Description:
Shenaiya is a passionate advocate who is frequently commended by judges for her skills in cross-examination, her quick thinking and her command of the case. She is dedicated to each case and is known for excellent client care, especially towards those with vulnerabilities. With a practice in both family and crime, she is very capable of advising clients in cases where these fields overlap.
Prior to commencing pupillage, Shenaiya completed an MPhil in Criminology where she researched links between biological markers and persistent offending. Through this she acquired unique knowledge about mental health and neurobiology, and how these impact on criminal behaviour.
Headline practice area:
Criminal law & family law (public, private, and domestic abuse)
Cases:
- S v S – successfully defended all allegations in a fact-finding hearing that involved accusations of rape, sexual assault and child abuse
- R v H – defended a client charged with s18 GBH on a police officer, successfully acquitting the client of the robbery charge
- SCC v H – instructed in an upcoming fact-finding hearing involving allegations of sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse and poor parental boundaries
- R v A&L – defended both clients accused of a home invasion group robbery which involved sexual assaults at knifepoint
- BC v G – successfully convinced the court to adjourn an adoption case mid-way through a final hearing to facilitate a further assessment of the client
- R v W – defended a client accused of biting a police officer whilst in custody, where the client had severe mental health difficulties and received a hospital order
- R v AC – instructed to provide an advice on appeal for a client convicted of murder on the grounds of PTSD
- R v A – successfully obtained a suspended sentence order for a client charged with Class A street dealing
- R v S – successfully defended a client accused of numerous harassment and stalking charges against his ex-partner
Barrister direct:
Accepts instructions in criminal defence, criminal prosecution, advices on appeal, private family law, domestic violence applications, family finance, advice on quantum for personal injury
Community matters:
Areas of personal interest include mental health and psychiatric disorders, epigenetics and criminology, restorative justice, the Centre for Women’s Justice, rehabilitation of offenders, the Clink charity and the National Centre for Domestic Violence charity
Appointments and memberships:
Wolfson Scholar, Lincoln’s Inn, 2018
Kalisher Trust Scholar, 2017
BPTC, University of Law, Bloomsbury, 2017
MPhil Criminology, University of Cambridge (Downing College), 2016
LLB (Hons.), University of Warwick, 2015
Criminal Bar Association
Family Law Bar Association
Lincoln’s Inn
“Shenaiya is the only barrister I trust to represent me at Court. Her attention to detail when fighting my case was amazing.
She was able to professionally dominate the courtroom when needed, while engaging with the jury.
She has always been honest and open with me regarding the strength of evidence in my cases.
Her dedication and hard work in my cases have always paid off! Thank you Shenaiya”