Helena Williams joins Exchange Chambers

March 15, 2021

Criminal barrister Helena Williams has joined Exchange Chambers.

Helena, who was called to the Bar in 2018, joins Exchange after successfully completing her pupillage at Foundry Chambers in London.

Helena is the second criminal barrister to join Exchange from a London Chambers this year, following  arrival in February.

During her first six months of pupillage, Helena assisted in a wide range of criminal trials including fraud, murder, rape and drug conspiracies.

Since then, Helena has built a busy criminal practice, prosecuting and defending in trials in the Youth and Magistrates Court. She has dealt with a variety of hearings in the Crown Court including appeals against conviction and sentences. Helena has also successfully been appointed to the CPS Advocates Panel.

Prior to commencing pupillage Helena worked as a paralegal at a criminal defence firm working on a variety of matters, including cash forfeiture, dishonesty offences, sexual offences, drug offences and judicial reviews.

Whilst on the Bar Professional Training Course, Helena volunteered with the Free Representation Unit, where she represented clients at the Social Security Tribunal and the Personal Support Unit, where she assisted litigants in person in the civil and family courts. She gained particular experience working with those who had never attended court before and vulnerable clients.

Outside of criminal law, Helena has worked as a paralegal in public children law acting on behalf of local authorities, parents and guardians.

Commenting on her decision to join Exchange Chambers, Helena Williams, who will be based in Manchester said:

“Based in Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds, Exchange Chambers is a Northern powerhouse with strength in depth across the board.

“I am delighted to join such a progressive, forward-thinking Set as I build my career at the Bar.”

Exchange Chambers is currently inviting applications from barristers across all locations, practice areas and levels of seniority.

To meet an ever-increasing workload, our criminal department is particularly interested in receiving applications from barristers under ten years’ call.

To apply, or for further information, please contact Jonathan I’Anson (Chief Executive) in the strictest confidence.