Rodney Ferm
Call: 1972
Rodney Ferm
Head of Business, Property and Probate Team
North Eastern Circuit
B.A. (Oxon)
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Rodney Ferm specialises in criminal law and is a respected presence in the Crown Court. His experience extends not only to prosecuting and defending serious fraud and sexual offences, including indecency and rape, but to over 100 murder cases. Rodney can be relied upon to provide an outstanding advocacy service in very difficult circumstances. Celebrating his 50th year at the Bar in 2022, Rodney’s diary remains busy with the highest quality work.
Reputation
Rodney is a senior junior who has been practising at the highest level for many years. He has been ranked in the Legal 500 for a number of years. ‘Rodney has an exceptionally quick mind. An efficient advocate with the respect of the judiciary’ (Legal 500, 2022) ‘Advocacy always of the highest quality’ (Legal 500)
Expertise
Rodney has particular skills in cross examining expert witnesses given his long experience in such cross examinations over his many years in practice in matrimonial finance, professional and clinical negligence and personal injury cases.
Notable Cases
Forthcoming cases in 2022:
-Murder
-Attempted Murder
-Company Fraud - Defending an accountant for fraud; defending a solicitor.
-Rape
-Death by Dangerous Driving
Recent Major Cases in 2021/2022 Cases
R v Selvage (Murder)
R v Ismail (Court of Appeal) – 17 years reduced to 11 years for perverting course of justice in a gangland murder case as leading junior.
R v Beech – Money laundering as banker to an organised crime group totalling £15,000,000.
R v Neal (15 counts of rape) – leading junior
R v Sekula (Murder)
R v Badwal (Murder)
R v Skelly (Fraud) – leading junior
2019
Bradford Crown Court Leading junior for Salman Ismail in the notorious “Meggy Murder Trial” (Mohammed Nisar Khan).
2017
R v Peter Bacon – Sheffield Crown Court
Manslaughter, prosecuted by a Silk – verdict Not Guilty.
Clerks
David McGonigal
Call: 1982
David McGonigal
B.A. (Hons)
Gray’s Inn
Legal Aid Supplier Number 8555Z
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
David McGonigal has over 30 years’ experience acting for both the prosecution and defence at all levels of the criminal courts and in all offences regularly tried there.
He is a Grade 4 prosecutor. His experience allows him to adapt to the individual defendant or witness and decide the best approach to obtain the desired result. His familiarity with the use of expert evidence, whether for the prosecution or defence, allows him to extract the relevant material clearly and concisely for a jury to understand.
After 35 plus years at the Bar he still enjoys and looks forward to the next case.
Reputation
David is a senior member of the Criminal Team and is Head of Pupillage at Broadway House Chambers.
Expertise
Crime
Over recent years David has been instructed at all serious levels of criminal activity – serious violence, drugs, serious sexual assaults, frauds and people trafficking and related offences. In the last year he has defended in attempted murders and cases of serious violence, importation and distribution of drugs, kidnapping and false imprisonment, rapes and other sexual assaults and causing death by dangerous driving.
David has particular experience in child sex abuse trials arising out of South Yorkshire, having represented defendants in a number of the long running trials. He has acted on both sides in many other cases of historical rape and sexual assault cases. Many of those have involved complainants who were vulnerable due to their age and or their experiences and many have required the assistance of intermediaries. Recently he has been involved in cases involving alleged abuse by those in authority, over many years, of numerous children in schools and churches.
David has recent experience in prosecuting and defending in cases where the defence of sexsomnia has been put forward. The defence has been supported by experts to explain alleged rapes and sexual assaults while the defendant is allegedly asleep. This appears to be a developing area of the law with the defence being raised more frequently as it becomes more widely acknowledged.
Notable Cases
R v SS
Involving murder and conspiracy to possess criminal property (2022).
R v L
Possession with intent of 15 KG cocaine (2022).
R. v R and H
Attempted murder (2022).
R. v KS
Attempted murder (2022).
R v B
Historic sexual abuse in school (2022).
R v R
Historic sexual abuse (2021).
R v Cheshire
Prosecution of former headmaster for sexually abusing children in the 1970s and 80s.
R v N
Prosecution of long term benefit fraud (2021).
R v F
Defence of female, with mental illness, charged with s.18 wounding (2021).
R v C
Defence of man charged with attempted murder (2021).
R v G
Defence of foreign national charged with kidnapping and false imprisonment of female (2020).
Clerks
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
Ian Howard
Call: 1987
Ian Howard
Lincoln’s Inn
Legal Aid Supplier Number 1570G
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Ian Howard is a senior member of the Criminal Team and is an established Grade 4 prosecutor, on the CPS RASSO Advocate panel.
Ian also defends on a range of matters including serious sexual offences, the supply of drugs and violence.
Reputation
Ian is a senior member of the Criminal Team. During his career, Ian has prosecuted and defended a range of high profile cases and still continues to do so.
Expertise
Crime
Ian Howard is a senior member of the Criminal Team and is an established Grade 4 prosecutor, on the CPS RASSO Advocate panel.
Ian also defends on a range of matters including serious sexual offences, the supply of drugs and violence.
Notable Cases
R v W Bradford Crown Court 2021
Ian successfully represented a professional man accused of ‘up skirting’.
R v S Bradford Crown Court 2022
Prosecuted child charged with rape offences, who sought to argue fitness to plead which was successfully resisted.
R v. Stephen Shaun Griffiths Leeds Crown Court 21/12/2010
Represented Griffiths. The defendant styled himself “the cross-bow cannibal”. A self-confessed serial killer pleaded guilty to the murder of three women. Three whole life sentences.
Clerks
Aelred Hookway
Call: 1990
Aelred Hookway
LLB
Member of Gray’s Inn
Family Law Bar Association
Contact
T: 01274 722560 or 0113 246 26000
Aelred has spent over 30 years specialising in all aspects of family law, public law, private law children and finance. He now focuses exclusively on private law children and can accept instructions on a direct access basis.
Reputation
Aelred has a reputation for bringing a pragmatic but fair approach to his cases and will often secure a negotiated solution that may have eluded others. An insightful and effective advocate when circumstances require. He has been described as ‘an oasis of calm in stormy seas’
(Legal 500 2019)
Expertise
Family Law.
Aelred accepts instructions on all aspects of private law children work and has accreditation to accept instructions on a direct access basis
Clerks
Robert Cole
Call: 1991
Robert Cole
Head of the Family Law Team
LLB (Hons), LLM, MCIArb, FLBA
Legal Aid Supplier Number 3490U
Contact
T: 0113 246 2600 or 01274 722 560
Robert is a leading matrimonial finance specialist. He sits on the Chambers Executive Board. Robert is regularly asked to act as adjudicator in Private FDRs and to sit as an Arbitrator. He is the Head of the Family Law Team at Broadway House Chambers.
‘A superb and highly skilled advocate with a hugely talented mathematical brain. Robert is calm, collected and has excellent instincts. ’ (Legal 500 2023, Tier 1)
Reputation
Robert has presented a myriad of specialist lectures to the FLBA, Resolution Groups and top-ranked solicitors firms. Robert also lectures at our Family Law Annual Conference and Family Law Webinar Series.
He continues to be invited to lecture at the Judicial College (for the judiciary) on matters dealing with accounts and corporate structures within financial remedy cases, having lectured in 2019, 2021 and 2022.
Ranked Band 1 in Chambers & Partners and Top Tier in Legal 500 for over the last 17 years.
“Robert Cole is widely considered a leading expert for high net worth divorces and separations. He is particularly respected for his ability to handle cases involving highly complex asset structures and businesses, drawing on his accountancy background.”
Chambers & Partners 2023
“A superb and highly skilled advocate with a hugely talented mathematical brain. Robert is calm, collected and has excellent instincts”
Legal 500, 2023
“He is very good at managing clients’ expectations and is always phenomenally well prepared.”
Chambers & Partners 2022
“He is a fountain of knowledge and has exceptional case law expertise”
Chambers & Partners 2022
“Robert will always give an honest and open view of the strengths and weaknesses of the case but will also fight hard for the client in court. A pragmatic negotiator.”
Legal 500 2022
‘A superb and highly skilled advocate with a hugely talented mathematical brain. Robert is calm, collected and has excellent instincts.’”Legal 500 2023
Expertise
Robert has worked in the field of matrimonial finance from Call in 1991 but concentrating in this field alone since 2000. He has a recognised practice across the whole of the north of England, the Midlands and beyond. He deals with all range of complex and high value cases involving issues of non-matrimonial source, companies, trusts and overseas assets, forensic analysis of resources and high income maintenance disputes. Robert had a background in accountancy prior to being called which compliments and enhances his work.
Notable Cases
G v L [2021]
Dispute as to W’s claim against wealth held by the parties where H had owned a pre-marital company that was sold during the marriage and whether proceeds then mingled when dealt with thereafter. Dispute as to duration of the marriage; when cohabitation commenced and therefore what growth in company arose within the relationship. Total assets of £16M: W received £6M capital & £1M pension at PFDR.
G v G [2020]
Case involving application of sharing principle to marital acquest: dispute over what constituted matrimonial property after 10 year marriage where W brought £5M to the marriage and H brought shares in family business and pension to the marriage, which had grown by circa £2M during the relationship plus £7500,000 growth in pensions. Extent to which growth a product of joint endeavour or natural growth of pre-marital asset. Decision also to reflect on needs of parties and liquidity of parties given W’s existing wealth. Case settled after PFDR with capital award to W of £750,000 + £250,000 pension.
HW v WW [2020] EWFC B20
Application to re-open consent order on basis that impact of Covid 19 on H’s business was a Barder event. The court determined that the pandemic was capable of being a Barder event but that the impact was a) foreseeable in the specific circumstances of the case and b) the impact was not sufficiently great to warrant the order to be set aside. However, the judge urged a pragmatic approach to the timing of payments and a revision of the periodical payments pending capital payments. The case was subsequently resolved by agreed amendment to original order.
C v C [2019]
H won national lottery prize of £10million prior to marriage. All remaining assets (£5.2million) were derived from this non-matrimonial source. Marriage of 19 years duration; W43: H47. Issue as to whether duration of marriage and treatment of assets diluted weight attached to source of the assets under the sharing principle or whether the case should be approached from need-basis only; further issue as to W’s needs and whether W was cohabiting. W received award of £2million on clean break.
M v M [2019]
Case involving £16.5million assets in the form of land, property and corporate structures (UK and offshore) in 18 year marriage. Central issue as to non-matrimonial source (H claimed £12million brought to the marriage from inheritance/family gifts) and dilution/mingling of assets by acquisition of assets/development of corporate structures using inherited funds. Also issue of meeting needs in context of standard of living; annual budgets of £250,000/£300,000 from each party. W received land/assets of £6.1million generating income of £150,000pa plus retained assets of £900,000 in her name.
J v J [2016] BAILLI M23
Case involving funds misdirected from trading company by false invoicing to offshore Cayman Island bank account, amounting to £500,000. Test for adverse inference considered and applied. Issue of how to structure award, given H’s further movement of the money.
Clerks
Guy Swiffen
Call: 1991
Guy Swiffen
BA (Hons) History, Reading University
L.Dip. City University, London
Legal 500
Chambers and Partners
Contact
T: 01274 722560 or 0113 246 2600
Guy has been at the Bar since 1991 and has practised exclusively in the field of children law for over 20 years. He began his career in London and then moved to the North of England in the late 1990s. Since then he has forged a heavyweight practice which takes him to all parts of the North of England dealing with many of the most complex cases being heard in the region. His reputation is very high amongst both his peers and the Judiciary, and he is recognised in Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500 year on year.
He has been described as a “bright and stunningly good junior.” He is known to be an incisively devastating cross examiner. Over the years his practise has taken him to developing the forensic skills to challenge the analyses and opinions of medical experts in the witness box. Complimenting his forensic skills is an excellent knowledge of the legislation and case law. He is happy to operate at all court levels: he has had the experience of taking a case all the way to the House of Lords. He prides himself on having a friendly and approachable relationship with clients and solicitors alike.
He often acts against Silks as a leading Junior (leading both Junior Counsel and solicitors).
Reputation
Guy has been ranked in the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners for over a decade. Recent comments include:
‘Guy is very experienced and deals with high-level public law children cases"
(Chambers and Partners, 2023)
‘An unflappable barrister. His forthright manner and confidence sets all in the court room at ease. He has a keen analytical mind"
(Legal 500, 2023)
Band 1 ‘Ability to handle an eclectic mix of children-related work, ranging from abuse allegations and child injuries to care proceedings. He regularly acts for parents, intervenors and local authorities alike, which further illustrates his holistic practice. "Guy Swiffen is very good in complex medical cases."
(Chambers & Partners, 2022)
‘Guy is a tenacious and fearless advocate. Excellent with clients. His persuasive powers are second to none.;Ability to handle an eclectic mix of children-related work, ranging from abuse allegations and child injuries to care proceedings. He regularly acts for parents, intervenors and local authorities alike, which further illustrates his holistic practice. "Guy Swiffen is very good in complex medical cases."
(Legal 500, 2022)
Guy regularly leads webinar and seminars on behalf of Broadway House Chambers’ Children Team. Talks include:
• 2022 so far : latest ABE guidance and recent case law
• ‘Just 17, do you know what it means?”: recent case law
• “Aftermath of B-S : where are we now?”
• “Child abduction and habitual residence : what is the test ?”
• Private law case law update
• The implications of Re R in the post B-S landscape
Expertise
Family
Public Law
In care proceedings he has extensive experience in representing local authorities throughout the North of England in complex proceedings (including against Leading Counsel). He also has a substantial body of work representing parents and other family members (including those with physical and learning disabilities) as well as Guardians and the Official Solicitor. His practise often deals with child fatalities as well as physical, sexual and emotional abuse.
Private Law
In addition he has a substantial practice in all aspects of Private Law Children Work. This includes applications to remove children from the jurisdiction, Child Abduction, and applications for Child Arrangement Orders (including internal relocation). He has extensive experience in making emergency applications (often before High Court Judges) as well as dealing with issues of a jurisdictional complexity.
Notable Cases
Re A ( a child ) ( parental responsibility order ) [2011] AER 48
Circumstances in which the removal of a child from aunt’s interim care was justified
B,C and D children [2010] EWHC 262
Publicity injunction : whether adopters should be notified of application by birth parents to relax injunction. Whether social workers should be named
Re S ( a child ) ( 2010 ) EWCA Civ 1363
Whether the local authority had breached the mother’s Human Rights by the circumstances in which it had removed her child from her care whilst she was in prison
Re A ( contact order ) ( 2010 ) 2FLR 577
Consideration of whether child should have own solicitor instead of representation of interests via a Children’s Guardian : cost element relevant
O –v- N, re B [2003] IUK House of Lords 18 [2003] 1FLR 1169
Correct approach taken by the court where the threshold criteria established but the identity of the perpetrator is uncertain
Re B ( non accidental injury : compelling medical evidence ) [2002] 2FLR 1133
Courts’ approach on determining findings in respect of the threshold criteria and evaluating contradictory medical and lay evidence
Re G [2002] 2FCR 377
Contact orders to be made in care and freeing proceedings
Clerks
Gerald Hendron
Call: 1992
Gerald Hendron
Criminal Bar Association
Legal Aid Supplier Number 7449X
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Gerald Hendron prosecutes and defends in serious criminal cases. He is an extremely experienced, providing sound advice to his clients. His hard work and judgment assists in obtaining the outcome that he is instructed to achieve. Regularly prosecutes multi-handed complex criminal matters.
Reputation
Expertise
Criminal Law:
Gerald Hendron is an experienced criminal law advocate who defends and prosecutes across a range of the most serious of criminal matters, from firearms offences, serious violence, computer crime, serious drugs offences to adult and child sexual offences and exploitation, both recent and historic.
Gerald Hendron is an established Grade 4 prosecutor, on the CPS RASSO Advocate panel since its inception. He was involved in the first pilot trial at Leeds Crown Court for the cross examination of children and vulnerable witnesses in April 2015 and continues to appear regularly in this type of work. He is consistently instructed to appear against Queen’s Counsel in such cases.
Gerald is also nominated by the Yorkshire RaSSO unit as standing counsel for all Operation Recall Cases – the investigation of all historic DNA related sexual offences in the region.
Gerald also defends a number of cases involving neglect in the care home setting, serious sexual offences, robberies and attempted murders.
Notable Cases
R v Harriott (2024):
Defence of client who pleaded guilty to the murder of his sister and was sentenced to life, with an order to serve a minimum period of 23 years. The defendant intended to kill his sister in a premeditated attack upon her with a samurai sword as she loaded her car on her way to work before driving to Huddersfield police station asking to be arrested, as he had just killed his sister. HHJ Mairs described the kiliing which was caught on CCTV as ‘Chlling.’
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-68385718
R v Khalid Sheikh, Asghar Sheikh, Shabnam Sheikh (2024):
Gerald Hendron, being led by Abdul Iqbal KC, represented Khalid Sheikh, and Michelle Colborne KC, leading Simeon Smith, represented Asghar Sheikh for failing to protect a vulnerable person, namely Ambreen Sheikh, from serious bodily harm. This case took place at Leeds Crown Court before Lady Justice Lambert. The complainant was alleged to have been the subject of a caustic burn, and after this incident, she was given glimepiride, an antidiabetic tablet, which resulted in her falling into a permanent coma from which she has never recovered. The defendants were sentenced to 7 years and 9 months for failing to protect. (https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/live-huddersfield-husband-whose-wife-28620428)R v Rees (2024):
Prosecuted Leeds student Nicholas Rees, who was sentenced to 6 years' imprisonment at Leeds Crown Court in respect of Possession of an Explosive Substance and Making an Explosive Substance while he was a postgraduate student at the Oxley Halls in Leeds. Rees manufactured low explosives and possessed the ingredients for low explosives for an unlawful purpose. Rees had grievances against fellow students and West Yorkshire police officers after he had been reported to them for the suspected possession of firearms while walking around the residence in combat fatigues and wearing a bulletproof vest. Rees told students that he could use ‘Thermite’ to destroy the generator box of the residence, cutting off communication to the police if they wanted to report him. The defendant also threatened the police and others that he would go on ‘One last outing.’ Sentencing Rees, HHJ Khan said that he was a dangerous man (https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/news/leeds-news/leeds-student-kept-chemicals-knives-28604548)R V D (2023):
Manslaughter -Prosecution led junior counsel being led by KC in a case, the allegation being the defendant had stockpiled controlled drug, prescribed to treat his deceased wife and then drug the deceased. The defendant’s case was that the complainant took the drug herself. Involved pathological and toxicological issues along with substantial disclosure issues as case was treated as an unexplained death and the body was no longer available by the time toxicological results were obtained.R v B (2022):
Prosecuting defendant represented by a KC for the rape of a 14 year old girl in 1993. Through the advances in DNA evidence piecing together historic evidence where the inferences from such evidence was to be challenged.R v HS (2021):
Defence Junior 6 week trial charged with joint armed robbery with imitation firearms of a fabric shop. Pre-planned robbery where the case involved circumstantial evidence of the defendant sourcing the car prior to the robbery and together with his co-accused destroying it afterwards. The prosecution relied on CCTV evidence and cell site evidence. The co-accused were also charged with attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. Although the co-accused were unanimously convicted on all counts, jury could not agree in relation to HS and the prosecution decided not to retry the defendant. The co-accused received sentences of 12 years.R V D and others (2021):
Prosecution Junior Conspiracy to import controlled drugs and article A prohibited items, (drugs and phones) into prison over a period of 2 and a half years at 3 prisons in Yorkshire and Humberside. 7 Defendants in total. The Lead defendant received a sentence of 14 year.**R v A (2021**):
Defence Junior Representing boy who was charged with multiple rapes on 6 complainants in the Crown Court since the age of 11-14. First case of its kind that went to the Court of Appeal and will be a bench mark case for sentencing children for the most serious of sexual offences. Total sentence 8 years 3 months but reduced to 6 years 6 months by the Court of Appeal who described the case as ‘a truly difficult and exceptional case’.R v M (2021):
Defence Junior alone representing man charged with attempted murder where the prosecution accepted Section 18 when the case was listed for trial. The victim was left with serious and permanent life changing head injuries having been attacked by the Defendant. The Defendant on arrest repeatedly claimed that he wanted to kill him and that he deserved it. The Defendant was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment.R v A and others (2020):
Leading Junior for the Prosecution 5 Defendants between ages of 15 and 18 charged with conspiracy to commit armed robberies of supermarkets. The group targeted a string of stores, using an arsenal of weapons including a BB gun, machete, knives, meat cleaver and an axe to steal a host of items including cash, cigarettes and stamps.Operation F (2019):
Prosecution Junior first convictions of in respect an AK47 rifle discharge since records began since the National Ballistics Intelligence Service 2009, the allegation being the three defendants pre-planned spraying of a rival gang member’s house with a machine gun and armour piercing ammunition. Extensive use of cell site evidence linked with fragmentary eye witness accounts to construct strong circumstantial case.R v B & ors (2017):
Prosecuted student in York who was charged with Rape of another student. Received national attention. At trial and retrial defendant represented by a KC.R v S (2015):
Defence Junior Represented to trial Defendant alleged to have stolen the personal details of 100,000 employees of national supermarket retailer, publishing them on the internet and forwarding them to local national newspapers, using the ‘Dark Web’ with resultant loss to the business of £2.5m. 7 years for fraud.R v M & Ors (2010):
Leading Junior for the Defence - defending the alleged leading facilitator in the conspiracy to kidnap the son of a Chinese Shipping Magnate and blackmail his parents in the sum of $2mUS. Prosecuted by a silk and junior. Case involved complex cell site analysis, voice analysis on ransom demands, telephone billing and observational evidence. A Not Guilty verdict was secured after an extensive trial.Clerks
Benjamin Crosland
Call: 1993
Benjamin Crosland
Gray’s Inn
Legal Aid Supplier Number 0396F
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Ben now prosecutes on behalf of the Crown Prosecution Service in the Magistrates Court. With previous experience as a Grade 4, he is strong advocate with a vast amount of knowledge in all areas of criminal law.
Before being called to the Bar, Ben Crosland was a solicitor for 15 years both in private practice and within the CPS and its predecessor, the County Prosecuting Solicitors Office of the WYMCC.
Reputation
Whilst in private practice in Huddersfield in the 1970's, Ben lectured in OND Law at Huddersfield Technical College. Whilst a Senior Crown Prosecutor, Ben frequently gave talks to the Police about his role as a prosecutor. For a period of time Ben was the Youth Court specialist in Wakefield and gave talks to the police about his function in that role.
Expertise
Crime
Ben Crosland has prosecuted and defended in all areas across the criminal spectrum, including murder, manslaughter, death by dangerous driving, serious sexual offending, firearms offences, drugs offences and conspiracy to commit professional burglaries of banks and building societies.
Notable Cases
CROWN COURT
R v Gerard Michael Langton, Craig Peter Brunie and Gary Frederick Gill Sheffield Crown Court 2010
The Prosecution of a team of professional burglars who targeted banks and building societies in the South Yorkshire and Midlands regions using specialist knowledge of alarm systems to disable them before burning the backs off ATMs using oxyacetylene equipment. There were several different strands of evidence to demonstrate association between the Defendants at the various locations (in circumstances where they made no comment in interview and left no forensic traces at all) from ANPR cameras, the Defendants’ mobile telephones, 2 Satellite Navigation systems, surveillance by police officers and surveillance videos. A hugely complex circumstantial case which resulted in guilty pleas on the day of trial. Substantial sentences followed.
R v Josiah Abijah Sanderson, Isiah Cardwell, Josiah Ruben Wiggan, Ainsley Kenneth Ellis and Adrian Gareth Wilson Sheffield Crown Court 2009
The Prosecution of a number of men for drugs and firearms offences against a background of postcode gang violence in Sheffield. Much of the evidence consisted of covert audio recordings of the Defendants, together with expert voice analysis evidence. A mixture of guilty pleas and trials. Substantial custodial sentences of those convicted.
R v Andrew Jan Shovelar Lincoln Crown Court 2007 and 2008
The Prosecution of a police officer charged with long term domestic violence on his partner. Lengthy trial and retrial. The Defendant was convicted and sentenced to custody. The case attracted much national press attention –‘Tyrant PC’s ground rules for his girlfriend: don’t speak when I come home’ the Daily Mail 6th July 2007. ‘Hero PC bullied partner into being silent when he came home’ the Mail on Sunday 9th January 2008.
R v Danny Kevin Major Bradford Crown Court, 2006
The Prosecution of a police officer charged with assault upon a detainee in custody. Lengthy trial and retrial. Defendant represented by leading Counsel. The Defendant was convicted and sentenced to custody. The case attracted local and national press attention.
R v Mohammed Rafiq Leeds Crown Court, 2003
The Defence of a man, along with several others, charged with Conspiracy to Murder. The so called ‘Keighley roundabout murder’ set against a background of gang turf warfare in relation to drug dealing in the town.
Clerks
Jo Shepherd
Call: 1993
Jo Shepherd
BA (Honours) History
[University College of North Wales (Bangor)
Post-graduate Diploma in Law (Common Professional Examination) [University of Huddersfield]
Bar Vocational Course
[Inns of Court School of Law, London]
Options: Landlord and Tenant (very competent) and Family Law (Competent)
Criminal Bar Association & Northern Circuit
Contact
T: 01274 722 560
Jo was called to the Bar by the Inner Temple in 1993 having completed her BA (Hons) degree in History at the University of Wales. Her pupillage was completed in London, and she has been instructed in Criminal Courts at all levels up to and including the High Court and the Court of Appeal.
She has a wide experience in both Defence and Prosecution and is a Grade 3/RASSO Prosecutor; and was formerly a Grade B for the Health & Safety Executive and HM Revenue and Customs.
Jo is an accredited pupil supervisor.
Her main areas of practice are Criminal Law and General Common Law including regulatory work.
Jo works predominantly in Leeds, Bradford and Manchester Crown Courts – both Prosecuting and Defending cases from Murder and rape to burglary and robbery.
Jo has a particular interest in Mental Health and its application to criminal law – both as a prosecution and defence advocate.
Jo has specialised in road traffic law, conducting cases at all levels -including before the High Court and Administrative Court:
R v B ex parte Preston Crown Court (Administrative Court - Road traffic appeal on costs from Central funds) [2002]
R v M (Case Stated Appeal in High Court - Road Traffic) [2003]
Reputation
Jo has almost 30 years’ experience at the criminal bar.
Expertise
Jo has almost 30 years’ experience at the criminal bar, both prosecuting and defending, practising at all levels and on both sides of the Pennines, initially in Courts throughout the North West and latterly Leeds, Bradford and York Crown Courts.
Notable Cases
R v M [2022] Bradford Crown Court – defence historic sexual offences
R v C [2022] Leeds Crown Court – defence section 18/Dangerous offender
R v K [2021] Bradford Crown Court – Defence of mentally ill offender charged with Arson
R v Z [2021] York Crown Court – defence rape trial
R v J [2021] Leeds Crown Court – defence rape trial
R v G [2021] Chester Crown Court – defence historic sexual offences trial
R v W [2021] Bradford Crown Court – defence of youth charged with rape.
R v H [2019] Liverpool Crown Court – successfully vacated Guilty plea to section 18 and successfully defended at subsequent trial.
R v S [2019] Chester Crown Court – successfully defended a Defendant with Alzheimer’s charged with historic sexual abuse
R v T (Perverting the course of justice – false alibi to son- lead Defendant in gangland murder) – Liverpool Crown Court [2016] http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/14501799.False_alibi_mum_jailed_for_trying_to_help_killer_son_after__brutal_gang_murder_/
R v L (Prosecution – Fitness to plead and successful Proof of Act/omission) [2016] Leeds Crown Court
R v S (Section 47 trial) Preston Crown Court [2016]
R v M – Class A drugs conspiracy – Liverpool Crown Court [2015]
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/skelmersdale-drugs-gang-sentenced-total-9158118
R v W (Prosecution of Fitness to plead and successful proof of act/omission) [2015] Manchester Crown Court
R v T (section 20 where complainant left with permanent disabilities – conviction following trial) [2014] York Crown Court
R v F (sexual offences committed following release on parole after 20 years – Dangerousness provisions) [2014] – Preston Crown Court
R v B (Successful Prosecution on Section 20 wounding) [2014] Bradford Crown Court
R v L (£200k Theft from Employer by Wife - Acquitted after trial of money laundering - Preston Crown Court) [2012]
R v B (Preston Crown Court – Attempted Murder trial) [2012]
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-17789545
W v DPP (Crown Court - appeal against sentence - “April Jones troll” [2012]
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-20155928
R v H (Murder – pleaded to manslaughter) Liverpool Crown Court [2012]
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-20684079
R v C (Liverpool Crown Court – defended police officer charged with misconduct in public office) [2011]
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/formby-ex-police-officer-jailed-affair-3367078
R v H & Another (successful Appeal against Conviction – Court of Appeal) [2011]
R v P & Others (Defence in multi-handed Drug conspiracy – Preston Crown Court) [2011]
http://www.lep.co.uk/news/local/13-men-face-jail-over-north-west-drugs-conspiracy-1-3986089
R v H (Appeal against Sentence – Court of Appeal
Miss Shepherd was commended by the Honourable Mrs Justice Rafferty on both preparation & presentation) [2010]
R v S & Another (Infamous “Furry case” - Conspiracy to Murder – Junior for Defence – Preston Crown Court) [2009]
R v L (Multi-count historical sex case – Defendant with learning disabilities – Preston Crown Court [2007]
R v Unsworth & S (Murder – Preston Crown Court – junior for the Crown) [2007]
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/lancashire/6369319.stm
Clerks
Rebecca Young
Call: 1993
Rebecca Young
Qualifications & Memberships : LLB(Hons) 2:1 Honourable Society of the Inner Temple, Criminal Bar Association.
Prosecution Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) Panel.
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
“Our client described your conduct as impeccable, kind and considerate and wishes to say that he will never forget what you did for him. May I add that you are an extraordinary advocate who has a natural gift when dealing with complex issues and an ability to make both instructed solicitors and the client feel at ease. Something that is often very difficult to achieve!” (Solicitor & Client Feedback)
Rebecca prosecutes and defends in all aspects of serious crime: drugs, people trafficking, fatal and non-fatal violence and has a particular specialism in sexual cases both recent and historic. She is often involved in cases involving complex expert evidence; medical forensic and cell site. She has recently been involved in a number of arson cases involving fire investigation experts and also non-accidental head injury cases (“baby shaking cases”) involving extremely technical and specialist medical evidence.
She has experience of cases involving multiple defendants and/or multiple complainants.
She is well known for being extremely thorough, paying attention to detail and being down to earth and patient especially when dealing with difficult or sensitive cases.
She is currently instructed to defend in an operation involving child exploitation and grooming in Leeds.
Reputation
Rebecca has been involved in training programs within Chambers. Sessions include RASSO training for the CPS as well Section 28 training for defence solicitors.
Solicitor and client review: "Our client described your conduct as impeccable, kind and considerate and wishes to say that he will never forget what you did for him. May I add that you are an extraordinary advocate who has a natural gift when dealing with complex issues and an ability to make both instructed solicitors and the client feel at ease. Something that is often very difficult to achieve!”
Expertise
Crime
Rebecca is often instructed in cases involving rape and serious sexual offences. She is also known for her expertise when dealing with cases involving child witnesses or defendants or those with vulnerabilities such as severe mental health problems or learning difficulties or other communication problems. In one extreme case the complainant could only answer questions by drawing her answer. Her client was one of 2 brothers charged with sexually abusing their sister; and hers was acquitted.
More often than not her cases involve expert evidence from psychiatrists, psychologists, registered intermediaries and other specialist medical practitioners. She conducted one of the first pre-recorded cross examination of vulnerable witnesses under the Section 28 Pilot scheme which involved a child of 4 years of age. Since then she has conducted many such cases as the procedure developed.
Notable Cases
R-v-H: there was video evidence said to show the defendant raping his partner whilst she appeared to be asleep. He was acquitted.
R-v-H: baby shaking case mother charged with manslaughter led by Jamie Hill QC. She was acquitted after expert evidence so specialists’ experts from out of the jurisdiction were called.
R-v- B: sexual assault of a child by a defendant with previous convictions for the same and witnessed by a group of other children despite which he was acquitted.
R-v R: historic sexual abuse by a university lab worker of multiple work experience students over his entire career and also of his own daughter.
R-v- C: Case involving a mother causing her child to poison her own father which was stayed after technical legal arguments. Controlling coercive behaviour unusually by the mother.
R-v- U: case involving modern slavery offences; facilitating the travel of another for exploitation and forced labour. It involved a Vietnamese teenager trafficked multiple times to work in cannabis factories.
R-v- M: dangerous dog case involving complex legal arguments about the possible lacuna/inconsistency in the various statutes dealing with guard dogs and dangerous dogs.
R-v-P: rape of stepson(s) over many years complicated background where 1 complainant went back to live with the defendant with his daughters.
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
Matthew Rudd
Call: 1994
Matthew Rudd
Head of Employment Law Team
ELA
FLBA
Chambers and Partners
Legal 500
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Matthew is Head of the Employment Team with over 27 years experience. He undertakes work in the Employment Tribunal, Employment Appeal Tribunal and Higher Courts. He is also a member of the Family Team undertaking Financial Remedy and TOLATA and Inheritance Act work. Further, Matthew has expertise in sports law and civil claims relating to his Employment and Financial Remedy Practice.
Reputation
Matthew regularly presents at Employment and Family Seminars and undertakes private FDRs.
Matthew is ranked in Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500 for his Employment practice:
"Matthew Rudd is head of the chambers' employment law practice. He is well versed in a range of complex unfair dismissal and discrimination claims" (Chambers and Partners, 2023)"A tenacious advocate with a calming influence. Practical, thorough and exceptionally dedicated" (Legal 500, 2023)
"Effective and enormously experienced, he has impressed me. He can really analyse the important merits of a claim." "An experienced employment barrister, he is thorough and pragmatic as well as being a good advocate." "He cuts through legal issues and explains everything with such ease." (Chambers and Parners, 2022) 'An exceptionally dedicated barrister. He cuts through complex legal issues with ease. Experienced and unflappable.”(Legal 500, 2022)
Expertise
Employment
As Head of the Employment Law Team, Matthew undertakes work for both employees and employers and has extensive experience in Unfair Dismissal, Discrimination, TUPE and Restrictive Covenants. He regularly handles multi-day cases with large bundles.
Family Law
Matthew has considerable experience in Financial Remedy high value asset cases and cases involving family businesses. He regularly undertakes TOLATA work and Inheritance Act Claims.
Civil and Sports Law
Matthew undertakes Civil and Sports Law work connected to his Employment and Family practice.
Notable Cases
F v H: Successful Claim for unfair dismissal and discrimination and successfully defended the appeal to the EAT;
C v SDCC Arguments over whether conditions amounted to a disability with a large number of witnesses and whether dismissal due to disability or SOSR;
F v JCT Claim involving unfair dismissal and disability discrimination. Respondents awarded £10,000 costs despite Claimant claiming to be impecunious;
B v SN Advising the Claimant in ongoing ET proceedings involving claims for harassment, victimisation and sexual orientation discrimination over a number of years;
I v A Represented the Claimant in a complex claim for breach of contract and unlawful deductions from wages with a counterclaim by the Respondent. Successful in all aspects of the claim;
U v L & C Complex case involving a TUPE transfer acting for the transferee who was jointly and severally liable for obligations of the transferor under regulations 13 and 14 of TUPE. Multi handed case involving test Claimants for 25 representative Claimants.
Clerks
Dornier Whittaker
Call: 1994
Dornier Whittaker
BA (Hons) Kings College, London
City University (Diploma in Law)
Inns of Court School of Law
Middle Temple Queen Mothers Scholar
FLBA
Contact
T: 01274 722560 / 0113 246 2600
Dornier is your ‘go to’ person in respect of all applications for financial remedy and private children disputes. With over 30 years under her belt, Dornier has a wealth of experience in complex relocation cases, intractable children disputes and is recognised for her knowledge in high value financial relief cases, especially those involving companies, partnerships, farms and “hidden wealth”.
Dornier has a reputation for robust advocacy and is a firm believer in practical, no-nonsense advice which is often praised by the Judiciary. She prides herself on her open and easy to approach manner with both solicitors and clients which is regularly reported by the Legal Press.
As well as being fluent in French and the mother of three busy teenage children, Dornier still finds time to regularly deliver legal seminars and is the governor of 2 local schools.
Reputation
Chambers & Partners
Chambers & Partners 2023
“Dornier Whittaker is a highly experienced practitioner with a practice covering finance and children matters. Her work ranges from contact arrangement orders to financial remedies and maintenance payment variations. She regularly acts for high net worth individuals."Dornier is wonderful with clients." "She is reasonable and realistic in negotiations, and a top court performer." "Dornier is a pleasure to deal with. She is happy to provide additional support on cases so that the client really gets a team approach."
Chambers & Partners 2022
“She is client and lawyer friendly and takes a hands-on approach. This makes working with her a very cooperative experience for not only the client but those instructing her.” “She is extremely thorough, clear in her advice and proactive in managing very anxious and difficult clients.” “She is extremely personable with clients and sees cases through while working as a team with the instructing solicitor and the client.”
Chambers & Partners 2018
“Dornier is extremely experienced and is a great all-rounder for family law. She is very client-friendly and her advice is easily understood.”
Chambers & Partners 2017
“Extremely skilled in private law work relating to children as well as financial family disputes. She has previously advised on complicated separations involving farming and corporate assets, in addition to complex child relocations.” “She is sensible, charming and empathetic, and really excellent at managing difficult people.”
Legal 500
The Legal 500 2022: ‘She is calmly reassuring with clients in what can be difficult cases. Her advice is sound and rational.’
The Legal 500 2020: “Specialises in private law children and financial matters”
The Legal 500 2017: “She has an ability to think outside of the box and is very good on her feet.”
The Legal 500 2015: “She is impressive on her feet without being unpleasant or resorting to bullying”
Seminars
Dornier delivers seminars to solicitors and other legal professionals throughout the North of England and beyond. Dornier has recently covered:
- Top Tips: Practice, Procedure & Preparation for the FDA, FDR and Final Hearing 2021
- Top Tips on Practice & Procedure in Private Law Children 2021
- Private Law Children – Essential Update 2021
- Costs Update in Private Law Proceedings 2020
Expertise
Family
Financial Remedy
Dornier’s practice involves all aspects of financial remedy. Dornier has extensive experience of representing business owners, professionals, third parties and their spouses, and has a particular interest in corporate and farming cases where the assets are up to £10m. She regularly appears in cases which involve the following issues:
- Company and business interests including valuations.
- Farming assets including valuation and liquidity.
- Cases involving significant property portfolios.
- Non-matrimonial inheritance assets.
- Significant pension assets.
- Assets located outside of the jurisdiction including company and family trusts.
Private Children
Dornier has extensive experience in all aspects of private children disputes representing mothers, fathers and other family members. She has a particular interest in the relocation of children whether within this jurisdiction or overseas, parental alienation cases and fact finding hearings involving serious allegations of domestic abuse. Her case load regularly involves the following:
- Private disputes as to child arrangements including ‘live with’ and ‘spend time with’ orders.
- Relocation of children including both within this jurisdiction and overseas.
- Parental alienation.
- Fact-finding hearings involving allegations of domestic abuse.
- Specific issue orders, re-schooling and medical issues.
Notable Cases
Financial Remedy- January 2022 – Circuit Judge, Leeds
10 day financial remedy final hearing, representing husband – assets of £8 million in Cyprus and UK. Wife moved to Cyprus with parties’ young children following separation. Complex case involving conduct, expert psychiatric evidence, jurisdictional issues re division of assets and child maintenance.
Financial Remedy - February 2022-DJ, St Helens
Represented Wife in 2 day hearing in which court heard substantial oral evidence from both parties- found that Wife had been subject to duress and unfair to hold her to consent order. Costs awarded to wife in sum of £30,000 with matter listed for FDR following expert pension report.
Children Act - June 2021- DJ, Newcastle
4 day fact finding hearing – representing father on his application to spend time with his son following separation. Mother making serious allegations of abuse. Court found that mother had lied and maliciously made up many of the allegations to prevent father from having contact. Matter concluded in April 2022 with F having regular overnight contact with his son.
Children Act – July 2021-Circuit Judge, Leeds
Relocation -Representing mother on her application to permanently remove parties’ children abroad, opposed by father. Appeal dismissed – appeal court found that even though his time would be reduced it would be quality time and move would be beneficial to children.
Children Act - May 2022- Justices, Manchester
Relocation, 3 day hearing – representing father on mother’s application to relocate with their children from Manchester to London. Justices refused application on basis that children needed both parents, mother’s proposed arrangements for father to spend regular time with children in London would be minimal during term time, it would have a hugely detrimental effect on the children.
Clerks
Jayne Beckett
Call: 1995
Jayne Beckett
MA (Hons) (Cantab) Law
Middle Temple – Diplock Scholorship
Legal Aid Supplier Number 055WZ
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Jayne Beckett practices in the field of criminal law and deals with both prosecution and defence cases of the utmost severity.
Other Information:
Jayne was brought up locally and attended local schools. As such she has a working understanding of the communities in the West Yorkshire area. Prior to entering Chambers Jayne worked briefly for a large Solicitors firm in London.
Reputation
Jayne conducts seminars on behalf of the crime team and has conducted training with the local police.
Expertise
Crime
Jayne Beckett is a Grade 4 Crown Prosecutor and has experience as a trial advocate in respect of most types of criminal matters.
Jayne has dealt with a large number of offences involving rape and serious sexual offences and is experienced in the handling of child witnesses and vulnerable complainants. She has a working understanding of problems particular to these cases such as third party disclosure in relation to complainants.
In addition, Jayne is regularly instructed in cases involving extreme violence. Her experience goes beyond the handling of serious assaults. She has frequently dealt with matters such as those involving child or infant complainants as well as serious armed robberies. Jayne has been led on several occasions in cases of murder.
Notable Cases
R v L (2024) – Defence
Successful defence of an adult charged with historic sexual offences having fathered the child of a family member.
R v C (2023) – Defence
Successful defence of an adult charged with raping a close friend.
R v Jon Smith (2022) – Prosecution
Successful prosecution of practising medical consultant for sexually assaulting female colleague.
R v Sohail Hussain and others (2021) – Defence
Successful defence of an adult charged with others in a case of serious historic sexual grooming of a child.
R v Azad Raja and others (2021) – Prosecution
Leading junior prosecuting as part of Operation Stovewood (The Rotherham enquiry into child exploitation)
R v Frederick Denton (2019) – Defence
2 week trial involving serious historic sexual allegations with complainants who were minors at the time of the alleged offences.
R v H (2018) – Prosecution
Successful prosecution for serious familial sexual offending spanning 12 years. Defendant represented by Queens Counsel. Sentence 24 years imprisonment.
R v James Hutchinson (2017) – Defence
Murder. Led by Miss Michelle Colborne QC. Boxing Day murder of Defendant’s partner with complicated domestic background and difficult sentencing points successfully made.
R v H (2017) – Defence
Manslaughter. Defendant supplied drugs into prison which were ingested by her partner. Death occurred. Successful legal argument. Not possible to prove causation.
R v Martin Panton (2017) – Defence
Defendant facing two sets of proceedings. Serious historic sexual abuse and terrorism. Successful combined outcome on sentence given admissions.
R v L & H (2016) – Prosecution
Successful prosecution of two Defendants charged with serious conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. Lengthy trial. Considerable detail.
Clerks
Gerald Browne
Call: 1995
Gerald Browne
Family Law Association
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
After qualifying in medicine, Gerald transferred to the law and was called to the Bar in 1995. His medical knowledge is a particular advantage in cases where medical issues are to the fore.
Gerald now has more than 25 years experience as a barrister and has practised exclusively in family law since 1999. He now focuses on children and matrimonial finance cases.
Reputation
Gerald now has more than 25 years experience as a barrister and has practised exclusively in family law since 1999.
Expertise
In children cases, Gerald regularly deals with issues of parental alienation, domestic abuse (including coercive and controlling behaviours) as well as injuries to children.
In matrimonial finance matters, he is instructed in cases in which there are expert business valuations, missing assets and arguments about housing needs.
Gerald is able to accept instructions directly from members of the public.
Notable Cases
G v G. Matrimonial finance case in which the key evidence was the expert valuation of a valuable (over £1m) police pension.
B v B. Children case in which Gerald’s client was wrongly alleged to have punched his son.
J v J. Big money matrimonial finance case in which the culture of the Travelling Community had a large impact on the analysis of the facts.
C v C. Matrimonial finance case which featured a Covid 19 affected expert valuation of a timber business.
S v S. Children case featuring a dispute between father and step-father relating to a 15 year old.
Clerks
Jayne Pye
Call: 1995 (solicitor 1985)
Jayne Pye
Deputy District Judge dealing with Civil law and Public & Private family law
Recorder dealing with Private and Public Family Law
Contact
T: 0113 246 2600 / 01274 722560
Jayne has over 30 years experience of practising family law. She was a partner and head of the family law department in a large firm of solicitors before being called to the Bar in 1995. As well as undertaking cases for clients, Jayne sits as a Deputy District Judge and Recorder determining private and public law family cases. She was Chair of the Yorkshire Family Law Bar Association for 10 years.
Reputation
Jayne has been noted in Chambers and partners and Legal 500 for many years:
“"Jayne's approach to client care is very impressive. She is very warm, personable, and she really engages with what the client wants to achieve. Her cross-examinations are excellent."”
Legal 500, Tier 1, 2022“Jayne is a strong advocate, who is able to put clients at ease through her breadth of knowledge and personable approach”
Chambers and Partners, 2022
"She's an extremely well-respected barrister whose advocacy is robust and powerful." "Jayne is a terrific advocate who gets to grips with all the details of a case and is proactive in formulating a strategy for her cases. She is generous with her time and thorough both in her preparation and in her feedback." "She is very good with clients and strikes the balance in terms of being empathetic."
Expertise
Family
Jayne has worked in all areas of public and private law matters relating to children. She has conducted complex cases which involve issues of physical, sexual, emotional abuse and neglect and complicated and/or conflicting medical evidence.
Jayne is currently primarily specialising in private law children matters.
She is highly regarded for her ability to manage extensive paperwork and complex issues in a thorough and efficient manner with an eye for the relevant detail; covering extensive issues in a succinct manner. She is a formidable advocate and has a commanding presence and style in court. Jayne relates well with her clients, gaining their trust through her sensitive and straightforward approach.
She represents clients in the Court of Appeal, High Court, County Court and Family Proceedings Court and is regularly instructed by Local Authorities, parents – including young parents, children and extended family members. She also leads junior barristers and instructing solicitors in cases against QCs.
She has undertaken training in mediation.
She accepts instructions directly from members of the public.
Clerks
Camille Morland
Call: 1996
Camille Morland
Interdisciplinary Human Studies BA (Hons)
Common Professional Examination
Bar Finals
Criminal Bar Association
Legal Aid Supplier Number 109QN
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Camille conducts Crown Court trials on behalf of both prosecution and defence. She is an accomplished Grade 3 prosecutor, with Grade 4 experience. She is a member of the CPS Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Panel and has acquired significant expertise in such cases. She has a particular interest in such allegations which are historic in nature, and those which take place within a religious setting. She is adept at dealing with the diverse needs of witnesses and those involving child witnesses and vulnerable adults, including those via pre-recorded cross-examination.
Reputation
Camille has been a member of Chambers for over 20 years practising almost exclusively in crime.
Camille regularly holds seminars for solicitors and the CPS. Camille has recently addressed:
- Law Practice Naming of Defending (2020)
- RaSSO Update (2021)
- Sentencing Update (2021)
Expertise
Crime
Camille is a skilled trial advocate who has a thorough understanding of the complex legal and practical issues which are common to all criminal cases. Camille is adept but not limited to cases involving controlled drugs, sexual offences, proceeds of crime, violence, firearms and driving offences.
Sports
Camille has been a member of Chambers for over 20 years practising almost exclusively in crime.
Part of that work includes the presentation of mitigations, both personal and in relation to criminal offences, in order to secure the most lenient penalty on behalf of the lay client.
The skills and experience acquired during her career are applicable and relevant to sports discipline hearings, including that relating to doping allegations.
Camille has been a committee member of an athletics club, at an amateur level, for a number of years. During that time she had responsibility for Child Protection and Welfare. On occasion this has required making decisions in relation to club discipline, membership and welfare. It has also been necessary to mediate in disputes.
Outside of work, Camille enjoys running and is a Boston Marathon qualifier 2020 and a Marathon des Sables finisher 2022. She is still managing to run reasonably fast – 78% age graded 5k.
Clerks
Zira Hussain
Call: 1998
Zira Hussain
LLB (Hons ) Law
Legal Aid Supplier Number 305RU
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Zira has practised exclusively in family law for over 20 years and has extensive court experience. Her areas of practice are private and public law children, financial remedies, domestic abuse, forced marriage and honour based violence.
Zira is a fearless, tenacious, conscientious and hardworking barrister. She is known as a fighter and is a strong advocate. She is renowned for her thorough preparation and detailed knowledge of case papers. She combines strong client care skills with robust and effective advocacy. Zira has a reputation for always going the extra mile.
Reputation
Zira was nominated by the Legal Services Commission for inclusion in the prestigious Muslim Women Power List 2009. The list was run and devised by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission in partnership with The Times to commend achievements of Muslim women at the top of their profession or on their way to the top and aimed to highlight their contribution to the socio-economic society.
Zira was also nominated for the European Muslim Women of Influence List 2010. Finalists were announced at a gala event in Spain which tied in with the EU Presidency.
Zira has featured in her former university’s marketing and promotional materials. Recently, Zira was featured in the Eastern Eye as an inspirational woman. Zira has also featured in a digital magazine as an empowered woman.
Zira is ranked in the Legal 500 2024 which states:‘Zira is utterly unflappable. She is a stalwart advocate who remains self assured in court’
‘Zira has an exceptional grasp of the facts in a case. Her advocacy is conducted with meticulous preparation’
‘The tenacious Zira Hussain has experience in advising on pre – nuptial agreements’
Zira has been ranked in the Legal 500 Tier 1 (Top Tier) for 2018 and 2019
2018 “ She has a great bedside manner with clients”
2019 “ Very enthusiastic and a dynamic cross examiner”
Zira was shortlisted for the Family Law Award at the Yorkshire Legal awards 2021.
Zira was shortlisted for the Family Law Award for the second year running at the Yorkshire Legal Awards 2022. The Yorkshire Legal Awards is the pinnacle of professional excellence, showcasing the best and brightest lawyers, practices and firms the region has to offer.
Zira won the Family Law Award at the Yorkshire Legal Awards 2022.
Zira was also shortlisted at the prestigious Lexis Nexis Family Law Awards 2022 in the category of Family Law Junior Barrister of the Year. The Family Law Awards have firmly established themselves as a highly prestigious event, celebrating the success and achievements of family lawyers and the vital contribution that they make to society.
Zira also accepts instructions to sit as a Private FDR Judge.
Expertise
Private Law Children
Zira has extensive experience in conducting hearings relating to all aspects of private law children proceedings including child arrangements orders, prohibited steps orders and specific issue orders. Zira represents mothers, fathers, grandparents and other family members. Zira also represents children through their Guardian ad Litem. Zira has a particular interest in applications for leave to remove children from the jurisdiction and applications under the Hague Convention.
Zira has been involved in cases involving complex cultural and jurisdictional issues. She has conducted lengthy finding of fact hearings in these cases. Zira is sought after counsel for findings of fact hearings due to her dynamic cross examination skills. Zira has interest in cases involving religious upbringing of children. She was led by Queens Counsel in a complex case where the court was being asked to determine the religious upbringing of a child Re N (A Child: Religion: Jehovah’s Witness) 2011 EWHC 3737
Public Law Children
Zira has vast experience in complex and difficult public law cases. She represents local authorities, parents, Children’s Guardians and extended family members at all court levels. Zira has a detailed knowledge of the children and adoption legislation and associated case law. She has been instructed in proceedings involving the most serious types of non accidental injuries, neglect, physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Zira is well respected for the quality of her court performance and robust advocacy where necessary.
Zira has interest and experience in matters involving complex medical evidence, mental health issues, problems associated with addiction and cognitive impairment. Zira has experience of acting for those with complex psychiatric issues. She is known for her ability to engage those with complex problems and her commitment to ensuring their rights are properly recognised. She remains committed to representing the most vulnerable. Zira’s approach to vulnerable clients is always sympathetic and sensitive.
Zira has experience advising and representing parties in applications involving children giving evidence. She is also experienced in cross examining children and vulnerable witnesses. Zira has significant experience in cross examining expert witnesses including psychiatrists and psychologists.
Financial Remedies
Zira undertakes all types of work relating to resolving financial issues between divorcing couples. She represents husband, wives and intervenors in proceedings in the Family Court and the High Court.
Zira has experience in dealing with straightforward to complex financial remedy cases including applications under s37 Matrimonial Causes Act 1973, third parties claiming beneficial interests in matrimonial assets, land and foreign property and maintenance pending suit applications.
Zira has experience of dealing with cases involving variation and capitalisation of maintenance, applications to set aside consent orders, appeals in financial remedy proceedings and applications under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989. Zira has experience in cases involving consideration and drafting of pre nuptial agreements. She was instructed to draft a pre nuptial agreement for a premier league professional footballer.
Zira is well placed due to her experience in the field of private law children matters to deal with those cases where issues of child arrangements are tied up with the issue of what orders the court should make in respect of the former matrimonial home.
Zira welcomes instructions at the early stages of the proceedings and would wish to see a case through from the First Directions Appointment to Final Hearing in order to provide informed and focused representation at every stage in the proceedings. She will advise realistically, practically and negotiate a settlement where it is in her client’s interests to do so. She will always advise on commerciality of proceedings
Domestic Abuse
Zira is renowned for her experience in the area of domestic abuse. She has the ability to deal with complex and serious domestic abuse cases. Zira represents both alleged victims and alleged perpetrators of such abuse and has conducted lengthy findings of fact hearings. Zira has extensive experience of applications under the Family Law Act 1996 including contested non molestation orders and occupation orders. Zira is known for her meticulous preparation and being able to quickly and expertly get to the core of the dispute and ensure her client receives the best and most robust representation.
Outside of work Zira has chaired a workshop which investigated the experiences of BAME women in accessing legal aid in domestic abuse cases. The ultimate aim of the consultation was to influence proposed legal aid reforms and gather ideas to improve access to legal aid and access to information. The consultation resulted in the publication of a national report titled “ Report on Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Women, Domestic Abuse and Access to Legal Aid”
Forced Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation
Zira has particular interest in applications for forced marriage protection orders and female genital mutilation orders having advised and represented local authorities and the police in making applications as well as representing respondents to such applications.
Notable Cases
Re N ( A Child: Religion: Jehovah’s Witness) 2011 EWHC 3737
Clerks