Leila is a CPS Level 2 Panel Advocate and has a mixed criminal practice, prosecuting and defending in both the Crown, Magistrates’ and Youth Courts. She has experience in dealing with a wide range of offences, including violent and sexual assault, domestic violence, dishonesty offences, criminal damage, possession of offensive weapons and driving offences. She also regularly finds herself drafting advices on appeal and evidence.
Leila also has experience in private prosecution work and has defended in local council proceedings for breaches of planning legislation.
She has developed a reputation as a charming, approachable yet tenacious advocate, and has been provided with positive feedback from clients and the Judiciary.
Before practising at the Bar, Leila worked within the international development and humanitarian sector in Iraq, Turkey and Syria working for United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). Her understanding of cultural sensitives is aided by her experience of working within diverse teams and her dual heritage background.
Leila’s background of campaigning on issues of social justice is what informed her career path. She continues to try to make a difference in her community by acting as trustee on different boards and volunteering in her community. She, therefore, takes pride in representing vulnerable individuals and leaving no stone unturned.
Reported Cases
R v Willans: defending in two substantial thefts of shipping containers from Maritime Transport, committed on the same day
R v Connors: defending a woman with complex psychiatric difficulties in a substantial theft of a vase from Harewood House