Julia Needham

Julia Needham

Call: 2000

“A tenacious cross-examiner…despite her genuine courtesy and slightly self-deprecating manner, she is a formidable advocate”.

HHJ Zeidman, Snaresbrook Crown Court

Interested in instructing Mrs Needham?

Please call 020 7353 6802 or complete the form below:

Julia is an experienced criminal barrister, an access to justice / equalities campaigner and community volunteer in her home town of Malvern, Worcestershire.

Criminal Practice

Julia is a criminal practitioner, with experience across a wide range of cases including attempted murder and other serious violent crime, possession of firearms with intent, armed robbery, production and supply of Class A drugs/test purchase operations, witness intimidation, hate crime and serious domestic violence cases.

Known for her meticulous preparation and the ability quickly to earn the trust of professional and lay clients, Julia is regularly re-instructed by those familiar with her proactive approach.  Julia written advocacy is a particular strength:  one of her early career highlights was having the pleasure of hearing Lord Justice Judge (then Master of the Rolls) read some 6 pages verbatim of her skeleton argument into his Judgment, which remains the leading case in that niche area (sentencing for breach of ASBO).  Julia is fundamentally a jury advocate, at her best in cross-examination and connecting with the jury in a closing speech.

Pro Bono Practice

Julia regularly undertakes pro bono work on a referral basis across a wide area of practice connected with criminal law.  Professional clients include The Centre for Women’s Justice, Hogan Lovells Pro Bono Department, Advocate and other solicitors firms on a cae by case basis.  Lay clients include activists/protesters charged with public order/criminal damage offences connected with direct action/protest marches, survivors of domestic abuse, clients seeking redress through the criminal injuries compensation scheme.  Julia welcomes pro bono instructions where human rights/civil liberties/discrimination issued are engaged and legal aid is not available.   Julia has twice been shortlisted for Pro Bono Junior of the Year.

Following a career break during which she moved to Worcestershire, Julia returned to practice in 2019 and now works predominantly in the West Midlands:  but is always willing to travel for the right case.

Interested in instructing Mrs Needham?

Please call 020 7353 6802 or complete the form below:

Crime Barrister

Notable cases:

Anon v Commissioner of the Police for the Metropolis, High Court – Instructions for the Applicant – Julia appeared pro bono for the applicant in this high profile application for leave in judicial review proceedings, concerning an allegation of inadequate investigation by the police into sexual misconduct by high profile members of the political establishment.

R v Jones & Jones, Hereford Crown Court – Instructions for the Defence – A serious s18 assault allegation with complex issues surrounding sensitive material/disclosure in respect of the accused. Julia co-defended in this trial and, together with co-defending counsel, was able to expose the woeful inadequacy of this police investigation. Unanimous not guilty verdicts in respect of both the accused.

R v Rankin, Isleworth Crown Court – Instructions for the Defence – An unusual dangerous dogs case in which the victim had died as a result of his injuries without making a formal statement. The prosecution case was thus based entirely on hearsay evidence. Relentless determination to extract adequate and appropriate disclosure ultimately led to a successful s78 application to exclude the majority of the prosecution evidence, relying upon heavily on European and domestic jurisprudence. The prosecution was thus deprived of all key evidence, and the case was dismissed.

R v Ullah & S – Snaresbrook Crown Court – Instructions for the Prosecution – Allegation of GBH with intent involving a planned ‘revenge’ attack where the complainant was unwittingly lured to the scene by a third party. Upon Julia’s advice, the ‘third party’ was also arrested, charged and added to the indictment. Both defendants unanimously convicted by the jury, following a contested trial.

R v Popo – Snaresbrook Crown Court – Instructions for the Prosecution – Historic sexual abuse case spanning a period of 7 years during the complainant’s childhood.     Indictment redrafted alongside pre-trial advice to better reflect the period and type of offending, while providing clarity for the jury. Defendant unanimously convicted on all counts.

Publications:

Areas of practice


Appointments


Honorable Society of the Middle Temple

Criminal Bar Association

CPS Panel Grade 3

Advocate (Bar Pro Bono Unit)

Liberty

Amnesty International

Recognition


Jules Thorn Scholar of the Middle Temple

Goldsmith Chambers and its barristers are
regulated by the Bar Standards Board

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