Barristers

Cheryl Forde

Cheryl Forde

Position

Crime, Children Law, Regulatory & Public

Cheryl Forde is currently undertaking a common law pupillage under the supervision of Victoria James (Family) and Andrew Semple (Crime).

Prior to commencing pupillage, Cheryl served in the British Army for 15 years bringing a wealth of experience, maturity and resilience to her legal career.

She first worked with the Royal Military Police Special Investigation Branch investigating serious crime including Rape and Serious Sexual Offences, Grievous Bodily Harm with intent, non-accidental injuries to children and fraud. The role often involved working cross jurisdictional and included conducting investigations on behalf of the coroner. Cheryl is a qualified Crime Scene Investigator.

In the latter stages of her military career, Cheryl transitioned into a counselling role for the Army Welfare Service, supporting families during some of the most difficult times in their lives including surviving domestic abuse, bereavement, mental health crises and offending behaviour. In this role she worked with a variety of charities, safeguarding professionals, child protection teams and participated in multi-agency referral procedures. As a care experienced person Cheryl appreciates the complexities and challenges that families can face. She takes pride in being approachable, relatable and committed to promoting fairness.

Immediately prior to pupillage Cheryl was employed as a paralegal for the Service Prosecuting Authority, where she supported the prosecution of criminal cases before the Court Martial. She drew on her military experience to assist in case preparation, liaising with policing agencies and the Crown Prosecution Service, regularly engaging with victims and witnesses of crime as well as attending court in the role of assistant prosecutor. She hopes to include Court Martial work in her future practice.

Career

2004-2008 Halifax Bank of Scotland

2008-2024 British Army

2024-2025 Paralegal - Service Prosecuting Authority

2025 Pupil at Park Square Barristers

Languages

Basic German

Memberships

Middle Temple

Family Law Bar Association

Criminal Bar Association

Education

2008 University of Dundee, MA Hons Psychology, 2:2

2021 Leeds Beckett University, Masters of Law (GDL), Commendation

2024 University of Law Leeds/London, Bar Practice Course, Very Competent

Personal

Awards

2021  Middle Temple Access to the Bar Award

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