Overview
Lauren has developed a strong criminal law practice that belies her level of Call. She is regularly instructed by both the prosecution and the defence in the most serious cases. She is a Grade 3 prosecutor who is RASSO accredited. When defending, she is routinely instructed to represent clients charged with serious allegations including murder, attempted murder, large-scale drug conspiracies and sexual offences.
Lauren is known on circuit as being a persuasive advocate who is thorough in her preparation and attention to detail, leaving no stone unturned in her assessment of papers and disclosure queries. She is able to analyse lengthy and complex evidence strategically and present her case both comprehensively and passionately to a jury.
Before qualifying as a barrister in 2018, Lauren had experience working as a criminal defence paralegal. This included conducting litigation on her own Crown Court caseload. Lauren also previously worked as a County Court Advocate, where she acted on behalf of both claimants and defendants in a variety of civil hearings including infant approvals, bankruptcy proceedings and landlord and tenant disputes.
Lauren has extensive experience both defending and prosecuting in the Crown Court. She is well equipped to deal with cases involving young and vulnerable witnesses and defendants.
She is regularly instructed to act in cases involving violent assaults, drugs, dishonesty, weapons and sexual offences. Lauren receives both public and private instructions.
Crime
Areas of expertise:
Murder/Manslaughter
Serious and Organised Crime
Fraud
Money Laundering
Serious Sexual Offences
Human Trafficking/Modern Slavery
Notable Cases
R -v- JG – Junior Counsel led by Andrew Bird KC instructed for a defendant charged with murder. Lauren played a pro-active role as junior counsel during the seven week trial at Winchester Crown Court, including conducting cross-examination of a forensic pathologist. The cross-examination centred on the issue of causation of both the non-fatal injuries and the fatal stab wound sustained by the deceased.
R -v- MF – Junior Counsel led by Peter Moulson KC instructed for the first of six defendants charged with murder and robbery. The trial lasted eight weeks and was heard before the Honourable Mr Justice Wall at Birmingham Crown Court.
R -v- RA – Lauren secured the acquittal of a client charged with two offences of conspiracy to supply controlled drugs of Class A after a three week trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court. The allegations involved a complex criminal network supplying drugs valued at £1.2 million in the Tower Hamlets area of London, prosecuted by King’s Counsel and a junior barrister.
R -v- AB – Junior Counsel instructed for one of three defendants charged with conspiracy to murder and possession of firearms with intent to endanger life. The case centred on a shooting in central London and involved questions over the admissibility of EMS tagging evidence, cell-site and gang association. Lauren, led by Miss Meek, secured the acquittal of the client following a successful submission of no case to answer following the close of the prosecution case.
R -v- ES – Lauren secured the unanimous acquittal of a defendant charged with six offences including attempted rape, assault by penetration and trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence. The cross-examination in this case was conducted under Section 28 Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999.
Education
In 2017, after graduating with a First Class Honours degree in Law, Lauren received a full ‘Exhibition Scholarship’ from The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple of £19,600 towards the BPTC as well as the ‘Regional Programme Leader’s Scholarship’ from BPP.
Following successful completion of the BPTC, Lauren was awarded a prize for achieving the highest mark of the year in the Advanced Criminal Litigation and Family Law modules on the course. Upon securing Pupillage, Lauren was also subsequently awarded the ‘Rachel Lawrence Scholarship’ from the Inn.
Memberships
Grade 3 CPS Panel – Authorised to prosecute serious and complex criminal cases on behalf of the Crown, reflecting experience, competence, and trust at an advanced level of prosecution work.
RASSO accredited – Accredited to prosecute and defend cases involving rape and serious sexual offences, demonstrating specialist training and experience in handling sensitive and complex evidence.
Member of the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple – Member of one of the four Inns of Court, providing professional training, collegiate support, and ongoing development throughout a barrister’s career.
Criminal Bar Association – Member of the national representative body for criminal barristers, supporting professional standards, advocacy, and the development of criminal practice.
Scholarships and Awards
Full ‘Exhibition Scholarship’ from The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple (2017)
Duke of Edinburg Award from The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple (2017)
Award for achieving the highest mark of the year in the Advanced Criminal Litigation and Family Law modules on the Bar Professional Training Course (2018)
Rachel Lawrence Pupillage Scholarship from The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple (2019)
Testimonials
“A calm, strategic barrister with a sharp mind and persuasive presence”, Legal 500
News
2KBW welcomes a new Member of Chambers
2KBW Chambers is pleased to welcome Lauren Hebditch to its criminal team. Called to the Bar in 2018, Lauren has quickly established herself as...
