This is the fourth session of CWJ’s new training programme for criminal defence and prison lawyers – both barristers and solicitors - representing victims of domestic abuse who are accused of offending.
Experienced, specialist prison lawyer Rachel Chapman from Broudie Jackson Canter and consultant solicitor Dr Laura Janes from GT Stewart Solicitors & Advocates will take delegates through the requirements involved in effectively representing clients in relation to parole and recall decisions, where their convictions arose in the context of their own experience of domestic abuse. Rachel will also cover additional considerations involved when representing a woman convicted of killing her abuser. The session will include several case studies, with the opportunity for questions and discussion.
Rachel Chapman, Prison Law Consultant, Broudie Jackson Canter
Rachel Chapman is a Prison Law Consultant specialising in representing women prisoners. She covers all aspects of prison law including advocacy at parole hearings. Rachel was a member on the Executive Committee of the Association of Prison Lawyers (APL) for 7 years and the Parole Board lead for 3 years. She works closely with PAS (Prisoners Advice Service) and for some time held a monthly clinic for them at HMP Styal to ensure that the women could still receive prison law advice even without legal aid. Rachel completed a Griffins fellowship into the challenges women lifers face before and after release. She has provided training for Datalaw, APL, PAS and in women’s prisons for prisoners and staff. She has worked as a lecturer in criminal justice at Liverpool John Moore’s University and Liverpool Hope university.
Dr Laura Janes, Consultant Solicitor, GT Stewart Solicitors & Advocates
Laura is a solicitor specialising in prison law, criminal appeals, community care, mental health and public law. She has particular expertise in representing children, young adults and vulnerable people in detention in both penal and mental health settings. Laura is a Consultant Solicitor at Scott-Moncrieff & Associates Ltd and GT Stewart Solicitors & Advocates. Laura teaches at South Bank University in the Law department. She has a professional doctorate in youth justice, a member of the Law Society’s Criminal Law Committee and is vice-chair of the Association of Prison Lawyers.