9BR holds a reputation as ‘a very good law firm with a strong work ethic’ among clients, being turned to for a spectrum of criminal matters in the Magistrates’ Court, Crown Court and Court of Appeal.  Jane Bickerstaff KC is sought after for her ’exemplary’ advocacy skills, specialising in complex murders, while Corinne Bramwell is described as a ‘formidable opponent combining a calm and natural advocacy with a fierce intellect’, often acting in factually complex sexual offences matters. Tessa Shroff is known as a ’clever, excellent lawyer, very hard-working and tough’, and played a key role in a case involving the murder of a father-of-three by a teenager in a row about smoking.
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Profile

Position

Tessa has a successful practice, prosecuting and defending at all levels. She is instructed in cases of a serious, complex and often multi-handed nature, has undertaken vulnerable witness training, and is deliberately maintaining specialism in representing vulnerable defendants, such as youths and those requiring intermediaries.

She prepares her cases with meticulous attention to detail, whilst maintaining a focus on client care. She will always make time for conferences, to ensure that her clients receive consistent and professional representation throughout. Her attention to detail at the outset of cases and experience of disclosure regime from both sides enables her to regularly act as junior counsel defending against historic sexual allegations, which require applications for disclosure in relation to third party material in particular.

She is a member of the CPS Advocates General Panel (Grade 3) and the Serious Crime Panel (Grade 2) and often prosecutes as a led junior and junior alone. When prosecuting, she is often instructed early in proceedings, in order to advise on further investigation and to play an active role in the disclosure exercise and shaping of the case.

Acted in various murder trials including death of a baby, domestic killings in the context of diminished responsibility and loss of control, killing for hire and multi-handed gang murders.

Career

Called 2009

CPS Panel (Grade 3)

CPS Serious Crime Panel (Grade 2)

Memberships

Criminal Bar Association

Education

BPP Law School

University of Sussex

Content supplied by 9BR Chambers

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • '9BRs crime team is vast and varied. They have several members with varying levels of expertise and seniorities. Regardless of the case, they will have someone who is suited to assist.'
  • 'I have been instructed 9BR for years now, having first used them in a serious, high profile murder case, in which we were the main defendant.  I have always been impressed with their level of communication, willingness to assist and the availability of Counsel, even when required at last minute.'
  • 'Strength in depth.'
  • '9BR are a very good law firm with a strong work ethic. They good availability for Counsel and if someone is not available, they assist in providing cover. They also have many networking events with other barristers.'
  • '9BR have always been impressive with their breadth and depth of Counsel in general crime and fraud throughout the set.'
  • 'Chambers have always been very helpful in accommodating cases and liaising with the courts re movement of hearing dates/times.'
  • '9BR have some excellent talent.'