Criminal & Regulatory Law
Catherine Ravenscroft specialises in criminal and regulatory law. She has a straight-forward and friendly approach to advising and representing clients in all types of proceedings and has quickly developed a strong practice in her specialist areas. Her skills as an advocate appeal to individuals, working professionals and organisations alike and she welcomes instructions from all types of client.
Catherine is regularly instructed by both prosecution and defence in the Crown Court, Magistrates Court and Youth Court. Her criminal practice exposes her to a variety of cases and experiences including serious violence, drugs, serious motoring offences, offensive weapons and firearms. She is also experienced in defending clients with particular vulnerabilities including mental illness, age and disability.
Her practice has been expanded by secondments to various organisations including the Government of St Helena, Cadent Gas Ltd, and Birmingham City Council. In particular, her time as Crown Criminal Counsel to the Government of St Helena provided Catherine with considerable trial experience and a mature understanding of criminal investigations beyond her year of call.
In her regulatory practice, Catherine undertakes instructions in all areas including food safety, housing, taxi licensing, education, alcohol and late-night entertainment. She regularly appears before local authority licensing committees, magistrates’ courts and crown courts. She has also been instructed as independent legal advisor to the local authority in a number of high-profile decisions.
As independent counsel, Catherine has also advised organisations and clients in relation to disclosure and legal professional privilege. She has been instructed in major criminal investigations for organisations including HM Revenue and Customs and National Crime Agency.
CPS Advocate Panel for General Crime, Grade 3.
Institute of Licensing
Midland Circuit
Women in Criminal Law
Midland Circuit Women’s Forum
Criminal Bar Association