Jade Wray

I have recently completed the Bar (BVS) at City, University of London with a specialism in criminal advocacy, My experience includes working directly with offenders at Brixton Prison, where I delivered rehabilitation workshops and gained valuable insight into the criminal justice system from the perspective of those it affects most. I have also undertaken extensive pro bono work supporting clients in criminal matters, developing strong advocacy, case preparation, and legal research skills.

In addition, I worked at Solace Women’s Aid as part of the SASS team (Sexual and Domestic Violence Service), supporting Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs). This involved advising clients on police reporting, criminal proceedings, and protective measures, as well as providing emotional support and guidance on housing and financial issues.

I am now seeking to build on these experiences in a criminal paralegal role, where I can contribute to case preparation, client support, and defence strategy while further developing my legal career in criminal defence.

Outside of academia, my interests could be fairly divided across hot yoga, pottery and salsa dancing. I am a certified Yogi and look forward to a retreat in Summer 2024 in Athens. I also have a Diploma in Art and Design with a specialism in pottery, and even with the demands of my course still aim to ‘wheel throw’ at least once a week. Finally, I dance Salsa professionally three times a week and I am even booked for a ‘salsa week’ holiday with my mum who is a Salsa teacher.

1 Garden Court Moot 2023 – semi finalist

Participation in 1GC Family moot opened my eyes to the fascinating field of International Family Law and public law, both areas I am eager to delve into further.

City University, Mooting Prize 2023: Following a number of successes at internal competitions, I was awarded a mooting prize and was selected to represent my university at the European Law Moot Court annual competition.

Dean’s Award, University of Nottingham, 2022: At University my Dissertation won the Deans award.

Sustainability Award, University of Nottingham, 2022: While participating in the Sustainability Society, I worked on a national initiative that sought to link food waste to the wider cause of sustainability, rather than it being regarded as a niche interest of the few.

U18 Women’s County Chess Champion, 2015: I won the U18’s County Chess Competition at the age of 15 – despite being the youngest in the competition.

CPD Certified Alcohol and Drugs awareness

Training provided by the Association of Lawyers for Children (ALC) - equipped me with specialised guidance on assessing the competence of children to give direct instructions and representing them in legal proceeding

Training in Preparing and Defending International Child Abduction Cases: Practice and Procedure. I completed a specialised training led by Forum Shah, Partner at Dawson Cornwell LLP and accredited member of the International Child Abduction and Contact Unit (ICACU). Training included: international abduction cases, pleading defences, and handling ex-parte and on-notice hearing.

Current projects

Bar Reform Council- Researched and contributed to a Bar Reform Council publication focusing on domestic abuse and new legislation for women. This work involved collaborating with Solace Women’s Aid and included specialised training in the area. My research aimed to address critical issues and propose reforms to enhance legal protections for women affected by domestic abuse.

Membership and Legal Advice Competition- I am active member of the Young Association of Lawyers for Children.I am also participating in the Legal Advice Competition 2024, which includes an essay exploring how courts determine the recognition of a legal father in fertility treatment cases. The essay emphasises that the child's welfare is the court’s paramount consideration in such applications.