Park Square Barristers

Criminal Team & Family Team

Pupil

Family

Studying Family Law at University she gained a foundational understanding of the practice. This interest was further developed when she undertook Family Law pro bono work during her masters qualification, allowing her to aid a client in a child arrangements dispute, a fundamental skill she will take forward into pupillage.

Charlotte observed Family Law hearings when shadowing a Family Law Legal Advisor at Gateshead County Court and Family Court. This enabled her to enter discussions with the legal adviser and magistrates into their decision making process, and what legal arguments were the most persuasive to them in making their decisions.

She also undertook a mini pupillage with a specialised Family Law set allowing her to further witness compelling advocacy and client conferences.

Crime

Prior to her commencement of pupillage Charlotte held an in-house Paralegal position, where she played a crucial role in advocating for the needs of the business. This enabled her to develop her skills in legal drafting, negotiation and time management, whilst continually developing her legal knowledge and empowering her with the confidence to express herself. She also was actively involved in litigation and attended complex and urgent court hearings, gaining valuable insight she will take forward with her into pupillage. She was awarded the Progress Pioneer Award at the annual company awards ceremony due to her dedication, resilience, hard work and growth in her paralegal role.

Undertaking a Crime Mini Pupillage with Park Square Barristers allowed Charlotte to observe legal conferences, an appeal, cross examination and closing arguments of a trial involving historical sex abuse. This gave Charlotte a great understanding and awareness of the challenges of advocacy in a complex criminal trial and an excellent experience which she will take forward into pupillage.

Charlotte also observed bail hearings and a criminal trial in Newcastle Magistrates Court allowing her to witness first-hand advocacy and experience the daily procedural workings of the court.

Furthermore, Charlotte dedicated her time volunteering for the Citizens Advice Witness Service in South Tyneside County Court and Family Court. This gave her great understanding with regards to communication with vulnerable witnesses in addition to supporting them before and after giving evidence in court. It also gave her insight into the innerworkings of the criminal justice system through the eyes of a witness. Understanding this daunting and stressful experience for witnesses is an essential skill she will bring as she progresses through pupillage.

2026

• Pupil at Park Square Barristers, Newcastle and Teesside

2024

• Paralegal at Tritility Limited, South Tyneside

2024

• Admin Assistant at Gateshead County and Family Court, Gateshead

• The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn

2023

University of Law Newcastle, Bar Practice Course, Very Competent

2023

University of Law Newcastle, LLM Bar Practice, Distinction

2022

Newcastle University, Law LLB Honours, 2:1

Awards

• Bar Practice Scholarship, University of Law Newcastle