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, and has recently appeared in the Court of Appeal Criminal Division, to represent a client in an Attorney General’s Reference in 2024.
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 H (2024) (Court of Appeal - Attorney General’s Reference): Represented a client whose sentence had been referred by the Attorney General in order for a sentence imposed by the Crown Court to be reviewed.
R v R (2024): Paul was instructed to represent a client with learning difficulties in a four day trial that involved the pre-recorded evidence of a child complainant, where a series of sexual acts allegedly had been committed upon her by her brother. Paul was able to undermine the credibility of the prosecution’s case, resulting in acquittals for his client.
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
Vulnerable Witness Trained
Gray’s Inn
CPS Grade 3
Nottingham Law School – LL.B (Hons) 2.1
Guildhall University, London – Legal Practice Course, commendation
Admitted as a solicitor February 2004
Contact
T: 0113 246 2600
Nicola is a member of the criminal team and prosecutes and defends in the Crown Court in all areas of crime.
Nicola is a Grade 3 prosecutor.
Before coming to the Bar, Nicola was a solicitor and was admitted in 2004.
Reputation
GDPR and Criminal Litigation
Sentencing Guidelines Update
Previously Nicola was a freelance trainer and delivered seminars for CLT and GC Legal on topics such as youth justice and licensing.
Expertise
Grade 3 Crown Prosecutor. Regularly prosecutes and defends in the Crown Court in matters involving serious violence, weapons, drugs, road traffic, robbery, burglary, handling stolen goods, fraud, perverting the course of justice, sexual allegations and domestic violence including controlling/coercive behaviour. Nicola also prosecutes on behalf of local authorities in matters such as animal welfare and food labelling regulations.
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. She is described as having a reassuring presence together with a personable and practical approach.
Notable Cases
R v H (2024): Bradford Crown Court. Nicola Hoskins and Fen Greatley-Hirsch secured suspended sentences for father and son clients who were charged with intent to pervert the course of justice. ttps://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/24427369.lying-father-sons-story-fell-apart-police-dug-deeper/
R v S and S (2024): Bradford Crown Court. Successful prosecution of two siblings who produced a fraudulent codicil to their father’s will, which had the effect of excluding two other siblings from a share in the estate. Both received custodial sentences.
R v K (2024): York Crown Court. Prosecution of a fraudster who had created a scam claiming refunds from LNER whilst selling on the ‘refunded’ ticket for profit. In the course of the proceedings he produced a document purporting to be from a doctor at the LGI with the aim of reducing his sentence, which was investigated and charged as an attempt to pervert the course of justice. https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/24235323.paul-king-jailed-defrauding-lner-rail-tickets/
R v F (2024): Newcastle Crown Court. Led in complex rape trial by Peter Makepeace KC, in which the complainant had passed away prior to the trial. The defence put up many technical obstacles to prevent the case proceeding before a jury, including objecting to hearsay evidence and arguing abuse of process, but these were defeated by detailed and carefully researched submissions on nuanced legal points.
R v M (2024): Bradford Crown Court. Represented a client facing a third conviction for supplying Class A drugs, and hence the minimum term of seven years’ custody. The judge was persuaded to depart from the guidelines and imposed a term of four years instead.
R v K (2023): Bradford Crown Court. Represented one of two defendants prosecuted for possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply. Client acquitted whilst the other defendant received an immediate custodial sentence.
R v S (2023): Bradford Crown Court. Successful prosecution of breach of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order where the defence was one of reasonable excuse following a technical issue with the wording of the original order. Jury convicted and an immediate sentence of custody was imposed.
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 (2022): 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 (2022): Prosecution for incurring 6 speeding offences in 10 days, potentially facing a total of 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 the client avoided ‘totting up’ and any points at all.
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 H - Bradford Crown Court (Defence 2024)
Fen and Nicola Hoskins secured a suspended sentences for father and son clients who were charged with intent to pervert the course of justice.
https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/24427369.lying-father-sons-story-fell-apart-police-dug-deeper/
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 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.
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
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.
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 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 unanimously 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.
R v C [2024] Bradford Crown Court: Defence of C, who pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position (value £112,000). Lauren secured a suspended sentence order.
R v H [2024] 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 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: 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.
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 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.
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 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, 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.
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 and Immigration 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.
Sport – During her pupillage Camilla has gained invaluable experience by shadowing and assisting Harry Wiltshire in cases involving Sport Law. Camilla continues to develop her experience in this area.
Clerks
Safaraz Ahad
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 tenancy in September 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.
Notable Cases
R v M [2024]: Leeds Magistrates’ Court: Safaraz recently defended a client charged with racially aggravated ABH. Following an indication that a submission of ‘no case to answer’ would be made, the crown offered no evidence.
R v C & others [2024] Leeds Magistrates’ Court: Prosecution of a multi-handed burglary trial with 5 defendants.
R v G [2024] Sheffield Magistrates’ Court: Successfully prosecuted a police officer charged with assault by beating. The case involved presentation of medical expert evidence.
R v R [2024] Sheffield Magistrates’ Court: Prosecution of a defendant charged with ten offences including multiple assaults by beating, criminal damage, theft, and racially aggravated harassment. The defendant was convicted on six of the offences.
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
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 and started Tenancy in September 2024. Her practice is 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