Jessica Slaughter LL B (Dunelm)

Prior to joining chambers Jessica worked for a domestic violence charity in the North-East of England and regularly appeared in criminal and family courts, supporting victims. She was also a general advisor at the Citizens Advice Bureau and provided assistance to clients with a range of legal problems.

Although based in Chelmsford, Jessica currently undertakes work in all areas of chambers’ practice across the region and on occasion beyond. In criminal matters she is frequently instructed by both prosecution and defence in Magistrates’ and Crown Courts. She represents privately and publicly funded defendants as well as prosecuting for the Probation Service, local authorities and the Crown Prosecution Service as a Level 1 panel advocate. Regularly prosecuting trial lists in the Magistrates’ Courts has given Jessica invaluable experience which inevitably assists with her defence practice. Jessica also has experience representing clients at Parole Board hearings.

Jessica’s likeable and friendly approach is commended by clients, who are pleased to see that she can then swiftly change into a robust courtroom advocate who can fight their corner.

In civil matters, Jessica is frequently instructed in personal injury claims, often involving children. Her civil practice ranges from small claims trials to applications and hearings involving fast-track and multi-track cases. Her civil paperwork includes drafting advices and pleadings in a wide range of matters including housing disputes, consumer credit agreements and wrongful interference with goods claims. Jessica is well liked by her clients for her attention to detail, in particular when faced with a procedural issue.
Jessica has experience with a range of tribunals, including the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal, Social Security Appeals Tribunal and the Employment Tribunal. She is able to both advise clients and represent them in such hearings.

Jessica also has a busy family practice and she receives instructions in both public and private law cases relating to children. Given her background in supporting domestic violence victims, Jessica is well placed to advise and represent clients in cases involving non-molestation and occupation orders. Jessica is anxious to ensure that representation will still be provided for those who need it given the recent changes to the family legal aid system and she is able to offer competitive rates.  She also appears in court on behalf of the Child Support Agency and has experience with applications for financial remedies.

Some comments from Jessica’s clients:-

-    “she was absolutely brilliant, she was so proactive and on the ball it was amazing to watch! Jessica took total charge from the moment she arrived, I could not have asked for better representation.”

-    “We are extremely thankful for Jessica’s representations in court – she was fantastic!”

-    “I couldn’t have asked for a better advocate.”