Emma Clarke

PERSONAL PROFILE

Emma Clarke became a tenant in Chambers following successful completion of pupillage under the supervision of Phil Barnes. She has developed a mixed practice of prosecuting and defending in both the Magistrates and Crown Court.

She now accepts instructions over a broad spectrum of offences and has gained experience in assisting clients with mental health vulnerabilities and prides herself on a client-focused approach.

She has gained a broad range of valuable trial experience, including making successful ‘no case’ submissions when defending, and securing convictions in prosecution cases despite having to rely on hearsay applications because of absent witnesses.

She is recognised for her client friendly approach coupled with meticulous preparation and a calm, confident manner.

Emma has quickly established a Category 2 prosecutor status and is also a member of the Government Legal Department’s ‘Junior Panel, under which she is currently assisting with the Covid-19 Public Inquiry.

Emma accepts instructions in private prosecution matters. She regularly represents the DVLA in matters on appeal, as well as prosecuting offences under the Covid-19 regulations.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Prior to coming to the Bar Emma won the UK's most prestigious mooting competition. At the final, held in the Royal Courts of Justice before Lord Saville, she was commended for her calm, clear and persuasive submissions. From there she was invited to compete in the Inner Temple Magna Carta Moot, in front of Lord Hughes.

In 2019 she was selected to represent the United Kingdom in the Commonwealth Moot held in Zambia, competing against twelve other countries. She made it undefeated to the final held in front of the Chief Justice of Northern Ireland, the Chief Justice of Trinidad and Tobago and a New Zealand Supreme Court Justice.

Emma remains involved in in mooting and is now the official drafter of the annual Inner Temple Magna Carta Moot.

Emma has a particular interest in community outreach. She previously volunteered to assist those without legal representation with welfare benefits appeals. She also volunteered for her university’s law clinic, providing legal advice in employment, family, and housing matters. She was one of a few students who worked to move the clinic online to support the most vulnerable during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Outside of work Emma is a keen swimmer, competing at county, regional and national level. She has enjoyed combining this with a strong interest in running to compete in biathlon, where she has won both regional and British championship titles.

She is also a devoted, although often exasperated, Aston Villa fan.