About

Prior to qualification, Twanieka gained 14 years’ experience working as a paralegal, police station accredited representative and legal consultant at Tuckers Solicitors (Legal 500), LLM Solicitors, and Judge and Priestley Solicitors (Legal 500).

In addition, in 2014 Twanieka founded a pro-bono organisation in Lambeth named 'Lawyers in the Soup Kitchen', and qualified as an Attorney-at-Law in the Commonwealth Caribbean island of Jamaica in 2017.

In 2020, Twanieka was named by the Women in Law awards as Rising Star - Legal Services Innovator of the Year in recognition for her work promoting diversity within the legal profession, and the ongoing training and mentorship of women and those from non-traditional legal backgrounds in their legal careers. She has also previously featured as a Guest Lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire on the undergraduate law programme.

Called to the Bar in 2015 (Inner Temple)

Testimonials

"I would like to extend particular thanks to both counsel in this case for different reasons. Firstly, Ms Alcindor, who represents the father: She appeared by way of video link as a consequence of the onset of COVID symptoms on Friday of last week. Despite obviously suffering from these symptoms, she battled through the hearing which, save for a few technical difficulties, which were nothing to do with her, went as smoothly as it could have done. Her professionalism and devotion to her client's cause is an example to all". - DDJ.

Awards

Rising Star - Legal Services Innovator, Women in Law Awards (2020)

Cecile Yahuda Prize, The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple (2018)

Geoffrey Veal Prize, The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple (2018)

Significant Contribution to pro-bono award, BPP Holborn, (2013)

Judges award for excellence, University of Hertfordshire (2012)

Major Exhibition award, The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple (2012)

Duke of Edinburgh Award, The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple (2012)

‍

Experience

Twanieka is an experienced junior barrister who defends exclusively in Criminal Law and appears in the Youth, Magistrate’s, Crown Courts and Court of Appeal. Twanieka accepts instructions on both a private and public basis.

She is known for her outstanding work-ethic and willingness to fight fearlessly for her clients, even where the odds appear stacked against them.

Her down-to-earth nature enables her to build a rapport with clients from all backgrounds, and she is noted by Judges and clients alike for her ability to present complex evidence and legal terminology in a jury-friendly manner.

Twanieka’s Criminal Law practice has particular emphasis in youth and vulnerable clients, drugs (including county lines), and knife-crime and weapon offences.

In addition to her general Criminal Law practice Twanieka frequently represents clients in road traffic and driving offences.

Twanieka also has previous experience appearing in Family Law matters, frequently representing local authorities and parents in both public and private matters such as care proceedings, child arrangements and protective orders applications. She is additionally experienced in conducting cross-examinations of children, vulnerable parties, professional and expert witnesses in complex matters.

Qualifications

Attorney-at-Law, Jamaica (2020)

Certificate of Legal Education, Norman Manley Law School, Jamaica (2017)

BPTC - (Very Competent), BPP Holborn (2015)

LLM E-Commerce- (Distinction), University of Hertfordshire (2012)

LLB (Hons), University of Hertfordshire (2010)

‍

Notable Cases

R v M [2022] - Conspiracy to defraud, led junior.

DP v R [2022] - Appeal against Sentence (Appeal allowed)

R v LC [2021] - Assault against an emergency worker (acquitted)

R v NC [2021]- Breach of restraining order (acquitted)

R v CO [2021] - Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (county lines) https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/failed-businessmen-turned-county-lines-5912755

R v TM [2021] - Burglary.

Y (Disclosure to MPS) [2021] - EWFC B33 (Bailii)

R v WA [2021] - Kidnap, false imprisonment, assault and blackmail (acquitted)

R v ZP [2021] - Possession with intent to supply Class A drugs (acquitted)

R v NC [2021] - Breach of restraining order (acquitted)

R v AJ [2020] - Murder, Central Criminal Court, led junior.

R v RT [2020] - Failing to notify for SHPO (acquitted)

R v JS [2019] - Robbery/ Possession of Bladed Article (acquitted)

R v SS [2019] - Possession with intent to supply Class A drugs – (acquitted).

R v ER [2019] - Murder, Central Criminal Court, led junior.

Cases (Driving/ Road Traffic)

R v YB [2020] - Carried in a motor vehicle TWOC (acquitted)

R v AM [2019] – Permitting another to use a motor vehicle without insurance (acquitted).

R v KS [2019] – Failing to provide specimen/ driving whilst unfit through drugs (acquitted).

R v JH [2019] - Failure to stop/ report an accident/ driving without due care and attention (acquitted).

‍

Articles

https://www.policeprofessional.com/feature/do-we-still-need-jury-trials/