Claire Howell
Although appearing for the Prosecution in large complex cases, she is sought after as a defender and her practice has increasingly focused on private defence work.
She is often instructed to appear in sensitive cases, such as those involving professionals accused of criminal offences; or cases involving young witnesses, because of her ability to combine academic excellence with effective jury advocacy.
She also accepts instructions to appear in linked proceedings such as inquests or professional disciplinary hearings, and has acted in judicial review proceedings arising out of criminal matters.
Solicitors say:
"she is a formidable defender, and is not scared to put her head above the parapet if it is the right thing to do"
"she has a meticulous eye for detail and at the same time is approachable and easy to understand"
"her client care is second to none".
In 2019 Claire was added to the list of specialist regulatory advocates by the Health & Safety Executive.
Areas of practice
Directory recommendations
Chambers & Partners state: "Claire immediately creates a good rapport with clients and is very clear and concise with her advice." "She is excellent - a really good defence advocate".
Recommended in the Legal 500 saying "Claire immediately creates a good rapport with clients and is very clear and concise with her advice." "She is excellent - a really good defence advocate." "analytical and thorough". "A fearless advocate". "Her broad practice includes murder, serious sexual offences and fraud".
Notable Cases
Recent cases have included:
- Murders (led) involving:
o Arguments relating to the extent of ‘joint enterprise’
o Alcohol Dependency Syndrome
o A vulnerable young defendant with mental health difficulties
- Attempted murder
- Multi million pound Drug Conspiracies involving:
o Admissibility of covert recordings
o Complex disclosure issues
- Multi handed Money Laundering/Fraud:
o Including cases involving those in positions of public responsibility
- Historic sexual abuse cases involving public figures involving:
o International jurisdiction issues
o Arguments in respect of reporting restrictions
- Rape allegations involving children (either as witnesses or defendants) involving:
o Successful applications to exclude ABE interviews of children.
o Arguments in respect of capacity/competence/memory of young witnesses
o The use of intermediaries.
- Cyber Crime
o Successful half time submissions/dismissal arguments based upon deficiencies in expert evidence.
- Trading Standards
o “Fortnum & Mason” fraudulent trading case covered in a documentary by the BBC.
She believes in the importance of the legal aid system to ensure access to justice and does undertake some legal aid work (please contact her clerks for details).