Practice areas:
courts martial

One Paper Buildings has a team of experienced advocates who regularly appear before various Military Courts in the United Kingdom and abroad.  Before the closures of some of the Military Court Centres the team appeared in cases in Portsmouth, Aldershot, Bulford, Catterick, Colchester, Gutersloh, Hohne and Osnabruck; now the team regularly appear at hearings in Portsmouth, Bulford, Catterick, Colchester and Sennelager. Members of the team are happy and willing to travel to any location at which the Courts sit.

All members of the Courts-Martial team recognise and understand the realities of life in the services; members are especially aware of the need to gain the trust of the lay-client from the start and that, in many cases, service personnel are more used to following orders than giving instructions. Members of the Courts-Martial team appreciate the concern and distress that comes with being investigated and accused of offences, especially when the accused is abroad.  To that end members are happy to advise and become involved early on in any investigation. Additionally mobile phone numbers and e-mail addresses can be provided to enable speedy and effective responses to any questions or concerns.
Instructions are received, and welcomed, both from civilian solicitors and from the Armed Forces Criminal Legal Aid Authority (‘AFCLAA’):

• Forces personnel based outside the UK are able to request a member of the Courts-Martial team by filling in the relevant section on the Legal Aid Form.  When completing the Armed Forces Legal Aid Form insert 'a Barrister from One Paper Buildings'.  Chambers will then be contacted by AFCLAA, and a barrister will be nominated to have conduct of the case.
• For forces personnel based in the UK who have already instructed a civilian solicitor, but feel that they desire the expertise of experienced trial advocates, the Courts-Martial team are happy to accept referrals from any solicitor countrywide.  It should be noted that at present a barrister is professionally unable to attend the police station (whether Civilian or Service) with the serviceman or woman; Chambers have close links with Solicitors (who themselves have experience in dealing with military personnel and their families) so we may be able to assist in providing details of a solicitor who could attend.

The Clerking team is particularly aware of the logistical difficulties faced by service personnel being stationed world-wide, and are experienced at arranging pre-trial conferences, including by video-link. They have a very good relationship with the Military Court Service.

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