Natalie qualified as a solicitor into the criminal defence team in September 2021, having completed her training contract with IBB.

Since joining the criminal defence team, Natalie has conducted a wide range of Magistrates Court hearings, covering both criminal and quasi-criminal civil matters, including Sexual Risk Order proceedings. She is responsible for all aspects of case preparation in both Magistrates and Crown Court matters and regularly conducts hearings before the Magistrates Court, including trials.

Natalie has assisted senior fee-earners on cases involving the most serious charges, notably securing acquittals in cases of conspiracy to murder and firearms offences. She is known for her meticulous approach and keen eye for detail in case preparation. Where appropriate, Natalie proactively makes early representations with the aim of having proceedings withdrawn or diverted from the courts.

Prior to joining IBB, Natalie gained five years ‘ experience in small and medium-sized private legal practices. Her previous roles spanned Family Law (Legal Aid), Commercial Property, and Commercial and Corporate Law (including Commercial Dispute Resolution).

Natalie graduated with a First Class Law LLB from the University of the West of England. She later completed the LPC with MSc in Law, Business and Management (Distinction) at the University of Law in Guildford, studying part-time while working at a leading South-East law firm.

Notable Cases:

R v F – Successfully argued that prosecution of four charges of assaulting an emergency worker was not in the public interest, resulting in the Crown withdrawing the charges prior to plea.

R v R – Assisted in case preparation leading to acquittals on charges of conspiracy to murder and firearms offences. Natalie analysed poor-quality wiretap audio recordings and filtered the frequency to demonstrate inaccuracies in the Crown ‘s transcripts.

R v J – Secured a conditional discharge for a client who pleaded guilty to possession of over 40 wraps of Class A drugs.

R v M – Prepared the case of a third-strike burglar facing a statutory minimum sentence of three years ‘ custody. Counsel successfully argued that the minimum term would be unjust, resulting in a three-year community order.