Park Square Barristers

Crime, Family

Crime

Emily Jo Willis has successfully completed the non-practising period of her pupillage under the supervision of Dr Christopher Wood. She is available to accept instructions in criminal matters.

During her first six, Emily Jo has observed hearings in the Magistrates' Court, Youth Court and Crown Court, shadowing barristers on behalf of the prosecution and defence. She has observed a wide range of criminal matters including driving offences, violence, attempted murder and complex drug conspiracies. Alongside this, Emily Jo has drafted various documents including opening speeches, sentencing notes and legal research.

Prior to obtaining pupillage, Emily Jo obtained several mini-pupillages, where she was provided with invaluable exposure to various aspects of the judicial system, such as conferences, bail applications, and witness handling. She gained a vast amount of transferable skills and knowledge from chambers across the North-Eastern Circuit. Across her work experience, she was praised for her attention to detail and ability to assist counsel in preparing the cross-examination of witnesses and defendants.

Emily Jo's excellent work experience proved useful during her time at Northumbria University. Emily Jo graduated with a Master's in law and received a Distinction in the Bar Practice Course. She excelled in advocacy, particularly in her examination-in-chief module, 'Criminal Professional Practice'. Demonstrating professionalism and confidence through the use of appropriate questions.

Children law

Emily Jo is available to accept instructions in family matters.

During her first six, Emily Jo has shadowed barristers in fact-findings, final hearings and interim care orders. These cases included neglect, non-accidental injuries and the need to challenge expert evidence.

Emily Jo also undertook marshalling at Newcastle Civil and County Court. Emily Jo gained invaluable insight from the bench into judicial decision-making, which influences her advocacy. The experience allowed her to gain advice from current Judges on Circuit.

Before commencing pupillage Emily Jo worked as a Court Clerk in the family courts on the North Eastern Circuit. Due to this, Emily Jo has developed excellent insight into family court process and procedure. Whilst working as a clerk, Emily Jo encountered and assisted vulnerable parties and litigants in person. Her confident and approachable manner proved essential when advising and supporting individuals through the varying stages of family proceedings.

2021 - Financial Assistant at Sodexo, NUFC

2023 - Court Clerk for HMCTS

2024 - Pupil Barrister at Park Square Barristers, Teesside

2022 - University of Sunderland, Batchelor of Law Degree

2023 - Northumbria University, Masters in Law

2023 - Northumbria University, Bar Practice Course, Distinction