Victoria Burgess
Year of Call 2006

 

Family

Victoria undertakes all forms of private law children work, including residence, contact and disputes over issues such as schooling and medical treatment. Victoria has a particular interest in applications for contact by non-parents, including applications by grandparents, siblings and step-parents. Victoria is able to deal sensitively with the often difficult circumstances of such applications as well as offering realistic and practical advice.

Victoria is regularly instructed in applications under the Family Law Act including emergency applications at short notice.

Victoria also undertakes public law instructions. She has experience of being instructed on behalf of local authorities, children's guardians and extended family members as well as parents.

Prior to being called to the Bar, Victoria worked in the family department of a large firm of solicitors. This means that she understands the concerns and pressures of instructing solicitors. Victoria was also a volunteer at the Citizens Advice Bureau Specialist Family Advice Centre, based at the Royal Courts of Justice.

Crime

Victoria has experience of a wide range of non-CPS prosecutions. She spent several months seconded as in-house Counsel for a large London local authority in their criminal prosecutions team. She liaised directly with investigating teams on evidence and case preparation including charging advice and disclosure. She is also instructed by the Department of Works and Pensions, SERCO and the Probation Service.

Victoria uses this knowledge and experience to defend clients facing a wide range of private prosecutions, e.g. environmental, health and safety and planning offences.

Education

BA (Hons) in History, University of Durham.
Common Professional Examination (Commendation), City University.
Bar Vocational Course (Very Competent), Inns of Court School of Law.

David Karmel Entrance Award (Gray's Inn).