Laura Cawsey

"...sensitive, clear, firm, succinct and courteous advocacy..."

Unsolicited testimonial from a judge

Practice

Housing law
Undertakes the full range of housing law with a particular interest in homelessness, unlawful eviction and harassment. Advice and representation on all aspects of welfare benefits. Housing practice includes experience of challenging administrative decision making by way of judicial review.

Criminal defence
A junior practitioner covering a full range of criminal defence work in the Crown Court and Magistrates Court. Particular interest and experience in benefit fraud representing defendants charged with offences under the Social Security Administration Act 1992 (SSSA) and Theft Act 1968; has appeared in a number of substantial benefit fraud trials.

Recent cases have included:

• Application to dismiss (2010)
• Housing benefit - failure to declare paternity of child (2009)
• Witness intimidation, carrying bladed article, common assault and aggravated vehicle taking (2009)
• Witness intimidation (2009)
• Arson (2009)
• Child cruelty (2009)
• Dangerous driving (2009)
  

Civil actions against the police
Wrongful arrest, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution and negligence with a particular interest in cases involving human rights and civil liberties. Particularly points including unlawful detention claims on behalf of vulnerable clients and misfeasance in public office.

Welfare benefits
Experienced in defending benefit fraud in the criminal courts. Laura has recently been instructed in a judicial review case in regard to a child benefit dispute. She has an ongoing interest in both criminal and civil welfare benefit cases.

Previously worked for Shelter as an adviser and as a Welfare Rights Officer before being called to the bar.

Notable cases

Shields, R (on the application of) v Secretary of State for Justice [2008] EWHC 3102 (Admin); The Times January 14, 2009 (power to pardon under Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons 1983) > news story and judgment

Other activities

Provides specialist legal training to practitioners in housing law including legal updates and best practice.

Background and personal profile

Previously worked for Shelter as a legal adviser and as a Welfare Benefits advisor for a legal advice centre before being called to the bar.