Emily Freeman

Overview

Emily Freeman commenced pupillage in September 2025 under the supervision of Philip Barnes.

During pupillage, Emily has observed proceedings in both the Magistrates’ Court and the Crown Court for the prosecution and the defence. She has assisted in a wide range of hearings, including matters involving road traffic offences, violence, drugs, and public order offences.

Emily has also had the opportunity to observe serious Crown Court proceedings, including a murder trial, which provided valuable insight into high-level advocacy and the preparation and presentation of complex criminal cases.

During her first six, Emily drafted advices, case summaries and sentencing notes. She has prepared written submissions and undertook advocacy exercises within Chambers and on circuit, including witness handling, closing speeches, and plea in mitigation. She has also undertaken advocacy training within a simulated trial setting, further developing her oral advocacy and courtroom skills.

Prior to commencing pupillage, Emily worked as a paralegal for a housing charity. In this role she dealt with matters involving anti-social behaviour, breaches of Improvement Notices, unlawful eviction and harassment by landlords, often involving police and local authority enforcement. Emily managed her own caseload, conducted client conferences to obtain instructions, and advised on the merits of cases.

She regularly assisted vulnerable clients facing homelessness, many of whom had complex personal circumstances including mental health difficulties, substance misuse issues and experiences of domestic abuse.

Emily has previously volunteered with Vauxhall Community Law and Information Centre and the Child Poverty Action Group judicial review project, assisting with legal research and case preparation in matters concerning public law and social welfare. These roles required careful legal analysis and strengthened her understanding of the wider social context in which legal disputes arise. Emily also mentors university students aspiring to a career at the Bar.

Emily looks forward to further developing her criminal practice during her second six and building upon the skills and experience gained during pupillage.