Prior to beginning his pupillage, Charlie undertook several mini-pupillages and placements that concerned criminal defence. He has witnessed a range of trials, including sexual offences, widescale perversion of the course of justice and s.18 GBH. Viewing these trials allowed Charlie to become familiar with the procedures of a criminal jury trial. During the course of his placements, he has been able to witness client meetings and the inner workings of a criminal law firm.
Charlie has also undertaken marshalling at South Tyneside Magistrates Court. This allowed Charlie to gain a unique perspective from behind the Bench. Charlie was able to get an insight into the thought process of a trial judge during recesses, which he believes has improved his own advocacy significantly. This marshalling also helped Charlie to become more familiar with the criminal court procedure and process.
Charlie has recently graduated with a first-class Masters in Law at Northumbria University. During the course of his degree, he also completed his Bar Vocational Training, achieving a grade of ‘Outstanding’. Notably, he excelled in his witness handling module, ‘Criminal Professional Practice’. He investigated the topic of international environmental space law for his Legal Research Dissertation. Beyond his academic achievements, Charlie has participated in numerous international moots, most notably a moot hosted by New Delhi University that concerned international extradition law.
Outside of work, Charlie enjoys cinema, rock-climbing and basketball.