AREAS OF PRACTICE

Family Law:
Children – Public
Children – Private
Court of Protection
Financial Remedy (Civil Partnership, Marriage & Cohabitation)
Mediation (Family, Financial Remedy, Marriage & Cohabitation)

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

Law, University of Liverpool (Distinction)
BPTC at BPP, 2003 (Outstanding)
FLBA National Committee Member 2020
FLBA National Committee Member, 2012-2014
Elected Member of The Bar Council, 2012-2014

Scholarships/Affiliations:

Member of President of the Family Division Working Group on Experts 2019-2020
Member of Education & Training Sub-Committee, The Bar Council, 2012-2018
Member of the ADR Sub-Committee, The Bar Council 2012-2018
Member of the Social Mobility Sub-Committee, The Bar Council 2012-2018
Registered Pupil Supervisor, 2015
Shakespeare Memorial Scholarship, 2002
Contributor to the Family Law Journal 2020

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS

North Eastern Circuit
Gray’s Inn
FLBA
Bar Pro Bono Unit – active member

"A very skillful advocate who has the ability to elicit responses to undermine opponent's cases whilst presenting the case of their client. Very knowledgeable on legal argument. A favourite Barrister and highly regarded on the Circuit."

Legal 500 - 2021

‘Naomi has a fantastic strategic mind. She has immense energy and resilience, an exceptional eye for detail, and her advocacy is excellent. A silk in the making.’

Legal 500 - 2022

ABOUT NAOMI

Called to the Bar in 2003, Naomi specialises in a whole range of children related disputes with an emphasis on complex public law cases concerning non-accidental injury to children and sexual abuse. Her public law work extends to the most complex types of physical, sexual and neglect cases alongside complicated medical cases involving a number of medical experts. She appears in all tiers of the court and is dedicated to providing a professional and friendly outlook, putting her clients at ease.

Persuasive and hard-working, Naomi represents parents and children in private law matters, including internal relocation and removal from the jurisdiction and intractable contact and residence disputes. She represents clients requesting financial remedy, recognising the advantage to the client of being able to provide advice in relation of both financial and private law.

Naomi has a particular interest in Judicial Review claims. She offers mediation to public bodies and individuals as a means of reaching settlement where possible, as an alternative yet conciliatory approach.

As part of her Court of Protection practice, Naomi further deals with vulnerable adults who lack capacity under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, care, contact and residence issues, appointment of deputies and disputes over registration of powers of attorney, deprivation of liberty, forced marriage and medical treatment decisions.

Legal 500 - 'She is carving out a high quality childcare practice, and is destined to go far'

Chambers & Partners - A family law specialist who receives instructions on a number of complex care proceedings, including allegations of sexual abuse and contested placement orders. 

“Naomi Madderson has on numerous occasions provided my clients with a service that is second to none.  She is always very well prepared for hearings and always provides feedback from the hearing at the first available opportunity.”

Legal 500 - ‘She is user-friendly and down to earth.’

Legal 500 - ‘Top-grade junior.’

AREAS OF PRACTICE

Family Law:
Children – Public
Children – Private
Court of Protection
Financial Remedy (Civil Partnership, Marriage & Cohabitation)

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

Robinson College, Cambridge – 1988
BSc Hons Psychology, Open University

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS

North Eastern Circuit
Middle Temple – Call 1989
FLBA

ABOUT ANDREW

Andrew is a highly recommended family law specialist. He appears at all levels of the Family Courts and is known for his methodical and insightful approach to case preparation and client care.

Andrew has extensive experience of applications for Financial Remedy, including urgent applications for Freezing Injunctions. He is regularly instructed for individuals of high net worth, farmers, complex business and pension arrangements, the armed forces and those with substantial assets in diverse foreign jurisdictions. Andrew appears in proceedings involving trusts and trusts of land and financial disputes between married and cohabiting individuals.

Andrew has developed an extensive Public Law practise. He accepts instructions for Local Authorities, parents, other family members and the Children’s Guardian. Andrew has experience of cases involving the most serious allegations of child abuse, including non-accidental injuries, child fatality, head injury, poisoning, sexual abuse, FII and neglect. He has acted for the most vulnerable of clients, including those with mental health difficulties and children themselves accused of perpetrating abuse. Andrew also accepts instructions relating to the discharge of Care Orders, SGOs and adoption.

Andrew regularly appears in Private Law proceedings for parents or on behalf of the Children’s Guardian. These include residence and contact disputes and Fact Finding hearings relating to the most serious of allegations. Andrew also conducts cases involving removal from the jurisdiction whether by application or for return pursuant to the Hague Convention.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

Criminal Law

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

St Andrews University

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS

Call 1973
East Riding Education Appeal Panel
Chair of the Appeal of the University of York
North East Circuit

ABOUT JOHN

John Dunning initially practised from chambers in the Inner Temple, London EC4. He has worked virtually all the Crown Courts in London and the South East circuit.

After moving north, he quickly re-established himself as an experienced criminal advocate, initially in Leeds, and more latterly in Hull.

He specialises in serious criminal work; homicide, serious violence, sexual offences, fraud and other dishonesty, drugs offences and trading standards and regulatory matters.

John has also a developed interest in education law and is a member of both the Hull and East Riding Independent Appeal panels.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

Family Law:
Children – Public
Children – Private
Court of Protection
Financial Remedy

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

Law with German, University of Sheffield
Bar Vocational Course, Nottingham Law School (Very Competent)

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS

North Eastern Circuit – Executive Committee
Middle Temple
FLBA

Positions held

Wellbeing Junior - North Eastern Circuit
Advocacy Trainer - North Eastern Circuit
Wellbeing Representative - Hull & Grimsby DFJ’s Working Group

"Sarah has an excellent working knowledge of all areas of child protection law and procedure. She has a good eye for detail and her analysis is first class. She works particularly well in pressured situations such as contested removal cases on which she has been instructed at short notice. She has excellent interpersonal skills and a calming presence both inside and outside the courtroom."

Legal 500 - 2021

‘Sarah’s advice is balanced and clear. She builds good rapport with clients, and her analytical skills and attention to detail are second to none.’

Legal 500 - 2022

ABOUT SARAH

Sarah Fearon was called to the Bar in 2000. Sarah is a specialist family practitioner who is routinely instructed by Local Authorities across Yorkshire and the Humber as well as in Lincolnshire. She also regularly represents parents, grandparents, intervenors and children in some of the most complex family public and private law cases heard in the Hull and Grimsby Family Courts as well as further afield. Sarah appears at all tiers of the Family Courts.

Sarah represents the interests of Local Authorities, parents, grandparents, intervenors and children at all stages of proceedings. She conducts lengthy and complex cases, often led by Queen’s Counsel as well as acting as Leading Junior. Sarah has a particular interest in matters involving non-accidental injury and sexual abuse.

Sarah is regularly instructed in Private Family proceedings involving residence and contact disputes. She undertakes Domestic Abuse and injunctive relief from the initial ex-parte application through to committal proceedings. Sarah is regularly instructed in matters with an international element, including removal from jurisdiction, conflict of jurisdiction and Article 15 of Council Regulation (EC) No 2201/2003 (Brussels IIA).

Sarah accepts instructions in matters of Financial Remedy and has a keen interest in proceedings heard in the Court of Protection. Sarah regularly provides training seminars and workshops for Local Authorities, solicitors and members of Chambers in relation to Family Law and Court of Protection.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

Crime
Military Law
Misconduct Hearings
Children – Private

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

History, University of Leicester, 2000
PgDL, College of Law, York, 2002
LPC, College of Law, York, 2004
RAF Cranwell – Officer Training, 2006

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS

Admitted to the Roll of Solicitors, 2006
Inner Temple, Call 2013
North East Circuit
CBA

ABOUT DAVID

In a varied career David has both defended and prosecuted a huge number of different crimes. Qualifying as a Solicitor in 2004 he joined the Royal Air Force Legal Service and gained vast experience representing the legal interests of soldiers and their families all over the world. During this period, he became the first service lawyer to enter the Sangin Valley, Afghanistan, during a protracted gross negligence manslaughter investigation.

David left the RAF in 2013 and transferred to the Bar joining 37 Park Square Chambers. He has developed a busy criminal practice in Hull and Grimsby Crown Court - work encompassing offences such as murder, rape, aggravated burglary, assault of all kinds, death by careless and dangerous driving, drug offences (including supply and vast cultivation), harassment, intimidation, large scale dishonesty, perverting the course of justice and wilful neglect.

David regularly defends in all kinds of sexual cases (including rape, indecent assault, assault by penetration, sexual activity with a child, possession and distribution of child pornography) including allegations going back many decades.

David has significant experience of representing the interests of Police Officers at Misconduct Hearings.

Further he is forging a practice in private children law matters building on his experience of representing the interests of parents during his time as an RAF Lawyer.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

Family Law:
Children – Public
Children – Private
Court of Protection

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

Law, University of Hull, 1992
Solicitor’s Final Examinations, College of Law, York, 1993
Admitted to the Roll of Solicitors, 1995
Qualified Solicitor-Advocate Higher Rights (Civil)

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS

North Eastern Circuit
Inner Temple
FLBA
Previous member of the SRA Family Law & Children Panels

"Ms Hall is a hard-working and thorough advocate. She fights hard on behalf of her clients whilst maintaining a professional and empathetic approach. She is extremely well respected by her peers in the legal community and is always approachable for advice."

Legal 500 - 2021

‘Instructing Gaynor is a joy - she is the perfect combination of tenacity and grit with a down to earth, no nonsense approach. She is an engaging and clever advocate.’

Legal 500 - 2022

ABOUT GAYNOR

Gaynor is a former Solicitor-Advocate with over 20 years of experience specialising in Family Law; particularly in public and private children proceedings. She qualified as a member of the Children Panel in 2000 and has gone on to represent numerous local authorities, parents, interveners and children. She has extensive experience in care proceedings, Emergency Protection Orders, Secure Accommodation Orders, SGOs, Placement Order and adoption.

Gaynor is regularly instructed in complex and lengthy public law proceedings involving non-accidental injuries and sexual abuse. She has considerable experience of representing vulnerable adults and children, including representation of parties through the Official Solicitor. She has appeared within the County Court and High Court and has successfully appealed case management decisions to the Court of Appeal. Gaynor has been led by Queen’s and Junior Counsel and conducts her own lengthy hearings.

Gaynor is frequently instructed by CAFCASS to represent children of all ages in proceedings. She regularly represents teenage children who are Gillick competent.

Gaynor has a successful record of contested residence and contact disputes and has experience of “Pigot” hearings. She has a particular interest in Special Guardianship cases and Rule 9(5) appointments.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

• Crime
• Personal Injury
• Civil
• Matrimonial
• Family

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Called to the Bar 1980 practising since 2014
• Ran own Solicitors’ firms Rafiq Partnership and Rafiq & Co in Leeds, Manchester, and Bradford 1990-2014
• Law Degree – Nottingham University

APPOINTMENTS

• Barrister – New Park Court Chambers – Leeds and Newcastle
• Solicitor – Rafiq Partnership and Rafiq & Co
• Barrister – Leeds Law Centre
• Door Tenant – 33 Bedford Row, London

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS

• Crime Duty Solicitor Accredited
• Member of the Bar Council

ABOUT MOHAMMED

Mohammed Rafiq is a highly experienced and multi-faceted Barrister who specialises in criminal cases as well as acting in civil disputes, matrimonial and family law, and personal injury.

Mohammed was called to the Bar in 1980 and began practising in 2014 after spending 24 years running his own solicitors’ practices in Leeds, Manchester, and Bradford, where he specialised in criminal and immigration law.

Mohammed spent several years working at the Leeds Law Centre as a Barrister supporting with criminal, immigration and civil law and speaks several languages including Urdu, Hindu, Punjabi, some Persian and Arabic and some Eastern European languages.

In his spare time Mohammed enjoys sport, exercise, and international cooking.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

• Chancery and Commercial / Civil
• Construction & Building Disputes
• Commercial Mediation

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Called to the Bar 2017
• Solicitor 1996
• Accredited and Registered Mediator

APPOINTMENTS

• Barrister
• Commercial Mediator
• Solicitor

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS

• CEDR Trained Mediator
• Civil Mediation Council Registered Mediator
• Association of Midlands Mediators
• Association of Northern Mediators
• Member of the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn
• TECBAR
• The European Air Law Association
• Aviation Club UK

ABOUT PATRICK

Patrick Taylor is a highly experienced civil and commercial litigator and mediator with advanced technical skills. Patrick, a CAA qualified Pilot specialises in construction, commercial litigation (including aviation) mediation.

Patrick was called to the Bar in 2017 following a career as a solicitor since 1996.

He has worked with small to medium sized businesses in the construction industry since 1990, bringing claims against construction professionals (architects and surveyors).

Patrick particularly enjoys any opportunity to use his interest and knowledge of aviation in connection with his practice as a barrister and mediator.

Patrick was accredited by CEDR in 2001 for his strong mediation skills and has been involved in several hundreds of mediations in his career.

Patrick is recognised by the Legal 500 [2020] as a Leading Mediator.

‘Patrick Taylor has gravitas; he is relaxed, focused, builds rapport, and gently guides parties to settlement‘.

Legal 500 - 2022

AREAS OF PRACTICE

Family Law:
Children – Public
Children - Private

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

Law, University of Hull, 2004 (First Class)
LPC, University of Law, York, 2012 (Distinction)
BPTC, Northumbria University, 2015 (Outstanding)

Prizes:

Certificate of Honour, Northumbria University, 2015
JJ Powell Prize, Northumbria University, 2015

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS

Middle Temple
North Eastern Circuit
FLBA

ABOUT JOANNA

Joanna is instructed in cases across a broad spectrum of family law, with a particular focus on private and public law cases involving children. Joanna appears in the Family Proceedings Court, County Court, High Court and Court of Protection.

Joanna acts in matters involving intractable contact and residence disputes and is instructed regularly in matters of specific issues and prohibited steps, including disputes relating to internal relocation, medical intervention and education. She is often instructed for fact-find hearings concerning allegations of sexual abuse, domestic abuse, alcohol and drug misuse. Joanna has a particular interest in parental alienation and has experience of representing vulnerable adults and children.

Joanna acts for all parties in public law proceedings relating to children, including local authorities, parents, grandparents, intervenors and children through their Children’s Guardians. She has experience in matters of forced marriage, non-accidental injury, neglect, substance misuse, domestic abuse and mental health.

Joanna also accepts instructions in relation to emergency hearings, contested interim removal hearings, finding of fact hearings, contested final hearings and adoption including leave to oppose.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

Family Law:
Children – Public
Children – Private
Crime

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

Law, University of Hull, 2011 (2:1)
LPC, University of Law, 2012 (Distinction)

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS

Inner Temple
North Eastern Circuit
Women Lawyers of Yorkshire
FLBA
CBA
CPS Grade 2 Prosecutor

ABOUT KYLIE

Kylie qualified as a Solicitor-Advocate before transferring to the Bar. With over 10 years’ experience of practising in the Civil, Family and Criminal Courts.

Family Law

Kylie appears in all areas of public and private family law proceedings. She accepts instructions on behalf of Local Authorities, parents, family members and children, appearing in the Family Proceedings Court, County Court and High Court.

Kylie has experience of representing parents in care proceedings including, Finding of Fact Hearings where there have been allegations of sexual abuse, domestic abuse and alcohol and drug misuse. In addition, Kylie is regularly instructed to represent clients in private law disputes involving applications under the Child Arrangements Programme, including change of residence, contact orders, specific issue and prohibited steps.

Kylie has experience representing vulnerable individuals, adults and children, including parties represented by the Official Solicitor.

Kylie has experience conducting her own lengthy hearings and has been led by Queen’s Counsel and Junior Counsel on numerous occasions. Most recently Kylie was led by Miss Naomi Madderson in a 5 week case which involved extremely complex medical evidence and allegations of non-accidental injuries.

Kylie regularly accepts instructions on very short notice and represents clients from the first hearing through to final hearing.

Criminal Law

Kylie accepts instructions for the Prosecution and the Defence, appearing in both the Magistrates Court and the Crown Court. Kylie has experience of a broad range of matters, including cases involving, sexual offences, dishonesty, violence, domestic violence and possession and supply of drugs. Kylie acts from first appearance through to trial and, if required, appeal.

Kylie is known for her down to earth approach and ability to communicate well with both those that she represents and those that instruct her.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

Family Law:
Children – Public
Children – Private
Financial remedy

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

Law, Leeds Metropolitan University, 2014 (First Class)
BPTC, BPP Law School, 2015 (Very Competent)

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS

Inner Temple
North Eastern Circuit
FLBA

ABOUT NEELAM

Neelam completed her pupillage under the supervision of Sarah Fearon and has developed a reputation as an effective advocate. Neelam is a family law practitioner who accepts instructions in all areas of public and private family law and financial remedy.

In public law proceedings, Neelam has represented the Local Authority, parents and the Guardian. She has also been instructed as Junior Counsel on several lengthy and complex cases involving issues of serious sexual abuse.

Neelam has a particular interest in private family law. She represents parents and family members in disputes relating to living and contact arrangements, specific issues and prohibited steps. Neelam has experience of representing parties in contested Finding of Fact hearings where there are allegations of domestic abuse, sexual abuse, drug and alcohol misuse and parental alienation. She also represents clients in applications for injunctive relief.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

Family Law:
Children – Public
Children - Private

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

Law, Lancaster University, 2011 (2:1)
BPTC, The University of Law, 2012 (Very Competent)

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS

Middle Temple
North Eastern Circuit
FLBA

ABOUT FRANCESCA

Francesca practises in all areas of family law, including applications for injunctive relief under the Family Law Act 1996 and private and public proceedings involving children.

Francesca has developed an extensive practice within public law proceedings. She regularly represents local authorities in cases involving sexual abuse, domestic abuse, substance misuse, chronic neglect and non-accidental injury. She has acted as junior counsel in lengthy and complex matters on numerous occasions appearing on behalf of both the Local Authority and the child. Francesca also accepts instructions on behalf of parents, grandparents, children and the Children’s Guardian.

Francesca also accepts instructions in relation to emergency hearings, contested interim removal hearings, finding of fact hearings and contested final hearings.

Francesca regularly appears in private law proceedings, acting for parents and grandparents in matters of contact and residence disputes and applications under the Child Arrangements Programme. She appears in the Family Proceedings Court, County Court and High Court.

She is known for her approachable demeanour and regularly represents vulnerable individuals.

‘Francesca always strives to deliver the best service. When she is acting for local authorities, she builds a good rapport with our social workers, which puts them at ease.’

Legal 500 - 2022

AREAS OF PRACTICE

• Family law
• Civil

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

• BPTC, BPP University Leeds (2015)
• LLB (Hons), University of Leeds

APPOINTMENTS

• Northampton Chambers
• Law Costs Draftsman
• Senior Legal Officer – Humberside Police and South Yorkshire Police

ABOUT OLIVIA

Olivia joins Crown Chambers from Northampton Chambers where she has practiced following being called to the Bar in 2015. Prior to her time with Northampton Chambers, Olivia worked as a Law Costs Draftsman for 3.5 years gaining vital experience and an understanding of both civil and family law. Olivia has also spent time in a number of specialist police law areas.

Olivia joins the team at Crown Chambers to specialise in family law proceedings including children law (private and public), domestic abuse, divorce and ancillary relief. Olivia will also accept instructions for drafting and providing advice on civil law matters.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

• Criminal law
• Civil law
• Family Law

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

• BPTC BPP Law School, Manchester
• LLB (Hons), Newcastle University

APPOINTMENTS

• Pupil Barrister – Estuary Chambers
• County Court Advocate – LPC Law
• Master of Moots – BPC Law School and The Eldon Society

ABOUT BENJAMIN

Benjamin joins Crown Chambers following a Pupillage supervised by David Godfrey at Estuary Chambers in Hull and was Called to the Bar in 2017. Prior to this Benjamin spend 2 years as a County Court Advocate with LPC Law attending hearings across the North relating to housing matters. Benjamin won various competitions and was appointed as Master of Moots at both BPC Law School and The Eldon Society.

Benjamin joins the team at Crown Chambers to specialise in criminal and civil law matters and enjoys a varied range of cases. Benjamin will also accept instructions for family law matters.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

• Family Law
• Regulatory Law

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Called to the Bar 2021
• Law Degree LLB (Hons) University of Leicester - First Class 2002
• LPC - College of Law - Distinction 2003
• Qualified solicitor 2005
• Higher Rights (Criminal) Solicitor-Advocate 2010

APPOINTMENTS

• Senior Prosecutor- Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
• Legally Qualified Chair for Police Misconduct Hearings for the North East Region
• Legal Advisor Family and Crime – Magistrates Court
• Senior Lawyer – Environment Agency
• Assistant Force Solicitor – Humberside and South Yorkshire Police

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS

• Member of the Middle Temple
• Family Law Bar Association (FLBA)

ABOUT SARAH

Sarah Middleton is a qualified Solicitor recently called to the Bar and a member of the Middle Temple and Family Law Bar Association (FLBA). Sarah was previously a Senior Crown Prosecutor at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and is a Legally Qualified Chair for Police Misconduct Hearings for police forces in the North-East region.

Sarah joins Crown Chambers to practise in Family Law and accepts instructions in both private law and public law cases.

Sarah also accepts instructions in regulatory proceedings. Through her previous roles with the Environment Agency and Humberside and South Yorkshire Police Sarah has developed an extensive knowledge of regulatory law. Sarah has vast experience in police misconduct work and coronial law.

Sarah is an experienced advocate and has appeared regularly before the Magistrates Courts, Crown Courts, Coroner’s Courts and in professional disciplinary proceedings.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

• Family Law
• Criminal Law

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Called to the Bar 2021
• Law & Criminology Degree BA (Hons) University of Lincoln - 2000
• Qualified solicitor 2007
• LPC - College of Law - 2006

APPOINTMENTS

• Senior Prosecutor- Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
• Assistant Force Solicitor – Humberside and South Yorkshire Police
• Legal Advisor HMCTS Family and Crime – Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS) - Magistrates Court

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS

• Member of the Middle Temple
• Family Law Bar Association (FLBA)

ABOUT MICHELLE

Michelle Boyeson is a qualified Solicitor with 14 year’s experience who has recently been called to the Bar. She is a member of the Middle Temple and Family Law Bar Association (FLBA).

Through her previous roles with HMCTS, Humberside and South Yorkshire Police and the CPS, Michelle has developed an extensive knowledge of the court systems in both family, crime and operational police applications.

Michelle is an experienced advocate having appeared before the Family and Magistrates courts daily for the majority of her career.  She is known for her friendly approachable nature and joins

Crown Chambers to practise in Family Law accepting instructions in both private law and public law cases together with Criminal Law.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

• Crime
• Family

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

• LLB Law and Politics – University of Manchester 2016
• BPTC & LLM Manchester Metropolitan University 2019
• Called to the Bar 2019

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Litigation Executive – Pabla and Pabla Solicitors
• Advocate – Quest Legal Advocates
• Local BPTC Representative – The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple
• Paralegal – JMW Solicitors

ABOUT BENJAMIN

Benjamin joined Crown Chambers’ Pupillage programme in January 2021 having done the bar course at Manchester Metropolitan University in 2018/19 where he was awarded the institution’s top scholarship for students embarking on the BPTC, and subsequently completed the course with the highest score in his cohort. Benjamin spent time undertaking work experience alongside his studies working in the personal injury departments of different law firms, and as a self-employed County Court advocate conducting hearings on a range of civil matters including a number of small claims trials. Benjamin also previously spent time working for the University of Manchester Legal Advice Centre, and volunteering at the Personal Support Unit in the Manchester Civil Justice Centre. He has a particular interest in matters relating to domestic abuse and mental health.

Benjamin will initially work alongside supervisor Richard Butters on criminal matters before moving into family work during the second part of his pupillage.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

• Family
• Criminal

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

• BA Honours Law – University of Leeds 2017
• BPTC Law Leeds 2019
• Called to the Bar 2019

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Criminal Justice Intern – JUSTICE
• Paralegal – Clyde & Co Manchester
• Legal Assistant – Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence Barrister
• Plea in Mitigation Finalist – Broadway House Chambers
• Mini Pupillage – Broadway House Chambers
• Mini Pupillage – New Park Court Chambers
• Mini Pupillage – Park Square Barristers Chambers
• Mini Pupillage – Cobden House Chambers
• Mini Pupillage – Parklane Plowden Chambers

ABOUT JAZMINE

Jazmine joined Crown Chambers’ Pupillage programme in January 2021 following a number of years studying law and gaining valuable work experience. Jazmine has worked as a Legal Assistant for a Personal Injury Barrister as well as completing an internship with Justice focusing on Criminal Justice and human rights. Jazmine achieved second place in the BPP Law Advocate of the Year in 2016 and has a passion and interest in prison law, human rights and access to justice for all.

Jazmine will initially work alongside supervisor Sarah Fearon on family law cases before moving into criminal work during the second part of her pupillage.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

• Criminal
• Family

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

• (M) Law – Northumbria University 2019
• BPTC – Northumbria University 2017 - 2019
• Called to the Bar 2019

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Paralegal – Jason Elliott Associates

ABOUT HANNAH

Hannah joined Crown Chambers’ Pupillage programme in January 2021 following her studies of the combined (M) Law qualification at Northumbria University. Following her studies, she was the winner of the Linda Sykes Memorial Award for achieving the highest overall grade in her cohort.

She has since gained work experience as a Paralegal, carrying out a wide variety of work, predominantly focused on criminal appeals and parole hearings. In her spare time Hannah has spent time volunteering with a local homeless shelter.

Hannah is passionate on the law around sexual offences and wrote her dissertation on consent and the effects of alcohol upon complainants.

Hannah will initially work alongside supervisor David Godfrey on criminal law cases before moving into family work during the second part of her pupillage.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

• Family
• Criminal

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

• BA Honours Law LLB – University of Liverpool 2019
• BPP Master of Laws LLM 2020 - Distinction
• Called to the Bar 2021

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Employment Law Advice Line Student Volunteering – BPP Law (Pro-bono)
• Mini-Pupillage – Oriel Chambers Liverpool
• Mentor – Debate Mate
• Mini-Pupillage – Byron Street Chambers Manchester

ABOUT REBECCA

Rebecca joined Crown Chambers’ Pupillage programme in January 2021 following the completion of her legal studies during which she also undertook voluntary work and work experience in the legal sector. Rebecca has won a number of competitions during her studies, including the Julian Linskill prize for performance in criminal evidence at the University of Liverpool, and the BPP excellence scholarship. Rebecca has volunteered in the Duty Solicitor Housing Scheme in Leeds shadowing the Duty Solicitor and supporting with an employment law telephone advice line in summer 2020.

Rebecca will initially work alongside supervisor Gaynor Hall on family law cases before moving into criminal work during the second part of her pupillage.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

• Family
• Crime

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

• BA Honours Politics – University of Newcastle 2015
• BA Honours Laws – University of Leeds 2017
• BPP Master of Laws LLM 2018
• Called to the Bar 2019

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Volunteer – Behind Closed Doors
• Senior Litigation Paralegal – QualitySolicitors Jordans
• Mini-Pupillage – Fountain Court Chambers
• Mini-Pupillage - KBW

ABOUT SAM

Sam joined Crown Chambers’ Pupillage programme in January 2021 following a number of years studying politics and law. Sam spent time as a Paralegal working on criminal appeals as well as personal injury work, prison, civil and family matters. Sam has spent time volunteering for the domestic abuse charity Behind Closed Doors dealing with male victims as well as providing pro-bono work for the Innocence Project at the University of Leeds. Sam previously won a pro-bono prize with BPP law for supporting 6^th form pupils participating in mock trials.

Sam will initially work alongside supervisor Naomi Madderson on family matters as well as undertaking criminal work before moving into the second part of his pupillage.

Hayley Naylor is Crown Chambers Senior Clerk and brings experience and knowledge to our Chambers following 3 and a half years as a Clerk, and prior to that working in the Hull Combined Court Centre. Hayley has a strong family law background and focuses on the smooth running of the Chambers across all legal areas.

Louise Clipson is Crown Chambers Fees Clerk/Junior Clerk and has 12 years’ experience in civil, family and listings departments at the County Courts. Louise will support with fee handling and supporting the smooth running of the Chambers across all legal areas.

ABOUT ROB

Rob is Crown Chambers Clerk and brings 15 years of experience in civil, family, county court listing and criminal departments. Rob gained his experience at the Combined Court Centre in Hull.

Jo Pinkney is responsible for the marketing strategy and communications for Crown Chambers and brings 20 years’ experience in marketing leadership and practice following prior roles including Global Marketing and Communications Director. Jo specialises in strategy, digital marketing and communications as well as advising Crown Chambers on all aspects of our market presence.