Mandisa Knights > Chambers of Sally O’Neill and Michael Holland KC > London, England > Barrister Profile

Mandisa Knights

Position

Called 2013

Career

Mandisa has developed a strong criminal practice primarily defending on a broad range of matters including violence, dishonesty, drugs, possession of weapons, public disorder and sexual offences. She also receives private instructions.

Mandisa has been described as an “extremely able and skilled advocate who is a formidable opponent”. Her passion for justice and extensive knowledge of case law enable her to expertly structure her arguments and persuasively deliver her points. This has ultimately led to a reputation for being a barrister who fearlessly advocates for her clients. A case involving a knife-point robbery expected to last 2 days was dismissed after 3 hours following a submission of No Case to Answer when she successfully challenged the Crown’s identification evidence.

Those who instruct her comment on only ever receiving positive feedback. Consequently, she is often personally requested for both Magistrates and Crown Court representation. Her open minded and non-judgemental approach to cases mean that clients immediately warm to her. Mandisa shows an ability to make people feel at ease during the most challenging of times.

She is known for fighting difficult cases whilst maintaining a courtroom manner that has earned her the respect of both judges and opponents alike. She has the ability to look outside of the box and find angles to a case that may previously have been overlooked. Her relatable advocacy style allows her to effectively connect with juries and benches. These attributes combined, frequently lead to obtaining favourable outcomes, even in unlikely circumstances or where the evidence against the defendant has appeared overwhelming. This was recently demonstrated when Mandisa argued that the complainant consented to an assault and a verdict of Not Guilty was returned within 15 minutes.

“As an instructing solicitor I feel confident in Mandisa’s representation and to me that is extremely important. I select barristers who I trust will put up a fight for our clients, those who work hard, are knowledgeable, confident and approachable. Mandisa incorporates all of these qualities.”

 Mandisa was appointed to the CPS panel of advocates at grade 1 in 2015.

Prior to coming to the Bar, Mandisa co-founded SoA Leadership Charity, developing future leaders in Sierra Leone supporting personal development skills, public speaking and advocacy. The Honourable Society of Inner Temple awarded the Joseph Priestley Scholarship to aid the charity’s endeavours. Mandisa and her co-workers facilitated a trip to the United Nations supported Special Courts, Sierra Leone as part of their Peace and Conflict initiative. This allowed the young leaders to interact with Judges and barristers to better understand the role international law played in the aftermath of the civil war. SoA Leadership continues to strive from strength to strength.

Mandisa also spent some months in Uganda conducting a research project on the International Criminal Courts whilst working in Kampala Associated Advocates.

Closer to home, she is keenly involved within her community most recently participated as a panellist in an event in London focused on issues affecting Black Britain, “Black Lives and More”.