Harriet defends in the most serious criminal allegations. She has particular expertise in cases involving complex matters of human trafficking and where criminal offences are alleged to have been committed as a result of coercive control. Recent cases include securing the acquittal of a woman who, when attacked by her abusive husband, stabbed him multiple times, and acting for the only defendant to be acquitted of all charges in a multi-handed, cut-throat murder case.

Harriet has particular technical expertise in forensic pathology, forensic psychiatry, and neuropathology.
 

Harriet has a specialist practice in private law actions and / or judicial review of public authorities. She is regularly instructed in claims arising from breaches of the European Convention on Human Rights, as well as in allegations of false imprisonment, assault, misfeasance, and malicious prosecution.

Harriet is currently instructed in the Undercover Policing Inquiry, acting for women who were deceived into sexual relationships by undercover police officers. She has previously acted for those suffering Long Covid in the Covid Inquiry, and for the families of seven of the deceased in the Manchester Arena Inquiry.

Harriet has acted in inquests involving issues relating to gender-based violence, safeguarding failings, domestic abuse, suicide, terrorism, prisons, drugs, and unsafe premises.

Harriet’s experience in civil actions against the police and prisons makes her ideally placed to conduct inquests where it is anticipated a civil claim might arise. As well as her legal insight, clients value Harriet’s sensitivity and steady hand during this stressful time for family members.
 

Harriet accepts instructions across chambers’ administrative and public law practice. She regularly acts in cases of failed or abandoned criminal investigations, as well as in other matters engaging the rights of applicants under the European Convention on Human Rights.