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England

Barristers

Zarreen Alam Cheetham

Zarreen Alam Cheetham

Exchange Chambers, Yorkshire

    Position

    Zarreen was called to the Bar in 2017. She became a tenant of Exchange Chambers in January 2023 following the successful completion of her common law pupillage. She has been briefed to appear and advise on behalf of the prosecution and defence, in a broad range of matters including:

    • Drug offences

    • Assault and other violent offences

    • Football Banning Orders

    • Youth matters

    • Dishonesty offences

    • Criminal damage

    • Breaches of court orders

    • Sex cases

    Zarreen also accepts instructions in motoring and vehicle crime, and has made successful arguments for Exceptional Hardship on behalf of clients facing disqualification for driving offences.

    During her first six months of pupillage, Zarreen observed and provided assistance on a wide range of criminal cases, including drugs conspiracies, robbery, section 18 assault, voyeurism and child cruelty. She also has experience in appellate work having been instructed and assisted in appeals in the Crown Court and the Court of Appeal.

    Zarreen has developed a reputation as a hardworking, personable and confident advocate.

    Prior to her pupillage, Zarreen worked for a nationwide advocacy agency as their Advocacy Standards Manager. She was also the head of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) Appeals team. Prior to that role she worked as a County Court Advocate whereby she appeared in County Courts across the UK. She acted for the Claimant and Defendant in Small Claims Track trials and a wide range of interlocutory hearings. Zarreen also drafted Advices on Quantum. She also volunteered at a Legal Aid centre in Accra, Ghana.

    Zarreen is passionate about access to the Bar as well as diversity within the profession and speaks at events which promote such values.

    Memberships

    Criminal Bar Association

    Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn

    Education

    The University of Manchester – Law degree – 2.1

    BPP University – Bar Professional Training Course – Very Competent

    Scholarships and Awards

    Winner of the inaugural ‘Advocate of the Month’ Award at Quest Legal Advocates (November 2018)

    St Pauls Chambers Bad Character Application Competition Prize Winner (2016)

    Student Distinguished Contribution Award for my role as President of the Legal Advice Centre Society at The University of Manchester (2015)

    Performance Award Scholarship following my plea in mitigation, drafting of an opinion and interview to study the BPTC at The University of Law (2015)

    Mentions

    North Eastern Circuit • Regional Bar

    Crime (general and fraud)

    Rising star1
    Zareen is my go-to barrister of choice when instructing for any matter. Zareen has the ability to speak to clients in a way that they understand and can simplify the inner workings of the court system and large amounts of evidence for her clients. She has the ability to be firm but fair with her clients and is adept at managing difficult clients and focusing their minds on the real issues in the case. She is articulate and driven and will go the extra mile for her clients. She has a very collaborative approach and is always prepared for each and every case. I will often speak to her if I have a matter that I need a second pair of eyes on and greatly value her opinion. I can always rely on her being upfront and honest while also maintaining her sense of humor, which is often required in the world of criminal law.
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