Professional Profile

Adrianne is a dedicated and personable aspiring criminal barrister with a strong passion for advocacy and access to justice. She brings over two years’ experience within the criminal justice system, having worked as a criminal defence paralegal where she supported senior solicitors with complex case preparation, managed substantial caseloads, and maintained an up-to-date understanding of ongoing matters.

Throughout her paralegal career, Adrianne developed a thorough appreciation of litigation strategy and the importance of effective professional relationships with instructing solicitors at every stage of proceedings. She is known for her approachable manner and tailored communication skills, enabling her to work confidently with both professional clients and lay individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Prior to coming to the Bar, Adrianne lived in Canada, where she obtained an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. She subsequently returned to the United Kingdom to complete her LLB Law degree at the University of Leicester.

She progressed swiftly to undertake the LLM Bar Practice Course at the University of Law, London, which she completed successfully, graduating with a master’s degree. Adrianne was called to the Bar in 2024 and is a proud recipient of the Mary MacMurray Bar Course Scholarship awarded by the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn.

During her pupillage, under the supervision of Susan Meek, Adrianne is keen to observe and develop a broad range of criminal law knowledge and practical advocacy skills to prepare her for a busy practice at the Criminal Bar.

She intends to develop a practice encompassing general crime, serious crime, and financial crime, acting as both a prosecution and defence advocate, with a further interest in regulatory law.

Before commencing pupillage, Adrianne worked for over two years as a criminal defence paralegal at a local Essex law firm. Her experience spans a wide range of criminal matters, including:

• Sexual offences

• General and serious violence

• Drug offences

• Financial crime

She worked across the police station, Magistrates’ Court, and Crown Court, and regularly represented her own clients by providing free and independent legal advice as a police station representative.

Alongside the Bar Course, Adrianne worked at the University of Law Legal Clinic, where she provided pro bono legal advice to members of the public involved in housing disputes.

Throughout all three years of her law degree, Adrianne volunteered as a caseworker for Amicus, a US-based organisation providing free legal assistance in active capital cases. She also participated in several criminal mock trials, further developing her advocacy skills.

Alongside her pupillage, Adrianne intends to continue qualifying as a police station representative, with the aim of becoming a duty-accredited barrister. She believes early client contact is fundamental to effective representation and is committed to building strong client relationships from the outset of each case.