IB April 2017

CIRCUIT NEWS
Manchester Legal Awards 2017
Lincoln House Chambers were delighted with their Deputy Head of
Chambers Kate Blackwell QC’s, success in winning the ‘Barrister of
the Year’ award at the Manchester Legal Awards 2017. The award
follows an impressive year for Kate, most notably after leading the
prosecution of Adam Johnson (the ex-premiership and England
footballer) in March 2016, and successfully responding on behalf of
the Prosecution to his application for leave to appeal his conviction
and sentence in March 2017.
Upon receiving the award, Kate said “I was delighted to see that the
shortlist were all women and it is a step in the right direction. I think
that women can give so much to the profession; they have a sense
of empathy that really shines through, especially in sensitive cases”.
Director of Clerking, David Wright, commented that “It’s fantastic
to see Kate’s hard work and dedication to her clients, and the
profession, being recognised with such an award. She is a brilliant
barrister who gets great results with every case that she takes on.”
The Awards also saw Deans Court Chambers win the Chambers
Award. Craig Sephton QC, Head of Chambers commented: “We are
delighted and grateful to the Manchester Law Society for this award.
It’s a splendid occasion and a tribute to our selection procedures.
Over the years we have consistently produced great barristers, loyal
staff and clerks to get the best results. They make me proud to lead
the Chambers.”
Kate Blackwell QC with Jon Hainey, President of
Manchester Law Society and Tony Rollason of
Landmark
“Deans Court are delighted to have won the Barristers Chambers of
the Year award again. This was the third time we have won this
award in 5 years and represents a fantastic achievement that reflects
our standing in the market and the value we seek to add to our
Clients.
“Over the past year our members have been involved in many high
profile cases including Mary O’Rourke, who represented Dr Eva
Carneiro in her battle with Chelsea FC; Sophie Cartwright who is
instructed as junior counsel to The Grainger Inquiry; and Tim
Horlock and Paul Higgins who appeared in the Court of Appeal case
of Qader v Esure.
“We would particularly like to thank all our clients because without
their support this would not have been possible.”
Craig Sephton QC with Jon Hainey, President of
Manchester Law Society
Vulnerable Witness Training
Would all criminal practitioners on the Northern Circuit please
note it is anticipated that there will be a national roll-out of
Vulnerable Witness Training commencing in 2017. This will be
essential training for anyone practising in the criminal courts who
professes to be competent in witness handling. Whilst it represents
a sea-change in the approach to vulnerable witnesses, having
done the training, the essential skills are not novel, but a reminder
of best-practice. They are easily within the grasp of any criminal
practitioner who takes the art of advocacy seriously. The skills are,
in truth, an opportunity to iron out creases in performance and get
rid of bad habits. The focus is on asking the essential questions -
which must be prepared in advance - in a clear and simple way,
and understanding the witness’ needs.
The Northern Circuit has already put steps in place to galvanise
this training and garner support for the scheme. Further
announcements will be made shortly, including details of when,
where and how the training is to be facilitated and cascaded to
Circuit members.
If you would like any further information in the interim, please
contact either myself at Harrington Street Chambers in Liverpool
or Simeon Evans at St Johns Buildings.
Andrew Ford
7 Harrington Street
4 In Brief