Anthony Hajimitsis
Call: 1984
Anthony Hajimitsis
BA Jurisprudence (Oxon)
FLBA
Contact
T: 01274 722560 or 0113 246 2600
Anthony’s practice solely focuses on financial remedy proceedings and is regularly instructed on cases in the £10M - £20M bracket.
Anthony regularly provides seminars on current areas of legal interest.
Reputation
Anthony is recognised as a leading practitioner within the financial remedy jurisdiction. Anthony has been acknowledged by Chambers and Partners as a ‘star individual ‘ for a number of consecutive years. Anthony is seen as a Tier 1 practitioner by Legal 500.
Quotes include:
“Anthony Hajimitsis is a distinguished senior junior in the field of family law who specialises in financial provision cases, especially those concerning property and business arrangements following divorces. He also assists with prenuptial agreement disputes and is noted for his role as an evaluator in financial dispute resolution. Anthony is very able with complex business affairs. He has sound judgement and provides good client care. Anthony is highly skilled and very detailed. He is excellent with clients and his advice is always sensible. He is also a real pleasure to work with. Anthony is a phenomenal advocate who gets to grips with the complexities of a case in record time whilst at the same time putting the client at ease.” (Star Individual, Chambers and Partners, 2023)
“Anthony provides robust, practical and considered advice with absolute clarity. His approach always receives respect and the ear of the court. Clients are always reassured and satisfied that their corner has been fought with tenacity and determination” (Tier 1, Legal 500, 2023)
“He is always completely across his brief and gives clear commercial advice in a measured and tactful way. He speaks with authority. His calm manner is exceptional” (Tier 1, Legal 500, 2022)
"He is just fantastic through and through." "Anthony Hajimitsis is very experienced in high net worth cases and has a calm and persuasive manner both with clients and the judiciary. He has excellent advocacy skills." "Besides his academic abilities he has the patience and bedside manner which most clients need. He explains things in a very clear way so that clients understand everything." (Star Individual, Chambers & Partners 2022)
Expertise
Anthony has conducted cases with an asset base up to £70M, and is regularly instructed on cases in the £10M - £20M bracket. Anthony’s typical caseload involves cases with a focus on businesses/farms/ trusts/ overseas resources.
In the last 18 months Anthony has alongside his practice as an advocate, provided his services as a private FDR evaluator. Anthony has assisted parties to resolve their proceedings in almost 30 cases to date.
Notable Cases
Financial Remedy Case (2021)
Instructed to represent wife in a case with assets c £37M, largely resulting from sale of a business established pre marriage but significant growth during the marriage.
Financial Remedy Case (2020)
Instructed to represent a wife in case with assets c £7M. W held shares in Company owned by 2 families. W sought exit from company. Application to set aside transfer of golden share successfully brought. Significant resistance by H and 2nd shareholding family to W claims.
Financial Remedy Case (2022)
Instructed to represent a husband in case with c £15M assets. Issues as to extent of non-matrimonial property and wife’s interest under offshore discretionary trust.
Financial Remedy Case (2022)
Instructed to represent wife on application to set aside a consent order due to fraudulent non-disclosure – non disclosure of negotiations leading to sale of company at c £40M.
Financial Remedy Case (2022)
Instructed to represent wife in case where expert opinion is that H's company interest is £20M+. Contested expert assessment of value of company.
Clerks
Roger Bickerdike
Call: 1986
Roger Bickerdike
LLB, Barrister
Chambers & Partners Ranking Barrister Band 1
Legal 500 Leading Individual
Contact
T: 01274 722560 or 0113 246 2600
Roger is undoubtedly one of the North Eastern Circuit’s most experienced and highly regarded family law specialists. Practising exclusively in family work, he is particularly renowned for his expertise in mid and high value financial remedy cases and private law children matters, including both internal and international relocation. Roger also has considerable experience of appellate work, especially in the Court of Appeal.
Reputation
Over many years Roger has been highly commended in successive editions of legal publications such as ‘Chambers and Partners’, and ‘The Legal 500’. Within Chambers and Partners, Roger is ranked as Band 1 Counsel where he is recognised to be:
‘An authority in family law, who is particularly adept at handling complicated financial remedy proceedings. He also undertakes private law children work and has experience of appellate advocacy, notably in the Court of Appeal’
(Chambers and Partners 2020)
‘A fearless advocate. I’ve seen him determined to get a point across when odds are against him, and his paperwork is excellent’
(Chambers and Partners, 2020)
‘He can deal with the most challenging and difficult cases’
(Chambers and Partners, 2020)
“He is an excellent advocate and has the ear of the court because his approach is pragmatic and commercial.” “He is proactive in setting expectations and he’s not a last-minute person. He’s very responsive and very good at what he does.” “His lay client-handling skills are second to none.”
(Chambers and Partners, 2021)
“An authority in family law who is particularly adept at handling complicated financial remedy proceedings. He is further noted for his work on spousal maintenance as well as children matters such as contact arrangement orders. He is experienced across several court levels”
(Chambers and Partners, 2021)
"Roger is a brilliant advocate with tremendous attention for detail and who is really well regarded among the judiciary." "A standout financial remedies counsel in the region." "He is proactive, well prepared, robust and a fearless advocate. He provides clear and sound advice on complicated issues, manages clients' expectations well and negotiates good outcomes in court."
(Chambers & Partners, 2022)
Roger is also ranked as Top Tier Counsel in the Legal 500 where he is recognised as: ‘the consummate advocate who is more than willing to roll his sleeves up should the case require it. He is a pragmatist at heart and clients value his commerciality. He will fight for what is right for a client’
(Legal 500, 2021)
Roger possesses a finely tuned ability to judge the feeling of a court and so deliver insightful and meaningful advice. That same intuitive knowledge enables him to deliver very effective advocacy’
(Legal 500, 2022)
‘A fearless advocate, Roger is approachable and gains the trust and confidence of clients from the outset. He can accurately read a case and the approach a court or judge is likely to take, and tailors his approach accordingly.' (Legal 500, 2023) 'Roger Bickerdike is an authority in family law who is particularly adept at handling complicated financial remedy proceedings. He is further noted for his work on spousal maintenance as well as children matters such international relocation. He is experienced across several court levels. (Chambers and Partners, 2023)Expertise
Family
Areas of Expertise
• Financial Remedy: specialist in mid and high value claims
• Children Law: private law, including internal and international relocating.
He has been involved in over 30 reported cases and has presented at many seminars on various aspects of both financial remedy and children law.
Notable Cases
WS v HS (Appeal - interim sale of matrimonial home) [2018] EWFC 11
W v H (Financial Remedies: Pensions) [2021] EWFC B63
Clerks
Francesca Fothergill
Call: 1994
Francesca Fothergill
Somerville College, Oxford MA (Oxon) Modern History
City University Diploma in Law
Inns of Court School of Law
Middle Temple Harmsworth Scholar
FLBA
Agricultural Lawyers Association
Associate Member at 29 Bedford Row.
Trustee of Lord Crewe’s Charity, which provides community, clergy and educational support primarily in Northumberland and County Durham.
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Francesca is a highly experienced matrimonial finance specialist, with an emphasis on high net worth cases, which often involve contested business valuations, complex tax and trust structures, inherited wealth, nuptial agreements and third party intervention.
Renowned nationally for her particular expertise in relation to cases concerning farms and landed estates.
Francesca has experience representing individuals with cross-border financial arrangements and is frequently instructed in cases involving foreign assets and cross jurisdictional disputes.
Reputation
Chambers and Partners (2023) - Family, Matrimonial Finance (Band 2) "Francesca is excellent at building rapport with the clients and commands much respect from them for this, as well as for her honest, pragmatic advice." "Her advice is robust and firm, Francesca has an excellent manner with clients and is a completely safe pair of capable hands."
Legal 500 (2023) - Divorce and Financial Remedy (Tier 2) - "Francesca is a polished performer with a forthright approach. She is able to build excellent rapport with a wide variety of clients."
Legal 500 (2022) - "She is an extremely bright and able junior."
Legal 500 (2021) - "A fearsome opponent and a superb advocate who has the ability to think on her feet like no other."
Chambers and Partners (2020) - "Extremely competent matrimonial finance advocate. Very clear in her advice and meticulous in her preparation."
Chambers and Partners (2019) - "She is really good at building a rapport with clients, she’s really bright, she has a great brain."
Chambers and Partners (2018)- "A formidable advocate, very good with agricultural cases and very approachable. Her practical knowledge is great and she is also very bright. She is good at grasping the intricacies of a case."
Legal 500 (2018) (Tier 1) - "Francesca is good at dealing with complex cases, and particularly good with difficult clients and opponents."
Expertise
Francesca lectures at Resolution and FLBA events, and also provides ‘in-house’ bespoke training to solicitors.
Francesca welcomes instructions to sit as a private FDR Evaluator.
Notable Cases
A v A: (2023) Arbitration with assets of £8m, mainly a dispute as to the value of car dealerships, with contested specialist forensic accountancy evidence, and issues as to pre-marital wealth and the nature of contributions
J v J: (2023) Arable farming case, assets ca. £24 million, with farming operation across limited companies, partnerships, and sole trader entities. Disputed accountancy evidence as to future maintainable income, and a dispute as to the relevance of inherited/gifted assets after a very long marriage.
L v L (2022): Assets of £124m arising upon the sale of a private company. Preliminary issue as to the enforceability of a previous agreement, and thereafter arguments as to special contribution, post separation accrual and enforcement.
W v W: (2022) H had significant business assets in UK, Europe and SE Asia (ca. £10 million). Complicated issues in relation to offshore trusts and taxation, and focus upon the relevance of pre-marital wealth and post -separation accrual.
M v M: (2021) Enforcement of separation agreement. Assets £42 million. Analysis of autonomy and the effect of the agreement, liquidity/Wells v Wells sharing, respective earning capacities and post-separation accrual.
C v F: (2020) Couple with extensive family companies in the travel industry, based in the UK and the Caribbean. Issues of illiquidity, projected profitability and taxation. Relevance of pre-marital wealth.
T v T: (2020)Application for declaration of nullity based on lack of capacity and non-consummation. H had died, instructed by his executors. Expert medical evidence contested. Successful at final hearing.
Clerks
Joanne O’Shea
Call: 2000
Joanne O’Shea
Middle Temple
FLBA
Direct Access
Accredited Mediator
Vulnerable Witness Trained
Legal Aid Supplier Number 942MD
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Joanne O’Shea practises exclusively in Family Law.
Joanne is an experienced family practitioner who is regularly instructed in cases of considerable complexity covering the full spectrum of Children Act proceedings where she represents parents/ grandparents and guardians ad litem. Joanne has specialised in Children Act proceedings for over 15 years and has an insightful and sensitive approach while robustly representing her clients to achieve the best outcomes.
There is a frequent overlap between Children Act and criminal proceedings where Joanne’s previous practice in crime gives her further insight and advantage.
Joanne is a well-respected member of the Family Team at Broadway House Chambers; she has extensive and broad experience in terms of her legal knowledge and client care.
Joanne’s experience as a practitioner enables her to be incisive, practical and pragmatic in order to resolve cases effectively for clients including resolving matters by way of agreed orders with represented and non-represented parties.
Joanne is registered with the Bar Council to undertake direct access work.
Reputation
Joanne hosts seminars for Broadway House Chambers. Joanne speaks at the Family Law Annual Conference and discusses care and private children in the family law webinar series. Seminars have included but are not limited to:
• Children Act Updates
• Private Law: Parental Alienation from a Practitioner’s Perspective
• Role of courts and social workers in care proceedings; role of Official Solicitor
Client testimonials:
“Joanne was amazing, she really is a talented barrister, and so considerate and easy to work with. I really appreciated working with her.”
“Client over the moon with the outcome.”
“Joanne was amazing and achieved everything I wanted.”
“Thorough and searching in cross examination whilst being tactful and sensitive.”
Expertise
Private Law
Joanne has a wealth of experience in representing parents and children in all private law matters at all court levels ranging from s8/Child arrangement orders, internal and international relocation cases, same sex parent cases, to complex multi- party fact find cases where alienation and fabricated sexual abuse allegations feature.
Public Law
Joanne undertakes a wide range of Public Law work; she represents parents and children at all levels including at High Court and Court of Appeal. She has a wide range of experience in all key areas which include FGM, inflicted injuries and neglect cases. She has also conducted public law proceedings through the Official Solicitor.
Notable Cases
Wakefield (2023)
Child Arrangement Order application by father. Representing father. Mother opposed father’s application for shared care on basis of child’s young age, her primary relationship with the child and the low level of contact agreed to date by mother. Both parents local to one another. Shared care highly workable and no welfare issues. Justices made shared care order made.
Newcastle (2023)
Enforcement/ CAO application by father. Representing mother. Father acted as a litigant in person. Resolved orders by agreement.
York (2023)
Enforcement/ Child arrangement application by father. Representing mother. Father acted as litigant in person. Resolved matters by agreement at first hearing.
Scarborough (2023)
Child arrangement application by father. Finding of fact hearing listed. Findings made against father. Father completed DAPP. Mother psychologically assessed as traumatised by father’s conduct. Mother needed very specific therapy before being able to consider or manage contact between father and child. No contact recommended including indirect. Father’s application for contact dismissed.
Multi day final hearing, York Circuit Judge (2022)
North American parents. Representing mother. Mother residing in UK and father in North America. Father applied for child arrangements in which he sought that the complex and multifaceted terms of the agreed non-UK contact order (now was some years old) be adopted in their entirety by the court in England and Wales. Court refused this. It case managed the matter by directing a s7 report and made an order based on the welfare checklist and the current interests of the child. Key was the child’s age, their educational status and also independently reported maturity. Parents agreed that some elements of the non UK order were integrated in the order but the key schedule for contact with father and when they visit him abroad was driven by the child.
Multi day Fact Find Lincoln (2022)
Represented father where mother had alleged domestic abusive in terms of coercive control, excessive drinking, over chastisement of the children and rape. No findings made of the above. Ultimate outcome was that father’s unsupervised contact was restored with an order for overnights in term time and holiday contact.
Relocation Case, Middlesbrough (2021)
Multi day hearing. Representing father where Mother’s application was to relocate with children from Teesside to Home Counties. Shared care already in place for children in Teesside. Application refused on basis of ages of children, their wishes and feelings, disruption/harm caused by the proposed move and the need to maintain a close and consistent relationship with both parents. Term time contact, if the children moved, would be insufficient to maintain relationship with father and would have detrimental effect on the children. Concern that children may become resentful of frequent travel and contact arrangements to Teesside. Shared care order continued.
Clerks
Asma Chaudhry
Call: 2003
Asma Chaudhry
Gray’s Inn
Legal Aid Supplier Number 02FBL
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Since being called to the Bar Asma’s practice has predominately been in Asylum, Immigration and Human Rights. She has extensive experience in Nationality and EEA Law. Asma has first-hand experience of initial application stage, appeal preparation and representing clients before the Tribunal.
Asma also undertakes a private children law practice.
She is a fluent speaker of Urdu, Punjabi, Pothwari and Mirpuri languages
Reputation
‘Asma's strengths include her command of the law, strategic thinking, oral advocacy, and attention to detail. She is incredibly client-focused’
(Legal 500, 2023)
‘Asma is a fierce advocate who articulates her arguments in a persuasive and eloquent manner. She has a strong eye for details and is very compassionate’
(Legal 500, 2022)
Expertise
Immigration
Asma has long standing experience of presenting complex Asylum, Immigration, EU Law and Human Rights appeals, including Deportation and Bail. She has experience across the spectrum dealing with very varied and unique cases. She is accessible for early instructions from solicitors and keen to work with them advising on how best to prepare cases to achieve the best outcome for clients. She is a true believer that preparation is key to success.
She has practical experience of appearing before the First Tier and Upper Tier Tribunal. Asma takes instructions in drafting grounds for permission to appeal and undertakes judicial review work. Asma is regularly instructed to present cases on behalf of the Secretary of the State for the Home Department.
Asma has invaluable experience and skill in representing vulnerable clients and victims of modern slavery, torture and children. She has a particular interest in representing females, and a focus on representing their Human Rights issues.
Private Children
Asma undertakes all areas of private children work.
Notable Cases
VK v SSHD
Appealed the Secretary of State’s decision to refuse the Appellant protection on the basis that he could return to Kazakhstan with an outstanding extradition request from Turkey. He was alleged to have been a FETO member - an organisation considered to be terrorist organisation in Turkey.
HHA v SSHD
Appealed the decision of the Secretary of the State to refuse protection to a Somali female who was found to have been persecuted by majority clan members. Substantial evidencefrom experts was provided in relation her being a victim of torture.
RP V SSHD
Successfully appealed the Secretary of State’s decision to refuse protection to a woman facing deportation to Pakistan after serving an 18 month custodial sentence for perverting the course of justice having fled a marriage due to domestic violence and was at risk of honor killing on Pakistan
AN V SSHD
Successfully appealed a decision to deport a Nigerian national after having served a 3.5 year custodial sentence for the use of firearms, on the basis of his family life with his British children in the United Kingdom.
TJ v SSHD
Deportation appeal decision challenged of a Norwegian national who was convicted of child related offences.
DP V SSHD
Albanian woman found to be a victim of modern slavery would be at risk of being re-trafficked upon return to Albania was granted protection.
SA v SSHD
Coptic Christian appeal dismissed by the First Tier successfully challenged and allowed by Upper Tier.
JG
Nigerian national brother wanting to join his sister in the UK who was a refugee and accepted to be a victim of human trafficking. Appeal allowed on the basis of exceptional circumstances.
LS V SSHD
Successful appeal for Appellant seeking protection from international criminal gangs in South America.
Clerks
Laura McBride
Call: 2012
Laura McBride
Deputy Head of the Criminal Law Team
LL.B (Hons), University of Newcastle (2010)
Bar Professional Training Course (2012)
Middle Temple
Legal Aid Supplier Number 02DNO
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Laura is the Deputy Head of the Criminal Team at Broadway House Chambers. Laura accepts instructions in all areas of criminal law as well as cases involving matrimonial assets and private children disputes.
L M McBride LTD trading as Laura McBride
Reputation
- Assistant Legal Advisor BBC National Treasure (2016)
- Disclosure seminars: CPS, South Yorkshire Police, Broadway House Chambers annual conference
Expertise
Crime
Laura is the Deputy Head of the Criminal team at Broadway House Chambers.
Laura is a sought-after trial advocate. Her attention to detail and in-depth understanding of disclosure in criminal cases are second to none. She is a persuasive jury advocate and her reputation means that she is often instructed in serious, complex and high-profile cases, for example, the Rotherham child sexual abuse trials and prosecutions relating to the Hillsborough disaster.
Laura has experience dealing with young and highly vulnerable witnesses and defendants. She has a wide range of experience and has been instructed in cases involving offences of murder, attempt murder, serious sexual offences, human trafficking and fraud.
Her outstanding ability is reflected in her level of experience and success.
L M McBride LTD trading as Laura McBride
Family
Laura accepts instructions to advise and represent clients in matrimonial finance and private family law proceedings from pre-issue to final hearings.
Notable Cases
R v K & ors (2022)
Laura is currently prosecuting a multi-handed robbery alone. Defendants accused of partaking in several robberies over the course of a matter of months.
R v Selby (2022)
Prosecution counsel - The defendant was convicted of aggravated burglary following trial.
R v K (February 2022)
Laura represented the defendant, an NHS employee, who was acquitted of all charges following trial.
R v Hussain & ors (Oct 2021)
Junior in a Rotherham historical child grooming case. Led by Jayne Beckett.
R v D 2020 (Defence)
Defendant was charged with Rape and was acquitted following trial. Use of unused material including telephone logs and medical evidence that had been disclosed in order to discredit witness. Use of vulnerable witness protocols including section 28 procedure.
R v H 2020 (Prosecution)
Prosecuted defendant who was charged with child cruelty against his 2 year old stepson. H was convicted after trial and the case involved use of medical evidence demonstrating causation of injuries
R v B (2020)
Defendant originally charged with attempted murder but was instead charged with Robbery and a Section 18. Defended and led by Rodney Ferm.
Operation Kavaic 1/2 (Sept 2018/July 2019)
Part of operation Stovewood. First operation led by Michelle Colborne KC and second operation led by Ann Cotcher KC. Laura was the disclosure Junior. High profile Rotherham CSE grooming Case.
https://www.rotherhamadvertiser.co.uk/news/view,breaking-child-abuse-gang-jailed-for-a-total-of-101-years_29495.htm
R v Mohammed Nisar Khan & ors (2019)
Disclosure junior in high profile Bradford murder. As a result of the work undertaken, Laura received two awards from the Police.
https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/17610266.mohammed-nisar-meggy-khan-tony-grant-salman-ismail-sentenced-bradford-moor-murder-trial/
Operation Thunder – January 2017
Prosecution Junior led by Sophie Drake (Now HHJ McKone). This case formed part of the investigation into Child Sexual Exploitation in the Rotherham area: click here
Operation Clover 2 – September 2016
Prosecution Disclosure Junior in a high profile multi-handed trial regarding Child Sexual Exploitation in the Rotherham area in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s: click here
R v Hussain and Others [2016]
Disclosure junior in the high profile Rotherham abuse trial.
R v Halligan [2016]
Prosecuted a sentence in a s18 wounding with intent and possession of an offensive weapon. The defendant was deemed dangerous and received an extended custodial sentence.
R v Baron [2016]
Represented a man who pleaded guilty to converting criminal property in a multi-handed fraud trial.
R v Madden [2016]
Represented a man who pleaded guilty to possession of a high number of indecent images.
R v Egan [2015]
Successfully prosecuted a trial of sexual assault on a female and assault.
R v H [2015]
Laura secured a conviction in a racially aggravated public order offence involving the use of an intermediary.
R v P [2015]
Laura successfully defended a private ambulance driver charged with driving through a red light. The case was dismissed.
R v D [2015]
Laura prosecuted a serving Police Officer who was convicted both at the Magistrates’ Court and following an Appeal, a case reported by the National press.
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
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