Exchange Chambers

Criminal; Police Law

Charlotte specialises in criminal and regulatory law. She has an impressive reputation for delivering results against the odds in serious and complex cases. Consistently recommended by the leading legal publications for her ‘approachability’, ‘unflappability’ and ‘superb trial advocacy’ Charlotte’s busy practice is dominated by jury trials of the utmost gravity.

Particularly known for her work involving organised crime, complex conspiracy, homicide and serious sexual offending, Charlotte receives instructions from leading solicitors across the country. Recent instructions include Rochdale and Kirklees grooming trials, attracting national media interest. Charlotte also regularly deals with multi-handed organised crime cases and has vast experience conducting confiscation proceedings, including contested proceedings and standalone civil applications.

Charlotte also undertakes a range of regulatory work. She is instructed to represent Police Officers faced with alleged breach of professional standards. She is also instructed by the General Medical Council to present Fitness to Practice Cases. Charlotte receives a substantial proportion of private client instructions, particularly from professional lay clients (Police Federation and Foster Care Network) but also from a wide range of private clients seeking the best possible representation.

Meticulous in preparation and tactical from the outset, Charlotte welcomes early instructions on cases and has a track record for persuading prosecutors to reconsider charging decisions. With a forensic approach to complex disclosure, Charlotte routinely prompts revelation of material which very often leads to acquittals, either prior to trial or through robust cross examination. Charlotte also has an enviable track record at the Court of Appeal with several victories in 2024 in Appeal Conviction cases.

Called 2005 Charlotte began her career in licensing law, appearing as an advocate at contested tribunals before joining the CPS and completing pupillage in 2008. She quickly progressed through the organisation, leading Crown Court teams in Manchester, Lancashire and Cumbria, before becoming Head of Rape and Serious Sexual Offences for the North West.

Northern Circuit

University of Durham LLB (hons) 2003 University of Northumbria BVC 2004

Charlotte is an avid football fan and has played competitively since a young age in various national leagues and international tournaments. She follows Blackburn Rovers, which is invariably a tumultuous pursuit. With two young daughters opportunities for hobbies are limited, but with any spare time Charlotte enjoys mountain biking in the Peak District, reading and playing the piano.