Legal 500 Rankings 2023
We are delighted to have 66 listings across 15 different practice areas in the 2023 edition of the Legal 500.
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“Gemma is a highly persuasive advocate with such detailed knowledge of the facts of every case she deals with that she can draw upon this in a second. She is formidable in court and is always a first choice because of her attention to detail and persuasive style.”
Legal 500, 2024
Strengths: “Gemma is an exceptional advocate.”
Chambers UK Bar, 2024
Gemma is a criminal law expert, ranked in both Chambers UK Bar and the Legal 500. She has been involved in murders, historic sex cases, multi-handed rapes and large drug conspiracies. She is regularly first choice counsel by those who lead her. Her ability to grasp the facts and issues instantly are second to none. She is a persuasive advocate and popular with juries. The level of experience and success Gemma has achieved so far is commensurate with her outstanding ability.
Gemma graduated from Oxford University with a 2:1 in Jurisprudence. Before joining the Bar, she worked as a police station representative and case worker at Tuckers Solicitors and went on to undertake pupillage in London. Gemma joined St John’s Buildings in September 2015. It has become apparent to all those who instruct Gemma that she has the gravitas of a much more senior barrister.
Crown Court & appeals
Gemma has a busy Crown Court practice and has built a strong reputation in cases involving sexual offences. She has significant experience in dealing with vulnerable witnesses and defendants.
As a Grade 3 Prosecutor, Gemma is regularly instructed to prosecute all areas of general crime in the Crown Court.
Court of Appeal
R v D et al (2018): Successfully appealed against sentence, securing the immediate release of the Appellant. Case reported in the Mirror and MEN.
R v C (2016): Successfully appealed against sentence. Case reported by ITV and in the Liverpool Echo and Chester Chronicle.
Sexual Offences (Defending)
Gemma is instructed to defend the full spectrum of sexual offences including rape, sexual assault, indecent images, sexual offences against children and historic allegations.
R v N (2021/22): Led by Mark George QC in six-week trial concerning 34 counts of rape/sexual abuse of child under 13
R v P (2021): Rape; acquittal
R v A (2021): Rape/Sexual Assault of three Complainants between late 90s and 2014
R v L (2021): Rape/Indecent Assault of two children in the late 1970s
R v M (2021): Rape/Sexual Assault of child under 13
R v H (2020): Leading junior in a case concerning multiple allegations of rape and sexual assault; NG verdicts
R v P (2020): Sexual assault; acquittal
R v H (2019): Rape; acquittal
R v H (2019): Assault by Penetration; acquittal
R v P (2019): Historic Rape allegation; acquittal
R v R (2019): Defendant with severe learning disabilities accused of rape; acquittal
R v G (2018): Defended in a three week trial involving 14 counts of historic sexual abuse against young boys. Case attracted national press coverage
Operation Lenten (2017): Junior alone; defended in a trial involved 14 defendants and over 45 allegations of Rape, Sexual Assault and Trafficking; acquittal. The case was reported in the Daily Mail, the Mirror and the Sun
R v E (2017): Rape, acquittal
Operation Linear (2016): Junior Counsel; defending in a multiple defendant trial involving over 40 allegations of Rape, Trafficking, Sexual Assault and Assault by Penetration. Not guilty verdicts entered at half time.
Violent Offences
Gemma regularly undertakes cases involving serious violence, including violence in domestic settings and child cruelty.
R v G et al (2021): Possession of Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life; acquittal
R v L et al (2019): defending; Causing Serious Injury to a Child; suspended sentence imposed after two week trial
R v H (2019): defending; section 18 involving cross-examination of pathologist re causation of injuries. Case attracted national press coverage
R v X et al (2018): Defending in a three week trial; Causing Serious Injury to Children where injuries to one AP were life threatening. Case reported in The Times
R v P and W (2018): Murder, Junior Prosecution Counsel
R v M (2017): Murder; Junior Prosecution Counsel. Defendant received a whole life tariff
R v D and R (2017): Assisting an Offender (Murder); Junior alone defending. Not guilty verdict following half time submission
R v K (2016): Murder; Junior Prosecution Counsel. The Defendant received a 20 year minimum tariff
Drugs Offences
Gemma defends and prosecutes the full range of drug offences and has had particular success in defending cases of possession with intent to supply.
R v E (2021): Defending in substantial drugs importation
R v G et al (2020/2021): Led junior (defending) in largest drugs importation investigation in UK history
R v H et al (2018): Junior alone in case involving county lines drug trafficking; drugs valued at £1 million +
R v H et al (2017): Led junior defending in drugs conspiracy trial; value over £1 million
R v L et al (2017): Junior alone defending in Class A conspiracy case.
R v K et al: Defending in drugs conspiracy; Crown offered no evidence on counts pertaining to Class A drugs after legal argument.
Dishonesty
R v W et al (2019): Leading Junior (defending) in three week trial pertaining to the fraudulent evasion of duty on tobacco products
R v B et al (2018/2019): Converting Criminal Property; defending in case lasting two months; not guilty verdict on Judge’s direction.
R v A (2017/2018): Insurance Fraud; defending.
Legal Directory Recommendations
“Gemma is one of the very best. She works phenomenally hard and prepares documents before you have even asked. She was very familiar with every aspect of the case including the unused material. She is very focussed and analytical, thinking through a problem from all sides before deciding on a course of action. Gemma has great determination and is tigerish in her approach. Gemma is a real star and should be a role model for other junior barristers in how to be successful in this career.” Legal 500 2023
“Gemma is highly intelligent and is able to grapple difficult and complex cases with aplomb. You know you are in safe hands when you brief her and you don’t need to worry as she has everything under control. Gemma has the respect of fellow barristers and is able to achieve excellent results in difficult circumstances. She has a great rapport with clients who trust her instantly.” Legal 500 2022, Rising Star
