Having completed her pupillage under the supervision of Michael Greenhalgh and Caroline Shields, Hafsah is accepting instructions across a broad range of practice areas.
Hafsah has acted for both defence and prosecution on cases ranging from dangerous driving, commercial burglary and sexual assault. Hafsah has secured acquittals in the Crown Court and most recently successfully persuaded a judge to deter from imposing a custodial sentence following a series of breaches of a Suspended Sentence Order. Hafsah has also observed serious RASSO and grooming trials during her pupillage and undertaken judicial marshalling.
Hafsah is regularly instructed on many cases above her Call and has been praised for her professionalism and client care skills. Hafsah builds rapport quickly with clients from all backgrounds, leading to individuals requesting her representation for future hearings and repeat instructions.
Prior to joining the Bar, Hafsah worked at West Yorkshire Police, presenting numerous Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) applications at court as a Protection Order Caseworker. Hafsah has successfully persuaded judges in cases of violence or threats of violence between parties, resulting in Protection Orders being granted. Hafsah works effectively to time constraints, in preparing and presenting emergency DVPO applications. Hafsah received a Distinction for her LLM dissertation, comprising of a Practice Note for prosecutors and the police on prosecuting forced marriage offences. Hafsah analysed the first case in the UK where both parents were convicted for forced marriage offences, under s.121 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. Hafsah has a culturally-sensitive understanding of cases involving forced marriage, ‘honour’ based abuse and the complexity of familial relationships.
Hafsah previously volunteered in local youth and community engagement work for over 6 years. Hafsah co-hosted a knife crime workshop for young people following a local stabbing, and facilitated events supporting vulnerable individuals in Leeds. Hafsah has developed a unique insight into youth crime from this work. Hafsah was awarded the Regional Scholarship at BPP and was selected for the Lincoln’s Inn Pupillage Foundation Scheme.
Hafsah welcomes instructions in both criminal defence and prosecution work.