Tessa has a successful practice, prosecuting and defending at all levels. She is instructed in cases of a serious, complex and often multi-handed nature, has undertaken vulnerable witness training, and is deliberately maintaining specialism in representing vulnerable defendants, such as youths and those requiring intermediaries.
She prepares her cases with meticulous attention to detail, whilst maintaining a focus on client care. She will always make time for conferences, to ensure that her clients receive consistent and professional representation throughout. Her attention to detail at the outset of cases and experience of disclosure regime from both sides enables her to regularly act as junior counsel defending against historic sexual allegations, which require applications for disclosure in relation to third party material in particular.
She is a member of the CPS Advocates General Panel (Grade 3) and the Serious Crime Panel (Grade 2) and often prosecutes as a led junior and junior alone. When prosecuting, she is often instructed early in proceedings, in order to advise on further investigation and to play an active role in the disclosure exercise and shaping of the case.
Acted in various murder trials including death of a baby, domestic killings in the context of diminished responsibility and loss of control, killing for hire and multi-handed gang murders.
Called 2009
CPS Panel (Grade 3)
CPS Serious Crime Panel (Grade 2)
Criminal Bar Association
BPP Law School
University of Sussex