Elise divides her time between serious crime and complex family work.

About Introduction Crime Family Notable Cases Qualifications Awards & Prizes Memberships Testimonials Direct Access

In crime, Elise has led in cases of murder and multi-handed drugs conspiracy, as well as being instructed in matters of rape and serious sexual, violence, drugs, theft and fraud. She both prosecutes and defends and is a preferred counsel in difficult or complex cases. In family, Elise has been instructed in all manner of Children Act matters, as well as in non-accidental injury (baby shaking) and child abduction. She is known for her ability to put witnesses at ease, explain complex information under stressful conditions when at trial and for her persuasive manner when making submissions and especially pleas in mitigation. Elise is a disciplined, determined and committed legal practitioner, who is experienced in multi-tasking caseloads and representing clients with complex legal issues. Elise also has considerable knowledge of intellectual property, having worked in the contentious intellectual property department of Theodore Goddard. 

AREAS OF EXPERTISE Adoption Care & Supervision Child Abduction Child Arrangement Confiscation Crime Education Family Family Finance & Property Financial Provision Forced Marriage Health & Safety Molestation & Occupation Murder & Manslaughter Professional Discipline Public Regulatory Sexual Offences

Crime

Elise is regularly instructed in all areas of crime, including serious offences of violence, armed robbery, sexual offences, aggravated arson, possession of class A drugs with intent and matters of theft, including complex fraud and general dishonesty. She is regularly instructed in cases involving grievous bodily harm and wounding, often involving expert evidence relating to complex DNA, blood-staining and mechanism of injury.

Elise has experience of dealing with young defendants, often with behavioural and other medical problems including Aspergers, autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Family

Elise accepts instructions in both Public and Private Law applications under the Children Act 1989, as well as ancillary relief proceedings. She has acted in cases involving care orders, the instructions of experts, contact, injunctive relief and the making and opposing of non-molestation and occupation orders. Elise has been complimented on her approach when opposing litigants in person and making the prospect of a court hearing less traumatic for clients who find facing abusive partners an ordeal.

Direct Access

Elise is accredited to accept work under Direct access, also known as Public access, in suitable cases. In order to instruct Elise on a Direct access basis, contact the clerks on +44 (0) 20 7242 6476 or at [email protected]. 

Crime

R v TSuccessfully prosecuted multiple counts of aggravated arson. The victims had discovered that items had been lit and pushed through the letterbox of their home.

R v HCare home owner accused of violence against a mentally vulnerable youth in his care

R v M & OrsVHCC (Very High Costs Case) complicated fraud matter (‘the Jubilee Line Extension Fraud’) heard at the Central Criminal Court

R v DSuccessful opposition to the extradition of a Zimbabwean national. 

R v GDefence of a man in possession of a loaded shotgun, who threatened to shoot his wife (in the presence of their six year old daughter).

Re CRepresenting a father who murdered the mother of his child. 

Family

Re CRepresented a father who murdered the mother of his child. 

Re BRepresented a mother with adult ADHD against a placement order for adoption being made regarding her 4-year-old daughter.

Criminal Bar AssociationFamily Law Bar AssociationVictoria State Bar

LLB (Hons), Kingston University

Awards & Prizes Approved training counsel to the EWI (Expert Witness Institute). Lectured in intellectual property law