Hazel Stevens BA M Inst FF

Hazel was called to the Bar in 2001 following a career in shipping and overseas trade, during which she travelled widely negotiating contracts and facilities management services and holding a directorship in a multinational shipping line.

Hazel undertakes family, criminal and certain aspects of commercial civil work.

Family

Briefed in both private and public law matters representing parents, children and the local authority in Care Proceedings in the Family Proceedings Court, County Court and High Court including Adoption, Placement and Special Guardianship applications.                      

In conjunction with her specialised criminal practice Hazel is adept at examination and cross examination of expert witnesses, and therefore in dealing with matters from inception, through directions to final outcome.

In private law matters her interpersonal skills are well utilised in contact and residence matters as well as injunctive relief, removal from jurisdiction and specific issue applications. Hazel regularly conducts conferences and undertakes written advices to assist busy clients in these matters.

From her previous career Hazel's well-practised negotiating skills are applied to Ancillary Relief and ToLATA applications to great effect.

Crime

Hazel specialises in animal cruelty cases, prosecuting regularly for the RSPCA throughout Essex, London and the Midlands.

Having particular knowledge of cases involving wild birds she has successfully prosecuted a number of high profile cases involving trapping of wild birds and cruelty to battery hens, including cases on appeal challenging expert evidence and the burden of proof.

Having been instructed in numerous cases involving the examination and cross examination of expert witnesses, Hazel has acquired significant knowledge of animal and bird welfare, veterinary intervention and terminology that assists in presenting a coherent case.

Civil

Having spent a number of years as a board member and senior manager in private industry, Hazel also makes use of that experience to accept instructions in employment law and in contract & commercial litigation.

Interests