (2019)
Contact
T: 0113 246 2600 / 01274 722560
Jon commenced pupillage in September 2021 under the supervision of Rachel Mellor and has since gained experience in all aspects of Employment and Family proceedings. Jon started tenancy on 1st September 2022.
Jon studied law at Newcastle University from which he graduated in 2017. Throughout his studies he was heavily engaged in advocacy based competitions, winning both the Senior Mooting Competition and Senior Client Interviewing Competition, as well as representing the University externally. He was also elected as the Master of Moots, a role requiring the training of students and judging of moots. In his final year, Jon was asked by the University to take on a paid role as a seminar leader in the Peer Assisted Student Session scheme, which involved preparing and leading seminars based around the equity module.
Before starting the BPTC, Jon worked as a paralegal in the Commercial Dispute Resolution department of a Leeds based law firm. His work included advising clients, drafting and filing of claims, assisting with litigation and the enforcement of judgments. While on the BPTC Jon volunteered at the Citizens Advice Bureau, advising and assisting clients in the Employment Tribunal and Social Security Tribunal.
Prior to the commencement of pupillage, Jon operated as a freelance advocate on the North and North-Eastern Circuit for two years. This involved representing clients in a wide variety of civil matters including mortgage possessions, landlord & tenant, personal injury, RTAs, consumer credit, insolvency, small claims disputes and procedural applications. Jon also represented clients in the Employment Tribunal during this period in unfair dismissal matters.
Expertise
Family:Jon is instructed in a wide variety of family matters, representing and advising clients in all areas of Family Law.
Matrimonial Finance – Jon has represented clients in a number of matrimonial finance cases since beginning Second Six. Jon takes a robust and practical approach to negotiations and has been successful in applications against uncooperative parties for costs as well as securing penal notices where a party has been uncooperative.
Public Law– Jon represents parties in the public family sphere, regularly being instructed to represent Local Authorities, Children’s Guardians and respondents. His work has covered everything from last-minute urgent removal hearings through to final hearings. Jon has been involved in matters from neglect through to allegations of sexual and physical abuse.
Private Children – in addition, Jon is often instructed in private family matters and is acutely aware of the concerns of parents in such proceedings. Jon has also successfully represented a child in their own application for contact with siblings.
Immigration:
Jon has represented clients in the First Tier Tribunal in their Asylum, Immigration Human Rights, and EEA regulation appeals. Jon takes an all-encompassing approach to such appeals to ensure his clients are in the best position to succeed.
Civil/Business, Property and Probate:
Jon has experience in dealing with civil matters ranging from civil applications to small and fast track claims. This experience has been accumulated prior to joining chambers and has since been developed with instructions to advise and represent clients in a wide-variety of civil matters.
Employment:
Jon has gained invaluable experience during his pupillage under Rachel Mellor and has represented clients in the Employment Tribunal in unfair dismissal claims as well as assisting in preparing advice in respect of appeals to the Employment Appeal Tribunal and Court of Appeal.
Clerks
Lauren Smith
Call: 2019
Lauren Smith
University of York – LLB – First Class Honours [2015]
University of York – LLM in Legal and Political Theory – Distinction [2017]
BPP Leeds – BPTC (Part-time) – Outstanding [2017-2019]
University of York – York Masters Opportunity Scholarship [2017]
Middle Temple – Harmsworth Scholarship [2017]
Blackstone Entrance Exhibition [2017]
Certificate of Honour [2019]
BPP – Criminal Litigation Prize (for highest mark on Criminal Litigation module) [2019]
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 / 0113 246 2600
Lauren completed her pupillage at Broadway House Chambers under the supervision of Peter Hampton (now HHJ Hampton). Lauren started tenancy on 1st September 2022.
Lauren has experience of cases involving driving offences, sexual offences, offences against the person, theft offences and drug offences. She has appeared before criminal courts up to and including the Court of Appeal.
Lauren is a Grade 2 Prosecutor.
Expertise
Prior to commencing pupillage, Lauren worked as a paralegal in the regulatory department at Capsticks Solicitors. On behalf of Social Work England, Lauren assisted with drafting applications to the High Court for Interim Order Extensions and investigating fitness to practise concerns by interviewing witnesses. Lauren was also responsible for preparing cases for final and interim hearings, for example by identifying material for disclosure. As such, Lauren has experience and knowledge of professional discipline, and is keen to develop a practice in regulatory law.
Lauren now has a developing regulatory practice. She has provided written advice to regulatory bodies on fitness to practice proceedings and has represented a Registrant before a professional disciplinary tribunal. She is keen to develop her practice further by undertaking work for regulatory bodies (including public authorities) and Registrants subject to professional disciplinary proceedings. Lauren welcomes instructions in inquest work.
Whilst studying for the BPTC, Lauren undertook pro-bono work for the Criminal Appeals Project, AMICUS ALJ and Support Through Court at Leeds Combined Court Centre. Consequently, Lauren has experience of working alongside litigants in person and vulnerable clients, such as those with mental health difficulties or victims of domestic violence.
Lauren is a Grade 2 Prosecutor.
Notable Cases
Defence
R v C [2025] Bradford Crown Court: Defence of C, who was charged with multiple offences including child abduction, supplying a psychoactive substance and sexual assault. Case involved cross-examination of a child. Following a 4-day trial, C was convicted of a single count of child abduction only.
R v K [2025] Preston Crown Court: Defence of K, who was charged with a knifepoint robbery. Following a 3-day trial, K was acquitted.
R v C [2025] Bradford Crown Court: Defence of C, who was charged with controlling and coercive behaviour and intentional strangulation. Following a 3-day trial, H was acquitted.
R v H [2024] Bradford Crown Court: Defence of H, who was charged with ABH and two counts of intentional strangulation. Following a 4-day trial, H was acquitted.
R v M [2024] Newcastle Crown Court: Led Junior for the defence of M, who was charged as a co-conspirator in six offences including conveying prohibited articles into prison. Case resolved with a plea to one lesser alternative offence. M ultimately sentenced to a community order.
R v C [2024] Bradford Crown Court: Defence of C, who pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position (value £110,000+). Lauren secured a suspended sentence order, despite the sentencing guidelines suggesting that a sentence in excess of 2 years was appropriate.
R v X [2023] Bradford Magistrates Court: Lauren secured acquittal for client charged with causing death by careless driving, following a 1-day trial. Case involved prosecution and defence expert evidence on reaction times.
W v R [2023] Court of Appeal: Defence of W, who had pleaded guilty to an offence of stalking causing fear of violence. Lauren advised that the sentence imposed was manifestly excessive. She then successfully appeared before the Court of Appeal, who substituted the sentence of 27 months' imprisonment for one of 16 months. This meant the appellant had served his sentence and was immediately released.
R v P [2023] York Crown Court: Defence of P at sentence, who had pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of class A drugs with intent to supply and possession of an offensive weapon. Lauren secured a suspended sentence order.
R v L [2023] Bradford Crown Court: Defending L, who had pleaded guilty on the day of trial to s.20 GBH, having struck V to the back of the head with a hammer. Lauren secured a suspended sentence order.
R v M [2022] Bradford Crown Court: Defending one of the first defendants to be sentenced in Bradford for the new offence of intentional non-fatal strangulation.
Prosecution
R v H [2025] Bradford Crown Court: Currently instructed by the prosecution as Led Junior in a fraud, where the alleged losses total more than £3,000,000.
R v H [2025] Sheffield Crown Court: Prosecution of a defendant charged with multiple breaches of a non-molestation order. Child complainants who were assisted by an intermediary. Defendant convicted of the majority of charges.
R v W [2023] Bradford Crown Court: Prosecution of a defendant charged with numerous domestic violence offences. The case involved two child witnesses who underwent s.28 cross-examination. Defendant pleaded on the day of trial.
R v B [2023] Leeds Crown Court: Lauren's first contested jury trial involved the prosecution of a defendant charged with burglary. The case involved presentation of expert evidence (fingerprint, blood and cell site). The defendant was convicted.
R v B, C and H [2023] Sheffield Crown Court: Prosecution of a multi-handed robbery trial with 3 defendants, all of whom pleaded on the day of trial.
R v C [2022] Leeds Magistrates' Court: Prosecution of a defendant charged with ABH in the domestic context. The complainant had retracted their support for the prosecution and did not attend trial. Lauren made a successful res gestae application to rely on their initial account. The defendant was convicted.
Youth Court
R v B [2025] Leeds Youth Court: Defended B, a 15-year-old, who was charged with a knifepoint robbery of a 13-year-old. B was assisted by an intermediary. Following a 1-day trial, B was acquitted.
R v B [2025] Leeds Youth Court: Currently instructed to defend B, a 16-year-old who was charged with s.18 GBH. Following negotiations with the prosecution, case resolved with a plea to the lesser offence of s.20 GBH.
R v W [2023] Leeds Youth Court: Defended W, a 14-year-old, who pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery, two counts of possessing an imitation firearm, possession of a bladed article and handling stolen goods. The prosecution asked for W to be committed to sentence to the Crown Court. Following mitigation, the Magistrates declined to commit the offences and imposed a Youth Rehabilitation Order.
R v B [2023] Leeds Youth Court: Defence of B, a 14-year-old, who was convicted of various offences including robbery, ABH and assaulting emergency workers. He was assisted by an intermediary. Following mitigation, the Magistrates sentenced B to a Referral Order.
Clerks
Verity Barnes
Call: 2021
Verity Barnes
University of Law (Leeds), BPC, Outstanding (2021)
University of Law (Leeds), Legal Practice LLM, Distinction (2021)
Leeds Beckett University, Law LLB, First Class with Honours (2020)
Inner Temple Exhibition Scholar (2020)
Grade 2 Prosecutor
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 / 0113 246 2600
Verity has a criminal practice and accepts instructions in this area.
Verity prosecutes and defends in the Crown Court and Magistrates’ Court. Verity has experience prosecuting and defending a wide variety of trials in the Magistrates’ Court. She also regularly appears in the Crown Court for appeals, sentencing, bail hearings and breach hearings.
Verity commenced pupillage at Broadway House Chambers in October 2022 under the supervision of Abigail Langford. During pupillage, Verity observed a range of cases in the Crown Court involving sexual offences, offences against the person, drug offences and terrorism. Verity assisted in a prosecution case involving historic sexual offences and domestic abuse against multiple complainants. She was responsible for reviewing ABEs, amending indictments, preparing schedules of text messages to be presented to the jury and liaising with the officers in the case.
Reputation
Expertise
Prior to commencing pupillage, Verity worked as a family paralegal. She assisted with drafting applications, statements and legal argument in a wide range of private child disputes, matrimonial finance and divorce proceedings. She also assisted in relation to unmarried couples’ separation and particularly the provisions of TOLATA. In this role, Verity clerked on a number of hearings and also undertook advocacy for clients of the firm in Non-Molestation and Occupation Order applications. As such, she also has experience and knowledge in family and child law.
Whilst studying for her Law LLB and during her Bar Course, Verity undertook pro-bono work for her university’s Legal Advice Clinic. Consequently, she has experience dealing with litigants-in-person, vulnerable clients and particularly victims of domestic violence.
Notable Cases
R v S, Leeds Youth Court (2025) - Defence of S, a 16-year-old who was charged with a robbery occurring when he was 15 years old. He was assisted by an intermediary. Following mitigation from Verity, the District Judge sentenced S to a short Referral Order.
R v L and others, Sheffield Crown Court (2025) – Defence of L who was one of 4 charged with affray arising out of an incident whereby a knife was used to injure. By closely examining the principles of self-defence and presenting alternative CCTV footage, Verity was able to persuade the jury to return a unanimous not guilty verdict after just 28 minutes.
R v Peel, Bradford CC (2024) - Defended a 18 year old at sentence for offences committed when he was 16. The starting point for an adult was 3 years imprisonment. Verity argued, due to his lack of maturity, that he should receive no more than he would have received had he been sentenced as a child and that there were grounds to impose a suspended sentence. The defendant received 12 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months as a result of her submissions.
https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/24724846.jayden-peel-allerton-sentenced-thornton-road-crash/
R v Baldwin and Moorby, Bradford CC (2024) – Defended a sentence involving the importation of class C drugs. Through mitigation, Verity Barnes argued the harm could appropriately be categorised into category 4 given the conclusions of the defence expert. The client avoided custody and received a 24 month community order.
https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/24578960.bradford-man-woman-ordered-liquid-ecstasy-netherlands/
https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/24425882.bradford-bound-bottles-liquid-ecstasy-intercepted-airport/
R v B (2024) – Convinced the prosecution to offer no evidence on the day of trial in the Magistrates Court for lay client charged with driving without due care and attention.
R v D (2024) – Defended lay client in the Crown Court for sentence for production of a controlled drug of Class B. The defendant had been discovered growing cannabis at his home address with 40+ plants worth over £25,000 if sold commercially. Achieved a community order by highlighting the unexplained delay prior to charging.
R v Thackray (2024): Defence for client charged with possesion of indecent images. https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/24089951.paedophile-snared-decoys-posing-young-girls/
Clerks
Danny Smith
Call: 2023 (Solicitor 2016)
Danny Smith
University of Leicester, Postgraduate Diploma in Employment Law, Distinction (2023)
Solicitor-Advocate, Higher Rights of Audience (Civil) (2021)
University of Sheffield, Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (2010)
Cardiff University, LLB Law (2009)
Middle Temple
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 / 0113 246 2600
Danny Smith joined Broadway House Chambers in October 2023 and accepts instructions within all elements of employment law, commercial law, property/landlord and tenant law, professional discipline, licencing, regulatory and sports law.
Having been admitted as a solicitor in 2016, Danny possesses prior experience within these areas before transitioning to the Bar. Consequently, he is well-versed in working with lay clients beyond the confines of the courtroom, prioritising excellent client care.
Danny has extensive experience dealing with all matters of employment law. Before joining Broadway House Chambers, Danny was employed as a solicitor advocate at a litigation firm in Leeds dealing exclusively with employment law litigation matters. He has experience of drafting complicated statements of case and carrying out advocacy at the employment tribunal including at both preliminary hearing and multi-day final hearings.
Danny also has experience of advising and undertaking advocacy for commercial law and property/landlord & tenant matters after being employed as a property litigation solicitor at a large commercial firm in Leeds and a housing law paralegal at a national housing charity. He is well equipped to assist with the full range of commercial law and property law matters.
“Danny is a tenacious advocate with a real attention to detail. He grasps complex matters quickly and with alacrity. His pragmatic and down-to-earth style puts clients at ease. I have no trouble whatsoever in recommending him” - Toby Pochron, Director, Freeths
Reputation
“Danny is a tenacious advocate with a real attention to detail. He grasps complex matters quickly and with alacrity. His pragmatic and down-to-earth style puts clients at ease. I have no trouble whatsoever in recommending him” - Toby Pochron, Director, Freeths.
"Danny is an expert in his field and helped us acheive a settlement in a disability discriminatio case that we thought would be impossible to settle. I would not hesitate to recommend him" Solicitor Feedback, 2024.
With previous experience as a solicitor, Danny has vast experience working within Employment Law, Commercial Law and matters involving Property & Landlord & Tenant.
Expertise
Danny accepts instructions for Claimants and Respondents at all stages in employment tribunal proceedings.
As a Solicitor Advocate, he has dealt with numerous cases involving:
- Discrimination
- Whistleblowing
- Unfair Dismissal
- Wrongful Dismissal
- Working Time Directive
- Unlawful Deductions and Breach of Contract
Danny has experience and is able to represent at all hearings at the employment tribunal. He has appeared at both multi day hearings and at preliminary hearings to determine disability, time limits, employment status, specific disclosure and strike out/deposit orders.
Property & Landlord & Tenant
Danny accepts instructions for both Claimants and Defendants.
As a Solicitor he advised and acted:
- Possession, Disrepair and Deposit Protection
- Trespass & Unlawful Occupation
- Lease Renewals and Break Notices
- Telecoms
- Dilapidations
- Rights of Way and Boundary Disputes
- Service Charge Disputes
- Party Wall Disputes
- Adverse Possession
- Forfeiture
Commercial Law
Danny accepts instructions for both Claimants and Defendants. As a solicitor, Danny advised and acted on breach of contract claims, debt recovery and employment law related disputes such as breach of restrictive covenants.
Professional Discipline & Licensing
Danny has extensive experience of sensitively advising and robustly representing regulated professionals before tribunals. Together with his employment law experience, Danny can be instructed from an early stage to include and ensure clients are easily navigated from the intertwining complexities of regulatory and employment law.
Healthcare Regulatory
Danny is regularly instructed to advise and represent care home clients and has a deep understanding of the unique regulated industry.
Danny is also interested in inquests.
Notable Cases
Acting for a group company and its remaining associative companies as a result of one of the associated companies being liquidated resulting in all staff being dismissed by way of redundancy. A former director and employee of the liquidated company brought an unfair dismissal claim against the remaining associated companies arguing that they was employed by them.
(2023)
Acting for a Respondent obtaining a strike out due to time limits.
(2022 -2023)
Advising care homes in relation to compulsory Covid 19 vaccination and mask wearing policies and defending claims brought against it as a result of action taken under the policy.
G -v- H Limited, Leeds ET (2022)
2 day disability discrimination and constructive unfair dismissal claim brought by a former employee due to alleged “pressure” by the Respondent. Danny successfully represented the Respondent.
E -v- L Limited, Manchester ET (2021)
Unlawful deduction and breach of contract claim brought by a former employee due to a mistake in the Claimant’s contract of employment. Danny successfully represented the Respondent.
Clerks
Camilla Bonifai
Call: 2019
Camilla Bonifai
LLB (Hons) English Law, University of Dundee (2017)
LLM Human Rights Law, University of Edinburgh (2018)
LLM Bar Practice, The University of Law (2019)
Bar Practice Training Course, The University of Law, Very Competent (2019)
Employment Lawyers Association
Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association
Lincoln’s Inn
Contact
E: clerks@broadwayhouse.co.uk
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600 (Option 2)
Camilla commenced pupillage in September 2023 under the supervision of Paul Smith and has since gained further experience in different areas of Civil, Employment, Immigration and Regulatory Law. Camilla started her tenancy as a Barrister at Broadway House in September 2024.
Camilla is on Panel for the Government Legal Department’s Junior Junior Scheme. Camilla accepts Employment, Immigration and Civil instructions.
Prior to pupillage, Camilla had a civil litigation background, having worked in the civil courts as a County Court advocate (employed by an international firm) and having handled Claimant insurer-funded cases as a paralegal at a national solicitors’ firm.
Reputation
Publication: ‘The Irish Children’s Right Referendum’ (2019), published by Together (Scottish alliance for Children’s Rights)
Expertise
Employment
Camilla has observed a variety of employment matters during the first six months of her pupillage by attending Employment Tribunals across the country and in the EAT. Since the start of her second six months of her pupillage, Camilla has represented clients in preliminary and final hearings in matters involving all aspects of Employment Law. Camilla also has an extensive paper practice and accepts instructions to draft pleadings and provide written opinions.
Immigration
Camilla has represented clients in the First Tier Tribunal and Upper Tribunal. She has been involved in factually complex cases regarding the situations in Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Vietnam as well as those involving EU settled status, and children. Camilla has also advised on matters of unlawful detention.
Civil
Camilla is instructed in a wide variety of Civil matters, representing and advising both Claimants and Defendants.Business, Commercial and Property – Camilla is regularly instructed to deal with matters involving commercial and residential property, housing disrepair, landlord and tenant matters, TOLATA, contract disputes, aviation, credit hire and debt recovery. Camilla regularly appears in the civil courts for applications, case management hearings, small and fast track trials.
Personal Injury – Camilla has developed considerable experience in dealing with Personal Injury matters, having worked as a personal injury paralegal and advocate prior to commencing pupillage. Camilla has been instructed to appear in the County Courts for both Claimants and Defendants on several cases. Camilla has also experience in advising on quantum on complex injury and high value matters.
Regulatory
Camilla has experience in disciplinary work and sport regulatory work.
Camilla has an extensive employment practice in which she is regularly instructed on disciplinary cases to represent a number of professionals. Camilla appears in the Tribunal regularly and advises on a number of matters involving healthcare professionals such as nurses, healthcare assistants and care workers. Camilla has also represented professional athletes and has carried out extensive work and attended hearings on historic cases before the Sport Resolutions appointed disciplinary and safeguarding panels.
Camilla has appeared in the Coroner’s Court, as well as advised and assisted colleagues on a number of inquests both on behalf of bereaved families and other corporate entities. Camilla draws on her civil practice to be well-equipped to advise and represent interested persons in cases that may follow after the inquest.
Camilla has interest in the following areas:
• Professional discipline
• Healthcare Regulatory
• Licensing
• Inquests
Clerks
Safaraz Ahad
Call: 2020
Safaraz Ahad
BPP (Leeds), Legal Practice LLM, Distinction (2019)
Leeds Beckett University, Law LLB (2017)
Middle Temple
Grade 2 prosecutor
Contact
E: clerks@broadwayhouse.co.uk
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Safaraz has a criminal practice and accepts instructions in both the prosecution and defence.
Safaraz has experience handling cases in the Crown Court involving offences such as, but not limited to, threats to kill, controlling and coercive behaviour, assault and battery, grievous bodily harm (GBH), actual bodily harm (ABH), drug possession and supply, possession of indecent images of children, violent disorder and burglary.
Safaraz is a Grade 2 prosecutor.
Expertise
Safaraz accepts instructions for both defence and prosecution.
Whilst studying for the BPTC, Safaraz undertook pro-bono work for the BPP Legal Advice Clinic, providing legal advice surrounding housing issues. Accordingly, Safaraz had experience working with vulnerable clients, such as those with financial difficulties.
Prior to commencing pupillage, Safaraz worked as a County Court Advocate on the Northern Circuit. He appeared in a number of small claims as well as various interim hearings, such as landlord and tenant, mortgage possessions, infant approval hearings, charging orders, bankruptcy, attachment of earnings, insolvency proceedings, and injunctions. As such, Safaraz has gained extensive experience appearing in trials, and dealing with lay clients. He is keen to use the skills gained to assist him in his criminal practice.
Notable Cases
R v S (2025) Bradford Crown Court: Defence of S, who pleaded guilty before trial to numerous offences including threats to kill, controlling and coercive behaviour, and section 39 battery. The Crown argued a starting point of 4 years. Following mitigation, a total sentence of 20 months was imposed. https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/25010415.dad-of-five-physically-verbally-abused-former-wife/
R v G (2025) Preston Crown Court: Defence of G at sentence, who had pleaded guilty to s.18 GBH, having struck V with a metal pole across the face causing fractured facial bones and loss of teeth. The Crown argued a starting point of 12 years. Following mitigation, an extended sentence was avoided and a total sentence of 5 years, 6 months was imposed.
R v M (2025) Bradford Crown Court: Defence of M at sentence, who had pleaded guilty to possession of class B drugs with intent to supply. Safaraz secured a community order. https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/25004632.bradford-man-caught-cannabis-swords-scythe-home/
R v M (2025) Bradford Crown Court: Defence of M at sentence, who had pleaded guilty to possession of class B drugs with intent to supply. Safaraz secured a community order.
R v C (2025) Bradford Magistrates’ Court: Defence of C, who was charged with ABH. In reference to Safaraz’s cross-examination the Judge acquitted C, following a 2-day trial.
R v H (2024) Bradford Crown Court: Prosecution of a dangerous driving trial.
R v S (2024) Burnley Crown Court: Defence of S at sentence, who pleaded guilty on a basis to a conspiracy of possession with intent to supply Class A. S was told to expect a sentence in the region of 12 years custody. After Safaraz’s careful submissions about apportionment, S received a sentence of 7 years 7 months custody.
R v M (2024) Bradford Magistrates Court: Defence of M, who was charged with section 39 battery. In reference to Safaraz’s cross-examination the bench acquitted M.
R v C (2024) Bradford Crown Court: Defence of C at sentence, who had pleaded guilty to possession of class B drugs with intent to supply. Safaraz secured a suspended sentence order. https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/24791608.keighley-drug-dealers-waqas-ahmed-dwight-sloan-sentenced/
R v S (2024) Teeside Crown Court: Defending S at sentence, who had pleaded guilty on the day of trial to s.20 GBH, having attacked V causing a collapsed lung and shattered ribs. Safaraz secured a suspended sentence order. https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/chef-joined-gang-attack-collapsed-30224082
R v H (2024) Leeds Crown Court: Defence of H at sentence, who had pleaded guilty to violent disorder. The sentencing guidelines gave a starting point of 2 years. The defendant had relevant previous convictions. Safaraz secured a suspended sentence order.
R v D (2024) Leeds Crown Court: Defence of D, who had pleaded guilty to burglary of a non-dwelling. On the day of trial, Safaraz managed to persuade the Crown that the hotel room in question was a non-dwelling. As a result, Safaraz secured a suspended sentence order.
R v F (2024) Liverpool Crown Court: Defence of F at sentence, who had pleaded guilty to numerous offences including section 20 assault (inflicting grievous bodily harm), theft, and section 39 battery. The defendant had relevant previous convictions. Following mitigation, a total sentence of 35 months was imposed. https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/gang-locked-man-hotel-room-30113093
Clerks
Josephine Garvey
Call: 2022
Josephine Garvey
University of Law (Leeds) BPTC – Very Competent (2021)
University of Law (Leeds), Legal Practice LLM, Distinction (2021)
University of Sheffield, LLB Law (European and International) 2.1 (2019)
Grays Inn
Member of the Family Law Bar Association.
Contact
E: clerks@broadwayhouse.co.uk
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600 (Option 2)
Josephine joined Broadway House Chambers as a tenant in September 2024, following successful completion of her pupillage under the supervision of Nick Power.
Josephine accepts instructions across all areas of family law and has been instructed in matrimonial finance, private law children, public law children and injunction matters.
Reputation
Seminars
Josephine recently held a Webinar with Nick Power covering Daniels v Walker Applications. Following the success of the Webinar, Josephine and Nick were asked by Family Law (the Lexis Nexis journal), to write an article on the matter.
Josephine also recently provided a webinar alongside Kerry Barker re updates to post-adoption contact and spoke at the family law conference on PAG1/2 reports.
Background prior to pupillage:
Prior to pupillage, Josephine worked as an assistant legal officer at a West Yorkshire council in their childcare legal department for two years. During this time, she assisted on a wide range of public and private childcare matters, including emergency removal applications, placement order applications and contested adoption matters.
Josephine also worked as a paralegal in a regional solicitors firm in their family department. She assisted on applications for financial relief in matrimonial finance proceedings, injunction applications, private children disputes and international child abduction and child arrangement disputes.
Josephine received a grant from the University of Sheffield with respect to her pro bono work assisting litigants in persons with their court applications and supporting them within court hearings.
Expertise
Matrimonial finance
Josephine has been instructed on a wide range of cases under the Matrimonial Causes Act - at FDR stage, for interim hearings involving intervenors and at final hearing. She is regularly instructed to provide advice prior to FDRs and final hearing on making appropriate offers. She has successfully represented an application for an increase in MPS.
Private children
Josephine regularly accepts instructions in disputes relating to contact, residence and obtaining parental responsibility. She is often instructed for DRA and final hearings.
Her cases recently have involved allegations of domestic abuse, where she has acted on behalf of a respondent, and secured findings against the applicant of fabrication of evidence, misleading the court and demonstrating coercive controlling behaviours. All allegations raised by the applicant against the respondent were found not proven.
Public Law Children
Josephine has been instructed on applications for emergency removal, representing both local authorities and parents. She has undertaken final, contested hearings on behalf of local authorities involving neglect and domestic abuse.
Injunction proceedings
Josephine is often instructed on cases for final hearing, most recently securing findings of physical abuse against the respondent.
Clerks
Thomas Theakston
Second Six Pupil | Call: 2023
Thomas Theakston
University of Law (Leeds), BPC, Outstanding (2023)
University of Law (Leeds), GDL, Distinction (2021)
Middle Temple Certificate of Honour (2023)
Middle Temple Diplock Scholar (2020 and 2021)
University of Law Career Changer Scholar (2021)
King’s College London, BA History, 2.1 (2008)
Criminal Bar Association
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Thomas commenced pupillage in September 2024 under the supervision of Jo Shepherd. He is accepting instructions in Criminal Law.
During his first six, Thomas observed a range of cases in the Crown Court including murder, sexual offences, offences against the person and drug offences. He also observed proceedings in the Magistrates’ Court, including road traffic offences and breach hearings.
Thomas assisted senior members of Chambers throughout his first six, including reviewing disclosure for a s.18 case involving an infant victim, editing interviews, and drafting documents such as sentencing notes and agreed facts.
Reputation
Expertise
Crime
Prior to pupillage, Thomas worked as Presenting Officer, representing the Home Office in the First-tier Immigration Tribunal. He appeared in a variety of matters including deportation hearings and asylum appeals. As a result, Thomas has experience of preparing cases for court, cross examination, submissions, and working with vulnerable witnesses. Whilst studying at the University of Law, Thomas volunteered with Support Through Court, providing guidance and support for litigants-in-person in civil and family matters, including helping them complete court forms, explaining court proceedings, and accompanying them to court hearings.
Clerks
Shebanee Devadasan
Second Six Pupil | Call: 2023
Shebanee Devadasan
Durham University, LLB (Hons) Law, 2:1 (2021)
Geneva Academy, LLM International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, Magna Cum Laude (2022)
Northumbria University, LLM Law, Distinction (2023)
Northumbria University, Bar Course, Distinction (2023)
Middle Temple Jules Thorn Scholar
Criminal Bar Association
Grade 1 Prosecutor
Contact
E: clerks@broadwayhouse.co.uk
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Shebanee has a criminal practice and accepts instructions in this area, both in prosecution and defence.
Shebanee commenced pupillage at Broadway House Chambers in September 2024 under the supervision of Rebecca Young.
During pupillage, Shebanee observed a range of cases in the Crown Court involving murder, encouraging suicide, serious sexual offences, drug offences, burglary, and offences against the person. She also observed hearings at the Magistrates’ Court and Youth Court.
During her first six, Shebanee helped her supervisor prepare for various, serious sexual, drug, and violence cases. Notably, Shebanee went through hundreds of unused materials, amended indictments, summarised VRIs, drafted sentence mitigations and drafted case openings.
Reputation
Environmental Destruction and Armed Conflict: Protecting the Vulnerable Through Islamic Law (2022) Manchester Journal of Transnational Islamic Law and Practice
Disaster Recovery in Indonesia: A Legal and Policy Survey (2022) International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Malaysia’s Race-Based Policies: Utilitarian or Divisive? (2020) Durham Asian Law Journal
Expertise
Crime
Prior to commencing pupillage, Shebanee worked as a paralegal in a Personal Injury Firm in the UK. She regularly reviewed medical and engineer reports, extracting the necessary information in order to negotiate settlements in her clients’ favour. In Malaysia, Shebanee worked with asylum seekers who were victims of crimes within detention centres, demonstrating her ability to work with vulnerable individuals.
Shebanee is fluent in Bahasa Malaysia, and has a working knowledge of Bahasa Indonesia. As such, she can sensitively communicate with, and explain complex information in a digestible way to, those whose first language is not English.
Shebanee has a particular interest in Human Rights Law. Her LLM degrees and academic research demonstrate that she would be excellent at dealing with criminal cases involving Human Rights issues and would welcome instructions in such matters.
Shebanee has written research reports for international organisations, acted as an editor for legal journals, and peer-reviewed articles for academic journals. As such, she can confidently carry out legal research in short periods of time and produce written work of a high quality.
Regulatory
In addition to her criminal practice, Shebanee has an interest in military inquests, as well as healthcare and environmental regulatory work. Her Masters provided her with an in-depth understanding of the laws of armed conflict. She has also carried out legal research for, and published articles on environmental protection laws.
Clerks
Thomas Pickles
Second Six Pupil | Call: 2023
Thomas Pickles
University of Hull – BA (Hons) American Studies (First Class)
University of Leeds – MA Race and Resistance (Merit)
Leeds Beckett University – Graduate Diploma in Law (Distinction)
University of Law, Leeds – Bar Practice Course (Very Competent)
The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple
Family Law Bar Association
Contact
T: 01274 722 560
Tom commenced pupillage in September 2024, under the supervision of Guy Swiffen and Christopher Styles. His practice is in Family Law and is accepting instructions on all matters of Public Children Law.
Expertise
Care
During pupillage, Tom has observed emergency applications for removal at an interim stage, as well as applications for care orders, supervision orders and placement orders.
Prior to securing pupillage Tom worked for a housing charity in West Leeds, advocating for those at risk of imminent homelessness, or facing other issues regarding inadequate or insecure living conditions. Tom is therefore very experienced in dealing with vulnerable and anxious clients.
Clerks
Talia Meer
Second Six Pupil | Call: 2024
Talia Meer
University of Liverpool LLB – 1st Class (Honours)
Nottingham Law School – BTC/LLM
Gray’s Inn
FLBA
Contact
E: clerks@broadwayhouse.co.uk
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Talia has undertaken a busy first six under pupil supervisors Dornier Whittaker and Kerry Barker. Talia accepts instructions in all Family Law matters including financial proceedings, private and public children proceedings and injunctions.
Expertise
Prior to pupillage Talia undertook the role as student leader with the Liverpool Family Law Clinic working alongside litigants in person and offering assistance throughout court proceedings.
Having completed the BTC Talia worked as a fee earner in a Prison Law Solicitors frequently appearing before the Parole Board for oral hearings. Additionally, whilst in this role had an article published in ‘Converse’ the nationwide prison newspaper in January 2024.
During pupillage Talia has observed a wide variety of cases across the North-Eastern Circuit and beyond. Within private children work Talia has attended FHDRA’s, DRA’s, PTR’s and final hearings hearing evidence from numerous professionals such as CAFCASS officers and ISW’s. Whilst observing financial remedy proceedings Talia has shadowed on both large and small money cases ranging from initial advices, first appointments, FDRs and final hearings. Within care proceedings, Talia has shadowed complex revocation of care orders, fact-finds and final hearings. Similarly, she has frequently seen applications for care orders and supervision orders. In all of the above areas Talia has gained significant experience in both preparing and drafting court documents.
Clerks