Poppy Cleary

“She was excellent, when I looked her up part way through day two I was astonished to find that she was a pupil and invited her in to Chambers at the conclusion of the case to offer her a reference should she want one.

Poppy… had to run her case without this key witness to use as a presentation tool. No easy task for an experienced advocate with years of such cases to draw on, Poppy rose to the task and did an excellent job.

She presented the case with aplomb, ensuring the important features of the evidence were emphasised without descending into inadmissible comment.

She managed to keep momentum which is always difficult when taking a jury through a bundle of hundreds of pages of cell site material.  She cross examined [the Defendant] with confidence and precision – focussing on the good points without wasting time on the weaker ones. Her speech was equally focussed.

Overall, I would never have known this was one of her first few Crown Court trials and she acquitted herself with more ability and gravitas than many advocates with decades more experience.  I would be delighted to see her again at [their court] and look forward to seeing her career progress in the future.”

“We instructed Poppy Cleary at only two days' notice ahead of a contested trial, and she prepared and handled the case superbly. Of the three charges originally brought, she successfully negotiated for one to be withdrawn before trial began. At trial, she had a second charge dismissed at half-time, cross-examined the prosecution's witnesses with real skill, and successfully opposed an application to introduce prejudicial press coverage. Her closing speech secured a full acquittal on the remaining charge, meaning our client avoided a Football Banning Order the Crown would otherwise have pursued. Throughout, she combined thorough preparation with a calm, reassuring manner for our client and his family. We would not hesitate to instruct her again.”

“After discussing the case with the reviewing lawyer and his manager I then spoke directly with Ms Cleary. I was immediately impressed by her. She was familiar with this type of case and not at all fazed by it. Based on our conversation I formed the view she is one of the most able pupils I have encountered.”

“The client and his family have asked me to pass on their thanks as well. They were all extremely pleased with the representation yesterday and felt that [the Defendant] could not have been in safer hands.”

“Thank you so much Poppy for stepping in at the last moment and tackling a case such as this. It had additional complications that arose during the trial which you competently addressed. I certainly wouldn't hesitate to recommend you for future cases.”

“Your handling of a defendant who was clearly pent up with a lot of anger and frustration at how he feels he has been treated, yet remaining focused on the fact that you knew what was in his best interests is a huge testament to your brilliance as an advocate and as a person… I was particularly impressed with your ability to deal with the other side of the story whilst not detracting from the impact on the victims or being disparaging of them. Real skill.”