Anna commenced her pupillage with Chambers on 1 September 2023 and began her second six on 1 March 2024 pursuant to a provisional practising certificate. She is currently being supervised by Alan Barker and is due to complete her training with Chambers on 31 August 2024.
Anna accepts instructions in criminal defence, family and civil matters and has already secured several excellent results during her second six in these practice areas. Anna has been commended by professional and lay clients for her attention to detail, client care, presentation of evidence and high standard of work throughout cases.
In June 2024, Anna was instructed in her first Crown Court trial. She represented a defendant in a six-day ABH trial and although the Defendant chose not to give evidence, the jury returned a not guilty verdict after less than 40 minutes. Following the trial, Anna also successfully opposed the Crown’s application for a restraining order on acquittal.
Anna is keen to develop a practice in the youth courts. Her undergraduate dissertation focused on an analysis of the age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales and the UK’s compliance with the UNCRC. During pupillage, she has completed the Advocacy for Children in Conflict with the Law course with the Inns of Court College of Advocacy and has attended further training in youth justice delivered by the Youth Justice Legal Centre.
Anna’s professional journey is a testament to her adaptability and commitment. She transitioned from a role as a finance systems analyst, specialising in SQL coding, to working with Citizens Advice as a benefits advisor while pursuing her LLB. During her legal studies, Anna also dedicated her time to voluntary work with Hertfordshire Law Clinic, the Witness Service, and Shelter. Her commitment to voluntary work was recognised in 2023 when she received the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire’s Community Award.
Education
LLB (Hons) – First Class Honours, University of Hertfordshire, 2022
LLM Bar Practice Course – Distinction, University of Hertfordshire, 2023
Awards and scholarships
- Ann Goddard Scholarship, Gray’s Inn (2024)
- Best Performing Student on the LLM Bar Practice Programme, University of Hertfordshire (2023)
- High Sheriff of Hertfordshire’s Community Award (2023)
- Stella Cacoyanni Soulioti Scholarship, Gray’s Inn (2022)
- Anthony Trower Scholarship, University of Hertfordshire ( 2022)
Memberships
- Gray’s Inn
- Criminal Bar Association
- Family Law Bar Association
- HerBar
- South Eastern Circuit
- Women in Criminal Law
- Women in the Law UK
- Young Legal Aid Lawyers