Eleanor Searley

Name: Eleanor Searley
Chambers: 6 King's Bench Walk, Chambers of Roy Amlot
Position: tenant
University: University of York
Subject: Music
Graduated: 2003

Becoming a criminal law barrister

I decided to go into criminal law because I wanted to do as much advocacy as possible and the idea of jury trials really appealed to me. I also wanted to work in an area of the law that was client focused because I enjoy the human interest.

Working life at the criminal law bar

I work about 60 hours a week and tend to have about fifteen cases on the go at one time. In general I spend several hours a day in court, then go back to chambers. I regularly get briefs for the next day the night before and may suddenly find myself with a lot of preparation to do. I both prosecute and defend, working on trials in the magistrates’ and Crown Courts alongside sentencing hearings, plea and case management hearings and mentions. In addition, I write advices on evidence and see clients in conference. The types of cases I deal with range from road traffic offences through to robberies, assaults and sexual offences. I tend to be the only barrister working on my cases. Defending usually involves advising the client as to his or her plea, trial venue and potential sentence, and then representing them in court. When prosecuting, I liaise with the CPS and the police. I have also been led by a more senior barrister in an attempted murder case and an armed robbery case.

Overview of work at the criminal law bar

Best and worst aspects of my career in law

The best aspect of my job is seeing all my efforts pay off. The worst is the last minute nature of things: it can sometimes be hard work dealing with matters on the hoof or having to cancel on your friends. In court, there is nowhere to hide if you haven’t done the work!