Paul Canfield
Call: 2019
Paul Canfield
Master of Laws, University of Law, Birmingham (2017-2018)
Bar Professional Training Course, University of Law, Birmingham (2017-2018): VC
Graduate Diploma in Law, University of Law, London (2015-2017): Commendation
Master of Science, Security and Risk Management, University of Leicester (2014)
Legal Aid Number: 02HCX
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 / 01274 722560
Paul is a Grade 2 prosecutor and practices in crime.
He appears regularly in the Crown Court for both the prosecution and defence.
Reputation
Expertise
Criminal
Crime Paul completed his pupillage with the Crown Prosecution Service in 2019, where he spent a period of secondment with the Attorney General’s Office reviewing unduly lenient sentences. Prior to that, he worked as a police officer for over a decade specialising in operations.In the past, Paul led research into the police response to gang-related violence and future security threats as part of his Master’s degree. The findings were later published by Springer Publishing. Paul also attended Harvard Law School where he studied the principles of negotiation, and the University of St Andrews where he undertook studies in terrorism theories and practice.
During his time studying for the Bar Professional Training Course at the University of Law he received awards that culminated in the highest mark in Plea in Mitigation and the Master of Laws prize for the pro bono element of his studies. Paul also volunteered with the Personal Support Unit at the Birmingham Civil and Family Justice Centre.
Paul’s prior involvement in police operations, coupled with his experience with the Crown Prosecution Service, not only make him an effective prosecutor but ensures that when defending he is able to bring an invaluable insight into the prosecution case. In addition, he has acquired the critical analytical skills required to effectively evaluate complex disclosure and procedure.
Notable Cases
R v K (2024) - Paul represented a client accused of a number of offences including rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, strangulation and coercive and controlling behaviour within a marital relationship. Preparing for trial involved an expert being instructed to review the client’s phone once it had been released by the police in order to undermine the credibility of the allegations. The client was acquitted on all nine counts.
R v R and R (2024): Secured acquittals for the second defendant following a trial that involved an allegation of administering cannabis or spice in order to rape the complainant.
R v B (2023): Paul represented a client accused of Witness Intimidation and other matters. Following a successful Application to Exclude the pre-recorded evidence of one witness under S78 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, and cross-examination of the remaining witness, after a half-time finding by the judge his lay client was acquitted of all allegations.
R v M (2023): Instructed by Mr Chowdhury from Highgate Solicitors, Paul represented a client who faced a seven count indictment covering historic sexual offences, which included three counts of rape, Paul was able to secure acquittals on four of the seven counts. Two acquittals were secured following a successful half-time submission that followed careful cross-examination of the complainant. The submission of no case to answer covered the relevant law at the time and the presumptions based on the age of the defendant when the allegations took place. Also, doli incapax was a live issue and properly placed before the court as a subsidiary argument which avoided the indictment being amended.
R v B (2023) - Paul successfully secures acquittals after trial for his client who faced two historic allegations of Engaging in Sexual Activity in the Presence of a Child.
R v N and P (2023): Paul secured convictions for producing cannabis after a five day trial involving two defendants. Both defendants were found in a cannabis farm with an estimated value of cannabis of up to £475,000.
R v I (2023): Paul successfully secured an acquittal for his client accused of rape following a half-time submission.
R v B (2023): Paul, having been instructed by Michelle Wood of Blackwells Solicitors secured an acquittal on 3 January 2023 for a 80 year old client that had been accused of strangling his neighbour after several inconsistencies with the prosecution’s case were highlighted.
R v N (2022): While represting a client accused of burglary, Paul raised several issues with potential breaches of Code D of PACE and that the enhanced images provided by the Prosecution further supported the defence expert’s findings, that his client hadn’t committed the offence. The Prosecution offered no evidence on day 2 of the trial.
R v M (2022): Client accused of Threatening Another with a Bladed Article where three witnesses had alleged that the client had threatened another person with a knife — Instructed by Alex White of Alastair Bateman Solicitors. Paul and those that instructed him were able to establish and follow lines of enquiry that the police had neglected to pursue, including further witnesses and CCTV evidence that hadn’t been seized. Once this undermining evidence was provided to the Crown no evidence was offered after review.
R v H (2022) : Successfully opposed a pre-trial hearsay application under section 116(2)(a) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003, resulting in the Crown offering no evidence on a single count of Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm against the client’s ex-partner. The relevant circumstances of how the hearsay evidence had been adduced affected the fairness of the trial.
R v B (2022) : Successfully opposed a pre-trial hearsay application under section 116(2)(a) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 by the Crown to adduce several pieces of hearsay evidence including disclosures, made to third-parties, captured on police Body Worn Cameras and within 999 calls. This resulted in the Crown offering no evidence on six counts alleging Assault and Making Threats to Kill against the client.
R v M (2022): A defendant had been charged with driving offences along with possession of a bladed article. Through robust cross-examination of the arresting officer and the use of expert evidence, Paul secured acquittals on the driving offences for the client.
R v Ajmal (2022): On an appeal against sentence of 29 weeks’ immediate imprisonment for Possession of a Bladed Article and multiple counts of drugs’ possession, Paul demonstrated to the appeal court that the sentence had been manifestly excessive. It was reduced to a 12-month Community Order with requirements.
R v Geddes (2021): Paul secured a conviction for Wounding with Intent against a defendant. This required numerous disclosure requests having to be addressed during the trial process after the defendant decided to represent himself. https://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/news/crime/rastrick-thug-jailed-for-10-years-after-causing-life-threatening-injuries-to-woman-trapped-in-debt-3367321
R v Butt (2021): Prosecution junior (led by Stephen Wood QC) prosecuted the defendant for Murder and two matters of Attempted Wounding with Intent. The case involved numerous witnesses who all saw the events unfold as the defendant used a motor car to run over his victim. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-56860006
R v Gedge (2021): Conviction secured against a defendant who threatened to kill his uncle as he robbed him at knifepoint in his own home. https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/crime/violent-criminal-locked-up-for-ten-years-for-knifepoint-robbery-of-his-uncle-at-his-home-in-leeds-3453435
Clerks
Nicola Hoskins
Call: 2019 (Solicitor 2004)
Nicola Hoskins
North Eastern Circuit
Law Society of England and Wales
CPS Grade 3
Nottingham Law School – LL.B (Hons) 2.1
Guildhall University, London – Legal Practice Course, commendation
Admitted as a solicitor February 2004
BPP – Bar Transfer Test
Contact
T: 0113 246 2600
Nicola qualified as a solicitor in 2004, acting as a regulatory prosecutor in matters including planning, licensing, Trading Standards, Environmental Health and food safety. She went on to advise banks and others on regulatory and compliance issues. Her current practice includes these matters, as well general crime for both prosecution and defence. She also accepts instructions in civil matters. She is described as having a reassuring presence together with a personable and practical approach.
Reputation
Expertise
Grade 3 Crown Prosecutor, Road Traffic matters, prosecution and defence, probation breaches
Regulatory
Licensing, planning, financial regulation, public law
Civil
Housing contractual disputes, secured and unsecured recoveries
Notable Cases
R v H (2023) - Client facing a custodial term of around five years for child sexual offences; the court was persuaded to depart from the sentencing guidelines and imposed a community order instead.
R –v- G (2023) - Secured an acquittal for a taxi driver accused of sexually assaulting a young female passenger.
EA –v- A (2023) - Secured a suspended sentence for sustained breaches of environmental regulations, together with a much reduced contribution to the prosecution’s costs.
R - v – G and others (2023) – successful application to dismiss in respect of client charged with affray at a football match.
R -v- S – (2023) – obtained a suspended sentence in a case of discharging a firearm in public.
R -v- H and N (2022) – successful prosecution of two individuals for inflicting grievous bodily harm where the issue was identification.
R -v S (2022) – acquittal of client on a rape charge within 30 minutes of jury retiring.
R -v- S (2022) - acquittal of client on a charge of taking a car without consent following a successful exclusion application under s78 Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.
R -v- L - prosecution for obstruction of bailiff in the course of his duty and common assault; also assault of two police officers who came to assist the bailiff. Defendant acquitted of all charges when it was proved that the bailiff did not comply with his codes of practice, and accordingly the police officers were not acting in accordance with PACE.
R -v- F – prosecution for incurring 6 speeding offences in 10 days, total 18 points. Court was successfully persuaded that the sentencing guidelines could be set aside and a short discretionary disqualification was imposed instead of points, which meant she avoided ‘totting up’ and any points at all.
H Ltd -v- P – order for sale obtained following a charging order with no payment.
Clerks
Fen Greatley-Hirsch
Call: 2018
Fen Greatley-Hirsch
LLM Legal Practice (Barristers) – BPP Law School
Adv. LLM Public International Law – Leiden University
LLB Law with French Law – University of Warwick
ADM-ODR International Qualified Civil Commercial Mediator
Baron Dr ver Heyden de Lancey Prize (Middle Temple)
The Queen Mother Scholarship (Middle Temple)
White Rose (WRoCAH) Doctoral Scholarship (Arts and Humanities Research Council)
Contact
T: 0113 246 2600
Fen joined Chambers in December 2020 after completing a common law pupillage under the supervision of Giles Bridge and Paul Smith.
He accepts instructions in family and criminal cases and is available for consultation in conference or written advice.
Fen’s practice is shaped by his experiences in academia and working in client-facing roles with a several national and international charitable organisations, including Citizens Advice Bureau, the Free Representation Unit, and Nightline.
This work put him in regular contact with individuals from all walks of life and particularly vulnerable populations, young people, persons with disabilities and mental health conditions, and non-native English speakers. As a result, Fen understands and responds to a wide range of client needs. He approaches all matters with the utmost commitment to client care and is often praised for taking the time to ensure clients’ questions and concerns are addressed and that they feel fully represented.
Fen’s academic research focuses on issues of mental and legal capacity in criminal law using vulnerability theory. He has served on the editorial board of academic journals, worked as a research assistant for an NGO conducting strategic human rights litigation, and delivered papers at academic conferences around the world. As such, he is is able to build and present complex information and arguments in a clear and accessible way.
Reputation
Expertise
FAMILY
Fen accepts instructions in private and public Children Act proceedings at all stages, from first hearings to final hearings. A well-rounded practice sees him represent parents, Local Authorities and intervenors alike.
He has a real strength in client care and is often commended for ensuring his clients fully understand the developments in and prospects of their case and leave hearings feeling heard and fully represented.
Fen has gained particular expertise in contested and fact-finding hearings, assisted by a keen eye for detail and a forensic approach honed through criminal practice.
He regularly deals with cases involving allegations of a very serious nature – such as domestic violence, non-accidental injuries, and sexual harm – and does so with sensitivity and tact.
Fen has considerable experience representing vulnerable clients, including young persons, persons with disabilities, those with mental health issues, and those who do not speak English. He welcomes instructions in cases involving non-traditional families and those with international or intercultural elements.
CRIME
Fen both prosecutes and defends at all stages – pre-trial, trial, sentence, and appeal.
He regularly appears in courts across the North Eastern and Northern Circuits in relation to the following types of offences:
- Assaults (up to and including s18);
- Road traffic;
- Public order (affrays);
- Dishonesty (handling stolen goods; burglary; robbery);
- Drugs offences (possession with intent to supply; production);
- Sexual offences (sexual assault; indecent images)
Fen is a member of the CPS General Crime Panel at Grade 2.
For the last couple of years he has been building his Crown Court trial practice and welcomes defence instructions.
He has completed the vulnerable witness training and, particularly given his experience dealing with similar matters in the family courts, is well-equipped to defend in rape, sexual assault and other such sensitive matters.
More generally, Fen’s background in academia has equipped him with the ability to quickly process and familiarise himself with large volumes of documents, as well as to make complex information accessible to a lay audience. It has also given him the research skills to locate useful case law that sometimes makes all the difference.
He has been praised by solicitors, benches and clients themselves for his skilled and sensitive witness handling and an ability to resonate with juries.
Fen builds rapports with clients easily, which quickly allows him to elicit the information needed both to build the strongest case and to address the opposing one effectively.
He has a keen eye for detail and in evidential hearings is particularly adept at witness handling, cross-examining with a forensic approach honed through criminal practice.
Fen has considerable experience representing vulnerable clients, including young persons, persons with disabilities, those with mental health issues, and those who do not speak English.
Notable Cases
R v Shaw - Leeds Crown Court (Prosecution 2023)
Prosecuted 'professional burglar' who was sentenced to 32 months imprisonment. https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/crime/career-criminal-rammed-police-car-as-he-drove-professional-burglary-team-around-leeds-4422603
R v Ndokajwas - Bradford Crown Court (Prosecution 2023)
Prosecuted man after cannabis farm worth £670k found. Marsel Ndokajwas was sentenced to two years imprisonment for the production of cannabis. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-67571625
R v X - Youth Court (Defence 2023)
Fen defended in the Youth Court in a serious sexual assault trial.The trial involved child witnesses and implementing the s28 procedure. Fen made a successful submission of no case to answer, which prevented the need for the defendant to give evidence. https://www.broadwayhouse.co.uk/news/fen-greatley-hirsch-youth-court-2023
R v X - Leeds Crown Court (Defence 2023)
Fen Greatley-Hirsch Secures Suspended Sentence for his Client in a Serious Three-handed Affray. https://www.broadwayhouse.co.uk/news/fen-greatley-hirsch-secures-suspended-sentence
Clerks
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 accepted tenancy at Broadway House Chambers after successfully completing her pupillage in December 2020 under the supervision of Giles Bridge and Paul Smith.
During her pupillage, Lucy assisted in a range of criminal cases both for the Prosecution and Defence and has experience in Immigration and Family proceedings. Since becoming a tenant Lucy has developed a busy practice spanning criminal, immigration and family work.
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
Adoption Plan and Placement Orders
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.
Family
Lucy has busy public and private children law practice. She regularly appears on behalf of parents in directions hearings, finding of fact hearings and final hearings. She also been instructed to represent the children through their rule 16.4 children’s guardian in interim and final hearings.Lucy has a developing public children law practice and has appeared on behalf of the Local Authority at interim hearings on issues such as interim care order applications, designation, applications for expert evidence, and at final hearings including applications for placement orders. She also regularly represents parents in public law proceedings including those with additional vulnerabilities.
Before coming to the Bar, Lucy worked at Barnardos, as a Children’s Rights Advocate. This involved working with and supporting young people who were subject to Child Protection Plans, those that were in the care of the Local Authority and care leavers. This experience gives her invaluable knowledge in care proceedings and she is keen to accept instructions in all areas of public children law matters.
As a result of her previous experience as an immigration case worker, Lucy has also provided written advice on immigration issues that arise in care proceedings and continues to build her practice in this area.
Crime
Notable Cases
R v Alex Ralls (2023)
Lucy was instructed as disclosure junior by the CPS Complex Case Unit in which the defendant was charged on a 48-count indictment of sexual offences against 20 separate women. Lucy was led by Peter Hampton and Christopher Styles. The prosecution secured convictions on 44 counts after a 6 week trial at Bradford Crown Court.
R v T and others (2023)
Lucy was instructed as disclosure junior by the CPS Complex Case Unit, led by Richard Horwell KC (3 Raymond Buildings) and Rupert Kent (5KBW) in a 'cold case' three handed murder heard over eight weeks at Leeds Crown Court. The prosecution secured comprehensive convictions. The case arose from the 2011 disappearance of the deceased, whose shallow grave was unearthed nine years later by forensic archaeologists after a witness who was present at the murder and subsequent unlawful burial (and who was later granted immunity from prosecution by the D.P.P.) came forward to the police.
Immigration
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
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 / 0113 246 2600
Ella accepted tenancy at Broadway House Chambers after successfully completing her pupillage in January 2022 under the supervision of Clare Walsh.
During pupillage Ella has prosecuted and defended a range of cases in both the Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court, developing a busy criminal practice. She has successfully prosecuted and defended in Magistrates’ Trials concerning sexual offences, offences against the person, and driving offences. Ella has prosecuted and defended appeals in the Crown Court. During her first six, Ella assisted in disclosure work in multi handed operations.
Reputation
Expertise
Criminal
Ella prosecutes and defends in a range of cases in both the Magistrates and Crown Court. She has successfully prosecuted and defended in Magistrates trials concerning sexual offences, offences against the person, and driving offences. Ella has prosecuted and defended appeals in the Crown Court.Ella has been instructed by local councils in relation to matters concerning trading standards and is building up a regulatory practice. 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 regulatory law.
During her studies, Ella was involved in various pro-bono work including the Personal Support Unit at the Manchester Civil Justice Centre and the University of Manchester Legal Advice Centre, as such Ella has experience in handling vulnerable clients including victims of domestic violence.
Notable Cases
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 F (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.
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 S (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 M (2022)
Ella successfully prosecuted M 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.
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 K (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
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)
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/horse-carrots-restraining-order-nelson-b1960884.html - Ella acted on behalf of the Crown.
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.
Reputation
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 also has an interest in public and administrative law, and would welcome instructions in judicial review matters.
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
R v X [2023] Bradford Magistrates Court: Lauren secured acquittal for client charged with causing death by careless driving.
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 B [2023] Leeds Youth Court: Currently instructed to defend B, a 14-year-old, who is charged with various offences including robbery, ABH and assaulting emergency workers. He is assisted by an intermediary.
R v L [2023] Carlisle Crown Court: Defending a Vietnamese asylum seeker who faced a count of possession with intent to supply Class B drugs. Drugs valued at £130,000.
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 P [2023] Bradford Crown Court: Defence of P at sentence, who had been convicted of possession with intent to supply class B drugs after trial. 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.
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 W [2023] Bradford Crown Court: Prosecution of a defendant who is due to stand trial for numerous offences committed in the domestic context. The case involves two child witnesses who are eligible for s.28 cross-examination.
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 the complainant's initial account. The defendant was convicted.
R v B, C and H [2023] Sheffield Crown Court: Prosecution of a multi-handed robbery trial with 3 defendants.
R v B [2023] Leeds Crown Court: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 [2023] Bradford Crown Court: Defending B at sentence, who had pleaded guilty to two knifepoint robberies, with relevant previous convictions. The sentencing guidelines gave a starting point of 5 years and suggested consecutive sentences were appropriate. Following mitigation, the Judge imposed two concurrent sentences of 4 years.
R v W [2023] Harrogate Magistrates' Court: Defending W at sentence, who had been convicted of an offence of domestic burglary after trial. The sentencing guidelines gave a starting point of 6 months imprisonment, but Lauren persuaded the Bench to impose a 12-month community order.
R v W [2023] Nottingham Crown Court: Defence of W at sentence, who had pleaded guilty to numerous offences including robbery, arson and dangerous driving. The defendant had relevant previous convictions. The sentencing guidelines gave a starting point of 13 years. Following mitigation, a total sentence of 10 years, 6 months was imposed.
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 offence and imposed a Youth Rehabilitation 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 1 Prosecutor
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 / 0113 246 2600
Verity has a criminal practice and accepts instructions in this area.
Verity commenced pupillage at Broadway House Chambers in October 2022 under the supervision of Abigail Langford.
During pupillage, Verity has observed a range of cases in the Crown Court involving sexual offences, offences against the person, drug offences and terrorism.
During her first six, 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.
During her second six, Verity has both prosecuted and defended a wide variety of trials in the Magistrates’ Court. She also regularly appears in the Crown Court including prosecuting and defending appeals.
Verity is a Grade 1 Prosecutor.
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 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, 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
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.
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 - Second Six Pupil
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.
Camilla accepts instructions in all areas of Civil, Employment and Immigration Law.
Reputation
Publication: ‘The Irish Children’s Right Referendum’ (2019), published by Together (Scottish alliance for Children’s Rights)
Expertise
Camilla has observed a variety of employment matters during the first six month of her pupillage by attending Employment Tribunals across the country and in the EAT. She has worked on complex matters involving TUPE, equal pay and discrimination of all forms, as well as unfair dismissal and wages cases.
Camilla has spent time in the Immigration Tribunals, observing both regular applications and appeals to the Upper Tribunal. She has been involved in factually complex cases regarding the situations in Iraq, Pakistan, Ethiopia and Somalia as well as those involving FGM issues, EU settled status, and children.
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. During her first six months of pupillage, she shadowed senior members of Chambers in high-value personal injury work, trusts/TOLATA, disputes and contractual claims.
Clerks
Safaraz Ahad
Second Six Pupil - Call: 2020
Safaraz Ahad
BPP (Leeds), Legal Practice LLM, Distinction (2019)
Leeds Beckett University, Law LLB (2017)
Middle Temple
Grade 1 prosecutor
Contact
E: clerks@broadwayhouse.co.uk
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Safaraz has a criminal practice and accepts instructions in this area. Safaraz started second six on 4th March 2024.
Safaraz commenced pupillage at Broadway House Chambers in September 2023 under the supervision of Camile Morland.
During pupillage, Safaraz observed a range of cases in the Crown Court involving murder, sexual offences, offences against the person, burglary, drug offences, perverting the cause of justice and explosive substances.
Safaraz is a Grade 1 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.
Clerks
Josephine Garvey
Call: 2022 - Second Six Pupil
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
Contact
E: clerks@broadwayhouse.co.uk
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600 (Option 2)
Josephine commenced pupillage in September 2023 under the supervision of Nick Power. Her practice will be in Family Law and she is accepting instructions in matrimonial finance proceedings, private and public children law and injunction applications.
Reputation
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.
Expertise
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.
Throughout pupillage, Josephine has observed various matters before the family courts across the North-Eastern circuit. Within financial remedy proceedings, Josephine has shadowed on cases from pre-issue, first appointments, FDRs, private FDRs, interim applications, and final hearings. With respect to private children disputes, Josephine has attended alongside a range of practitioners handling first hearings, direction appointments and final hearings. Within care proceedings, Josephine has observed applications for emergency applications for removal, applications for care orders and supervision orders and placement order applications. Josephine has further shadowed senior practitioners on final hearings involving evidence from social workers, ISWs, parents and Guardians. Finally, Josephine has attended contested final hearings under the Family Law Act, for non-molestation and occupation orders.
Clerks