Our pupils are on their feet
Congratulations to all eight of our pupils who have successfully entered their second six and are now accepting instructions in their own cases. From...
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Samuel is undertaking a specialist pupillage in Family Law under the supervision of Kate Burnell KC and Damian Sanders.
Prior to pupillage, Samuel was a Senior Lecturer in Linguistics at Manchester Metropolitan University, where he published research in the areas of forensic linguistics, adverse childhood experiences, ethics, and youth justice. Notable research projects explored the role of adults in facilitating children’s allegations of sexual abuse, the effects of Covid-19 on the youth justice system, and racial disparities in Pre-Sentence Reports in the youth courts.
Samuel has served as a magistrate on the Adult Crime Bench in Lancashire, developing expertise in evaluating evidence, structured decision-making, and methodical application of the sentencing guidelines.
In May 2025, Samuel delivered training on the new Domestic Abuse Protection Order pilot scheme along with Lauren Maires and Tim Shortt.
Children (Public and Private law)
Throughout the first six, Samuel gained extensive experience in both public and private children matters. Notably, Samuel experienced:
- A composite two-week hearing regarding alleged sexual abuse and neglect (acting for the father)
- A composite two-week hearing regarding alleged inflicted head injuries (acting for the children’s guardian)
- Various Care Order proceedings relating to unexplained injuries
- Representing applicants and respondents in private children law matters
- An Oxfordshire application.
During the second six, Samuel has undertaken work in the following areas:
- Acting for applicants and respondents in non-molestation order applications, return hearings and pre-trial review hearings
- Acting for the applicant in a Domestic Abuse Protection Order application and return hearing
- Representing applicants and respondents in private law applications for:
- Child Arrangements Orders
- Prohibited Steps Orders
- Special Issues Orders
- Enforcement Orders
- Urgent directions hearing for safeguarding measures
- Representing applicants and respondents in public law applications for:
- Interim care orders
- Part 25 applications for placement in a Mother and Baby Assessment Unit and instruction of various experts (including intermediaries)
- Parental Responsibility and Declaration of Parentage
- Special Guardianship Order
- Discharge of a Special Guardianship Order
- Capacity assessment to conduct proceedings
- Representing the mother in contested interim removals
- Representing various parties at CMH and IRH/EFH for Care and Placement Orders
- Representing the LA at an interim care/urgent preliminary care management hearing
- Representing the child through their Children’s Guardian at a judgment hearing
- Representing the child through their Children’s Guardian in the Crown Court at a joint criminal and family directions hearing.
Samuel is currently being led by Patricia Pratt in care proceedings in which non-accidental injury is alleged.
Additionally, Samuel has gained experience in drafting in the following areas:
- An advice in support of an extension to a public funding certificate for the instruction of two junior counsel
- An advice in support of making a Supervision Order alongside a Special Guardianship Order.
Samuel continues to welcome instructions in all areas of public and private family law matters.
Court of Protection
Throughout his pupillage, Samuel has developed an interest in Court of Protection work, and has observed various hearings relating to ‘P’ including deprivation of liberty hearings, a directions hearing, and a final hearing. Samuel is particularly interested in the health and welfare strand.
Education
- Bar Practice Course, University of Law, 2024 (Outstanding)
- Graduate Diploma in Law, University of Law, 2022 (Distinction)
- PhD Forensic Linguistics, Aston University, 2013
- MA Forensic Linguistics, Cardiff University, 2005 (Distinction)
- BA (Hons) Linguistics, Lancaster University, 2003 (2.i)
Scholarships and Prizes
- Finalist, Times 2TG Moot, 2024
- Finalist, Advocacy Scholar’s Moot (University of Law), 2023
- Finalist, Cooper Lohmus Prize, 2023
- Advocacy Scholarship, University of Law, 2022
- Bar Course Award Exhibition Scholarship, The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple, 2022
- GDL Exhibition Award, The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple, 2020
- Career Changers Scholarship, University of Law, 2020
Memberships
- The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple
- The Family Law Bar Association
- The Northern Circuit
