Sam has established a busy criminal practice both prosecuting and defending in equal measure. He is known for being tactically astute, quick to think on his feet and meticulous with his case preparation. He continues to receive instructions in a broad range of criminal cases, including those involving offences of dishonesty, drug supply and serious violence. Recent instructions include the prosecution of an aggravated burglary in Bradford involving the theft of significant sums of cash and the defence of a man charged with offences of ‘controlling and coercive behaviour’ and assault against his ex-partner in Sheffield.
Whilst Sam now predominantly receives instructions for matters in the Crown Court, he continues to undertake work in the Magistrates’ Court, particularly where the cases are complex or involve vulnerable defendants. Sam also has notable experience in conducting appeals against conviction and sentence in the Crown Court.
In addition to receiving instructions for general criminal matters, Sam also takes cases for motoring and vehicle related offences. He has successfully argued applications for ‘exceptional hardship’ and ‘special reasons’ both in the Magistrates’ Court and on appeal to the Crown Court.
Sam is noted for his work ethic, attention to detail and ability to quickly grasp complex evidence and legal argument. He understands the importance of early and effective communication with lay and professional clients and he will therefore always be on hand to advise and to reflect on issues and concerns as they arise. Sam takes great pride in delivering for his clients and offering excellent client care; he is known for being approachable and personable and quickly instils confidence with new clientele.
Notable Cases:
R v MH – prosecuted an aggravated burglary involving the theft of significant sums in cash and electronically held cryptocurrency (Bradford Crown Court (2023)).
R v TM – defended in relation to a six-count indictment alleging ‘controlling and coercive behaviour’, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and criminal damage (Sheffield Crown Court (2023)).
R v RN – defended a youth charged with robbery and a section 18 assault. This case involved issues of joint enterprise (Youth Court (2023)).
R v SH – represented the Defendant for sentence; possession with intent to supply controlled drugs of Class A and B. This was street dealing and the Defendant had a significant role. Suspended sentence imposed (Leeds Crown Court (2023)).
R v DB – defending in relation to a bladed article offence. The defence was one of ‘good reason’. Defendant acquitted after trial (Kirklees Magistrates’ Court (2022)).
R v EC – defending in relation to a bladed article offence. The defence was one of ‘good reason’. Defendant acquitted after trial (Leeds Magistrates’ Court (2022)).
Contact Sam’s clerks
Sam has now completed his pupillage under the supervision of Christopher Moran and Christopher Rafferty. He is keen to establish a practice in Regulatory and Public Law, having observed a range of different ‘regulatory’ work, including prosecutions on behalf of the RSPCA, matters of professional discipline and coronial law hearings. Given his previous experience working in Employment Law, Sam is particularly keen to accept instructions in the area of professional discipline, including for the drafting of advice and/or pleadings.
Contact Sam’s clerks
Madeleine Gray on 0113 202 8603
Prior to coming to the Bar Sam worked for a large national law firm as a paralegal in their Employment Team. He was responsible for managing a caseload of complex ET claims, gaining insight and experience across a broad range of employment matters. During his time as a paralegal his work encompassed claims for unfair dismissal, discrimination, TUPE, whistleblowing and unlawful deductions from wages. As a result, Sam has first-hand experience of advising on settlement, drafting pleadings and witness statements and conducting his own advocacy in the ET.
In addition to his paid work, Sam also has extensive casework experience from his involvement with Leeds Free Legal Representation (LFLR), a non-profit that provides free legal advice and representation for litigants in person on employment and social security matters. As a co-founder and director of LFLR, he has gained further experience in dealing with ET claims and in particular, his pro bono endeavours have enabled him to garner a clear understanding of how best to assist vulnerable clients effectively and sensitively.
During the first six months of his pupillage, Sam has built upon his previous experience in this area by observing a number of preliminary and final hearings. He is keen to gain further exposure to work in this area and he would welcome the opportunity to receive instructions for either claimants or respondents.
Contact Sam’s clerks
Senior Clerk – Andy Reeves on 0113 213 5252
Talia Webster on 0113 202 8609
Mike Alexander on 0113 2135268
Ben Ellison-Tope on 0113 2135207
Having now completed his pupillage under the supervision of Christopher Rafferty and Christopher Moran, Sam is now accepting instructions in all areas of Chambers civil practice. Over the course of his pupillage he has observed several fast-track trials arising from road traffic accidents; many involving allegations of fundamental dishonesty. He also has experience of hearings on the Small Claims Track, interlocutory hearings, ‘Stage 3’ disposals and infant settlement.
Given the breadth and depth of experience within Chambers, Sam has also been able to gain a thorough understanding of claims involving credit hire. He has a good working knowledge of the case law in this area and is keen to put that to use by accepting instructions for both claimants and defendants.
Contact Sam’s clerks
Senior Clerk – Andy Reeves on 0113 213 5252
Talia Webster on 0113 202 8609
Mike Alexander on 0113 2135268
Ben Ellison-Tope on 0113 2135207