Exchange Chambers

Criminal

Helena Williams joined Exchange Chambers in March 2021 having completed pupillage at a London set in October 2020.

During her first six months of pupillage, Helena observed in a wide range of criminal trials including fraud, murder, rape and drug conspiracies.

Since then, Helena has built a busy criminal practice, prosecuting and defending in trials in the Youth and Magistrates Court. She has dealt with a variety of hearings in the Crown Court including appeals against conviction and sentences. Helena has successfully been appointed to the CPS Advocates Panel.

Prior to commencing pupillage Helena worked as a paralegal at a criminal defence firm working on a variety of matters, including cash forfeiture, dishonesty offences, sexual offences, drug offences and judicial reviews.

Whilst on the Bar Professional Training Course, Helena volunteered with the Free Representation Unit, where she represented clients at the Social Security Tribunal and the Personal Support Unit, where she assisted litigants in person in the civil and family courts. She gained particular experience working with those who had never attended court before and vulnerable clients.

Outside of crime, Helena has worked as a paralegal in public children law acting on behalf of local authorities, parents and guardians.

Called 2018

The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn Women in Criminal Law Criminal Bar Association

Qualifications

BPP University, BPTC: Outstanding BPP University, GDL: Commendation Newcastle University, BA (Hons), History: First Class

Scholarships

Buchanan Prize, Lincoln’s Inn Winner of the Lincoln’s Inn Debating Shield (2018) Lord Denning Scholarship, Lincoln’s Inn BPP Excellence Award Hardwicke Entrance Award, Lincoln’s Inn Lord Haldane Scholarship, Lincoln’s Inn