Christine Hayes

Christine worked as a dispensing optician for a number of years before pausing to have children and then returning to full-time study to complete a law degree.  She was called to the Bar in 1999.  She began her career in London before moving to East Anglian Chambers to complete her pupillage.
She undertakes work throughout East Anglia and London.

Public Law

Christine advises and acts for :

• Local Authorities – particularly advising on complex legal issues
• Parents – especially those with learning difficulties and mental health and substance misuse issues
• Children and interveners

She has experience in serious NAI cases (including concurrent family law and criminal proceedings) and cases of sexual abuse.

She has acted for all parties in adoption proceedings and in the Court of Protection.

Private Law

Christine acts for all parties in matters of divorce, contact and residence with particular expertise in matters of domestic violence

Criminal Law

Christine has prosecuted and defended in the Divisional, Crown and Magistrates courts.  She has worked particularly with vulnerable and child witnesses.
She has undertaken appeals by case stated, proceeds of crime applications and PII matters, and has considerable experience of vetting materials for such applications.
She has also undertaken prosecutions for the RSPCA, the DWP and Trading Standards.

Other

Christine has acted as clerk for education appeals (both on issues of admission and exclusion).
She has assisted in training DWP staff and social workers in developing their court room skills and has taken part in mock trials for both the public and for schools.