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The aim of our Media Hub is to provide you a simple place to keep up with the ongoings at Libertas. From News Updates, Insights & Publications, to Events & Webinars. Simply scroll down to see featured items and more.
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Featured
Chambers & Partners UK Guide 2022 – Libertas Rankings Announced
Chambers and Partners 2022 has been released today ranking Libertas as a Leading Set in both Crime and Financial Crime.
This is a fantastic achievement recognising the contribution of all members and clerks since Libertas opened its virtual doors 12 months ago. Individual members at Libertas have been ranked in the practice areas set out below.
Libertas thanks all those who provided such positive assessments and congratulates all our clients, partners and colleagues who have also been ranked.
Libertas Chambers – Leading Set – Crime & Financial Crime – View Chambers & Partners profile
Individual Ranked QCs & Juniors
Simon Csoka QC – Ranked in: Crime, Financial Crime – View Chambers & Partners profile
“He is academically on a different planet and so good when it comes to understanding a case.”
“A truly fantastic silk and someone you want on your side.”
Leonard Smith QC – Ranked in: Crime, Financial Crime – View Chambers & Partners profile
“He will work around the clock to make sure he has read every piece of evidence, even if it’s already been considered by the junior, in order to make sure he has considered every angle of the case.”
“He prepares very well and is a ruthless cross-examiner.”
Adam Kane QC – Ranked in: Crime, Financial Crime – View Chambers & Partners profile
“An incredible silk and effective defence barrister. He is very determined in his language.”
“A wonderful advocate with a lovely turn of phrase – juries like him very much.” “He is a strong advocate for his clients.”
Siobhan Grey QC – Ranked in: Crime – View Chambers & Partners profile
“She fights for her client and goes that extra mile.”
Felicity Gerry QC – Ranked in Crime – View Chambers & Partners profile
“Produces succinct and cogent submissions and is always looking to push the law forward.”
Keith Mitchell – Ranked in: Financial Crime – View Chambers & Partners profile
“A really good advocate who has a lovely manner with the jury.”
Roxanne Morrell – Ranked in: Crime – View Chambers & Partners profile
“Her cross-examination of witnesses is superb.”
James Walker – Ranked in: Crime – View Chambers & Partners profile
“A safe pair of hands and a clever advocate who excels in making closing speeches to the jury.”
Gerard Hillman – Ranked in: Crime, Financial Crime – View Chambers & Partners profile
“He is a brilliant jury advocate and great at persuading the jury when acting for the defence.”
“His breadth of knowledge is exceptional and his technical ability is first-class.”
Oliver Cook – Ranked in: Crime – View Chambers & Partners profile
“A great technician who understands the more complex areas of the law such as telephone and DNA evidence.”
You can read more about what the Guide says about us by visiting Chambers Guide 2022
Libertas Chambers
Featured
Libertas represent Qatari Sheikh at the Old Bailey
Simon Csoka QC and Fahrid Chishty, instructed by Gerry Campbell of Connaught Law, represented a Qatari Sheikh and royal family member at the Central Criminal Court on 19.10.21.
The client was charged with, and pleaded guilty to, a single count of causing death by careless driving. The matter related to an incident that took place in August 2019 in which the client, driving his Rolls Royce vehicle in excess of the speed limit, collided with and fatally injured a pedestrian at Duke of Wellington Place in central London.
Following detailed written and oral submissions, the Common Serjeant imposed a Suspended Sentence and financial penalty in lieu of immediate custody. The client, who suffers with multiple health conditions, will now be permitted to return to his home jurisdiction.
For further information and media please view the below links.
Evening Standard
Daily Mail
Yahoo News
To discuss instruction of Simon or Fahrid please contact our clerks by phone on +44 (0) 20 7036 0200 or email us at clerks@libertaschambers.com
Libertas Chambers
Latest News
Chambers & Partners UK Guide 2022 – Libertas Rankings Announced
Chambers and Partners 2022 has been released today ranking Libertas as a Leading Set in both Crime and Financial Crime.
This is a fantastic achievement recognising the contribution of all members and clerks since Libertas opened its virtual doors 12 months ago. Individual members at Libertas have been ranked in the practice areas set out below.
Libertas thanks all those who provided such positive assessments and congratulates all our clients, partners and colleagues who have also been ranked.
Libertas Chambers – Leading Set – Crime & Financial Crime – View Chambers & Partners profile
Individual Ranked QCs & Juniors
Simon Csoka QC – Ranked in: Crime, Financial Crime – View Chambers & Partners profile
“He is academically on a different planet and so good when it comes to understanding a case.”
“A truly fantastic silk and someone you want on your side.”
Leonard Smith QC – Ranked in: Crime, Financial Crime – View Chambers & Partners profile
“He will work around the clock to make sure he has read every piece of evidence, even if it’s already been considered by the junior, in order to make sure he has considered every angle of the case.”
“He prepares very well and is a ruthless cross-examiner.”
Adam Kane QC – Ranked in: Crime, Financial Crime – View Chambers & Partners profile
“An incredible silk and effective defence barrister. He is very determined in his language.”
“A wonderful advocate with a lovely turn of phrase – juries like him very much.” “He is a strong advocate for his clients.”
Siobhan Grey QC – Ranked in: Crime – View Chambers & Partners profile
“She fights for her client and goes that extra mile.”
Felicity Gerry QC – Ranked in Crime – View Chambers & Partners profile
“Produces succinct and cogent submissions and is always looking to push the law forward.”
Keith Mitchell – Ranked in: Financial Crime – View Chambers & Partners profile
“A really good advocate who has a lovely manner with the jury.”
Roxanne Morrell – Ranked in: Crime – View Chambers & Partners profile
“Her cross-examination of witnesses is superb.”
James Walker – Ranked in: Crime – View Chambers & Partners profile
“A safe pair of hands and a clever advocate who excels in making closing speeches to the jury.”
Gerard Hillman – Ranked in: Crime, Financial Crime – View Chambers & Partners profile
“He is a brilliant jury advocate and great at persuading the jury when acting for the defence.”
“His breadth of knowledge is exceptional and his technical ability is first-class.”
Oliver Cook – Ranked in: Crime – View Chambers & Partners profile
“A great technician who understands the more complex areas of the law such as telephone and DNA evidence.”
You can read more about what the Guide says about us by visiting Chambers Guide 2022
Libertas Chambers
Libertas represent Qatari Sheikh at the Old Bailey
Simon Csoka QC and Fahrid Chishty, instructed by Gerry Campbell of Connaught Law, represented a Qatari Sheikh and royal family member at the Central Criminal Court on 19.10.21.
The client was charged with, and pleaded guilty to, a single count of causing death by careless driving. The matter related to an incident that took place in August 2019 in which the client, driving his Rolls Royce vehicle in excess of the speed limit, collided with and fatally injured a pedestrian at Duke of Wellington Place in central London.
Following detailed written and oral submissions, the Common Serjeant imposed a Suspended Sentence and financial penalty in lieu of immediate custody. The client, who suffers with multiple health conditions, will now be permitted to return to his home jurisdiction.
For further information and media please view the below links.
Evening Standard
Daily Mail
Yahoo News
To discuss instruction of Simon or Fahrid please contact our clerks by phone on +44 (0) 20 7036 0200 or email us at clerks@libertaschambers.com
Libertas Chambers
Libertas Chambers welcome Jon Anders & Gulam Ahmed
We are delighted to announce the addition of Jon Anders and Gulam Ahmed to the team at Libertas Chambers.
Jon is an established defence advocate specialising in serious crime for 30 years. He has considerable experience in a wide variety of high profile criminal cases often followed with interest by the media.
Gulam is a very experienced leading junior who regularly appears in high-profile cases. His hard work, dedication, and natural ability makes him a favourite amongst professional and lay clients
For further information and to download CVs head to our members page today.
To instruct Jon or Gulam please contact our clerks by phone on +44 (0) 20 7036 0200 or email us at clerks@libertaschambers.com
Libertas Chambers
Women, Peace and Security in the Withdrawal from Afghanistan
On the deadline date for submission (14 October 2021), a group of international lawyers and experts on women, peace and security, led by Felicity Gerry QC, submitted in writing to the UK Defence Committee Inquiry into the Withdrawal From Afghanistan that it can be properly inferred that the NATO withdrawal was not planned with the effect on women and girls in mind and it should have been delayed pending a meaningful peace process in which women were involved and human rights for women and girls were taken as core requirements for peace and security.
They submitted that the second question of the Committee’s inquiry should be amended to read: ‘What plans were made for the evacuation of Afghan nationals who had worked with or for UK Armed Forces and other Afghan nationals at risk, particularly women in positions of power and responsibility’?’. They also said that the option of remaining without US forces was plainly not considered with women’s issues or positions in mind, that such plans as were made for the evacuation of Afghan nationals at risk do not seem to have prioritised women such as judges and human rights defenders, nor the knock-on effect that the removal of women in power would have on women and girls more generally in Afghanistan. In addition, they suggested that delaying withdrawal would have allowed the peace process, to continue and to include women in that process and take the opportunity to engage on women’s issues.
They submitted that it is obvious that the withdrawal and chaotic evacuation have been an utter failure for the women and girls of Afghanistan and that if it went according to plan, the result is shameful: It is abundantly clear that the evacuation of United States, NATO and allied nations resulted in disaster for the people of Afghanistan. Acknowledging that the US-Taliban Agreement was the impetus for the withdrawal, they said that despite a general condition that the level of violence be reduced, it was devoid of protections for the people of Afghanistan, notably the safety and freedoms of the women and girls of Afghanistan and that the people of Afghanistan have been left defenceless and completely vulnerable to the Taliban forces who have begun to implement rules and policies like those imposed when they were last in power in the 1990s.
The group consented to the submission being placed publicly by the Committee.
Libertas Chambers
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Latest Insights
Chambers Article – The new Antique Firearms Regime
The law governing the possession of firearms is strict and comprehensive. However, not all forms of possession are prohibited. Many people – ranging from police officers to farmers – may have a legitimate reason to possess a firearm.
This article goes further into the discussion around collector’s items and more. Click below to read in full.
Download Article now
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Libertas Chambers
Forensic Archaeology & the International Criminal Court
This article contains much of what we discussed in our Libertas Lecture on 20 May 2021.
The International Criminal Court in The Hague (ICC) simultaneously possesses jurisdiction over a “situation” and individual “cases”. In the context of a situation there may be both victim participation and/or evidentiary issues that may affect the cases against individual accused yet to be identified by the court. This can involve the appointment of so-called “ad hoc defence counsel” to represent the interests of these future accused. Preserving evidence of international crimes, such as war crimes and crimes against humanity, occurs in the pre-trial phase of the case before charges are pleaded or even confirmed.
This article goes further into forensic archaeology and its contextual use within both criminal and civil cases and takes a particular focus on counsel’s duties in the pre trial stage at the International Criminal Court
Download Article now
To stay up to date with insight articles, webinars and chamber news why not subscribe to Libertas Lens (our periodic newsletter) – Click here to register
Felicity Gerry QC
The Law of Joint Enterprise – Podcast
When is somebody complicit in another person’s crime?
This is a question spoken (and answered about) by our very own Felicity Gerry QC in a podcast she did with Sally Penni MBE. The podcast goes over various aspects of complicity in crime such as:
Commercial crime
Fraud
Conspiracy.
If you’d like, you can view the podcast here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1686745/8818598 or use the mp3 below to listen.
https://www.libertaschambers.com/wp-content/uploads/episode-8-law-and-guidance-podcast-with-felicity-gerry-qc-1.mp3
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Felicity Gerry QC
Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Criminal Law
This article contains much of what we discussed in our Libertas Lecture on 22 April 2021 which followed the theme of the A.A. Milne quote:
“You can’t stay in your corner of the forest waiting for others to come to you; you have to go to them sometimes”.
In criminal proceedings, legal professionals have to consider, recognise and respond to a range of issues that regularly confront medical professionals. These include adverse mental health; equality, and inclusion issues; poverty; evidence of bullying; parental substance misuse (alcohol and/or drug use); domestic (inter-partner) violence; and child abuse. Add to this Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) where the display of challenging behaviour, particularly by children and within the criminal justice system means we have a forest of problems with no apparent clearing.
This short article particularly considers accused persons in contact with the criminal justice system who may have some or all of these issues along with other disabilities.
Download Article now
This event has finished, you can find the recording as well as more information here
Felicity Gerry QC
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Latest Events
Examining pressures on children to plead guilty – Libertas Chambers Webinar
Sign up open for our next Libertas Webinar – details below
Join us for an event discussing the research led by Dr Rebecca Helm at the University of Exeter into pressure on children to plead guilty. Penelope Gibbs of Transform Justice, who advised on the research, will explore the findings with Dr Helm. We will also hear about a practitioner’s experience of representing children in the criminal courts from Mel Stooks.
Hosted by Libertas Chambers in partnership with YPA, Transform Justice and University of Exeter.
Panel: Penelope Gibbs – Director, Transform Justice
Dr. Rebecca K. Helm – Senior Lecturer in Law and Clinic Solicitor, University of Exeter
Mel Stooks – Partner and Supervising Solicitor, GT Stewart Solicitors & Advocates, YPA Committee Member
Chaired by: Marie Spenwyn – Barrister, Libertas Chambers, YPA Committee Member
Click Here to Register Today
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Libertas Chambers
Maternal Sentencing and the Rights of the Child – Webinar
Sign up open for our next Libertas Webinar – details below
This webinar considers the current state of the law on sentencing mothers, with reference to research on the experiences of children whose mothers are sentenced to imprisonment in England and Wales. Drawing on detailed empirical research with children, caregivers, and Crown Court judiciary, the research presented in this webinar provides insight into the reasons for the differentiated treatment and its implications, and asks why do we send mothers to prison at all?
Presented by Felicity Gerry QC and Dr Shona Minson
Felicity Gerry QC defends mothers as accused persons, including recently appealing sentences for mothers whose children were shockingly taken into prison in the context of financial offending. Dr Shona Minson is currently a British Academy Post-Doctoral Fellow at the Centre for Criminology at the University of Oxford and author of the book Maternal Sentencing and the Rights of the Child.
Register today – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/180796074927
To ensure you don’t miss out on future events please register for our newsletter by clicking here.
Libertas Chambers
Criminal Justice Responses to Maternal Filicide – Webinar
Sign up open for our next Libertas Webinar – details below
This webinar presents recently published research that reveals, through an analysis of cases, that women suspected of killing their newborn children are some of the most vulnerable in society and that infanticide is not just a historical issue but one that has modern implications. Women are less likely to commit a violent crime, but maternal-infant homicide is an enduring form of offending that needs to be understood in a wider social context. We will discuss legal, policy, and gender issues that arise in criminal justice and the implications for legal professionals when women are suspected of killing newborn children or harming foetuses.
Presented by Felicity Gerry QC and Dr Emma Milne
Felicity Gerry QC is well known for defending mothers, including those accused of homicide and endangerment offences in relation to their young children. Dr. Emma Milne is Assistant Professor in Criminal Law and Criminal Justice at Durham University Law School. The focus of her research is the social, legal, and cultural controls and regulations of all women. She is currently looking at attitudes and perspectives held by legal professionals to women suspected of causing the death of their infants. Her project is funded by the BA/Leverhulme Small Grants.
Register today – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/179957195817
To ensure you don’t miss out on future events please register for our newsletter by clicking here.
Libertas Chambers
Silence, Joint Enterprise and the Legal Trap – Webinar
Sign up open for our next Libertas Webinar – details below
Professor Felicity Gerry QC will be joined by Dr Susie Hulley and Dr Tara Young in this expert webinar highlighting the role of the law, and its agents, in generating silence among young suspects.
Drawing on a study by Dr Hulley and Dr young, of serious multi-handed violence and ‘joint enterprise’ as a legal response, this webinar highlights the role of the law, and its agents, in generating silence among young suspects. These Young people face a precarious trap, as their silence is interpreted as guilt by the police, propelling them towards charge.
Their study concludes that to avoid over-charging and to encourage Young people with knowledge of serious violence to talk, structural change is needed. The system must reverse the legal rules regarding silence and reform the law on secondary liability to reduce the legal risks of talking.
Felicity Gerry QC is well known as defending a range of ‘joint enterprise’ cases, most recently in murder in 3 criminal trials involving young accused people aged 18, 13 and 17 in one of which a ‘no comment’ interview was excluded and another is on appeal on the issue of extensions of liability through adverse inferences.
Dr Susie Hulley is a Senior Research Associate at the Institute of Criminology, University of Cambridge and is on the Advisory Board for the Prison Reform Trust’s Building Futures Programme. She has worked on a range of research studies including a study of the experiences of prisoners serving very long sentences from a young age.
Dr Tara Young is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research at Kent University. The central focus of her research is on marginalised young people as perpetrators and victims of anti-social behaviour and violent crime.
Register today – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/169434369761
To ensure you don’t miss out on future events please register for our newsletter by clicking here.
This event has now finished, if you’d like, you can view the recording of it here.
Libertas Chambers
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