Rachel Chapman, Prison Law Consultant for Broudie Jackson Canter, has been working with the solicitor-led charity, Centre for Womens Justice (CWJ), to deliver a training programme for criminal defence and prison lawyers. Centre for Womens Justice is focused on challenging failings and discrimination against women in the criminal justice system. They carry out strategic litigation and work closely with frontline women’s sector organisations on using legal tools to challenge police and prosecution failings around violence against women and girls. The training programme is seeking to support criminal defence and prison lawyers in representing victims of domestic abuse, it aims to build practitioners’ knowledge and understanding to ensure effective representation at each stage of criminal proceedings, from the point of arrest to criminal appeals and post-conviction.
Having practised as a specialist in women prisoners since 1997, Rachel has become nationally renowned for her extensive knowledge of the female justice system. Rachel was a member of the Executive Committee of the Association of Prison Lawyers (APL) for 7 years and the Parole Board lead for 3 years. She also has worked with the Prisoners Advice Service holding a monthly clinic at Styal providing women with prison law advice even when it’s not covered by legal aid.
Speaking on working with Women’s Centre for Justice to deliver their new training programme Rachel said
“I am excited to be working again with CWJ in an area that is too often overlooked in practice.“
The training programme begins June 24th 2024 and comprises of four online training sessions and one in-person training day. Rachel will be delivering the training alongside Jacqui Kilburn and Bianca Petkova of Women’s Aid, Wistrich, One Pump Court’s Paramjit Ahluwalia, Goldman Bailey Solicitors consultant Bridget Irving and Dr Laura Janes. Her session will be run with Dr Laura Janes and they will take delegates through the requirements involved in effectively representing clients in relation to parole and recall decisions, where their convictions arose in the context of their own experience of domestic abuse.
Broudie Jackson Canter has an experienced Prison Law team who are ready to listen and support you through your case. If you wish to contact Rachel or any other members of our team for advice, please send an enquiry or request a call back.