Laura Cawsey

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.

Prison law

Instructed in all forms of prison law including representation at adjudications, lifer panels and recall hearings. Also undertakes Judicial Review work in this area, recent examples include challenges to Parole Board refusals, to procedural irregularities, to delays in Recall Hearings and to re-categorisation of foreign nationals.

Other activities

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

Member of Manchester Prison Law Practitioners Group (MPLPG)

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.