Michelle Trevis
Stourbridge,West Midlands
Summary
I am a positive and compassionate person who believes in treating everyone with kindness, respect, and understanding. My faith and values have shaped me into someone who genuinely enjoys helping others, building meaningful relationships, and approaching every challenge with integrity, resilience, and an open mind.
Overview
1
1
Certification
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Criminal Defence Consultant
Self - Employed
Birmingham, West Midlands
07.2023 - Current
- Working as a Self-Employed Consultant for companies across the West Midlands as a Police Station Accredited Representative.
- Provided expert legal representation and advice to clients throughout the criminal justice process, including attendance at police stations to safeguard clients' rights during interviews and detention in accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE). Prepared and managed a broad caseload of criminal matters from initial instruction through to trial, with particular emphasis on serious and complex cases proceeding in the Crown Court. Responsible for reviewing evidence, advising on case strategy, drafting instructions to counsel, liaising with clients, witnesses, the Crown Prosecution Service, and the courts, and ensuring comprehensive trial preparation to secure the best possible outcomes. Maintained the highest standards of professional ethics, client care, whilst working collaboratively with criminal justice agencies.
Chartered Legal Executive
ESN Solicitors
Birmingham, West Midlands
10.2006 - 07.2023
- My role is to ensure that my clients legal rights are upheld and that they are given a fair trial. Providing legal advice and assistance to clients who face criminal proceedings.
- Providing advice to clients via telephone and in person.
- Reviewing documentation related to an offence including witness statements, exhibits, forensic reports.
- Researching, planning and investigating matters.
- Drafting legal documents
- Establishing a complete, accurate and compelling defence for the accused.
- Preparation of cases for both Magistrates' Court and Crown Court.
- Liaising with professional experts.
- Undertaking private instruction.
Police Station Accredited
ESN Solicitors
Birmingham, West Midlands
07.2008 - 07.2023
- I qualified as a police station accredited representative in 2008 representing detained clients at the police station.
- Supporting the person in custody by challenging evidence against them.
- Providing free and independent legal advice.
- I have been instructed in a manner of cases from minor to very serious and complex matters. I have years of experience representing both young people and adults in particular with Learning disabilities also suffering mental health issues.
- As a defence lawyer I maintain conduct of the case post charge, discussing funding and if eligible apply for legal aid, completing the online submission form.
- Once funding is in place, consideration of the evidence in the case as to its strength and weakness, obtaining clients instructions prior to their first appearance at court, advising on plea(s), credit and sentencing guidelines when necessary.
- Achieved positive and longstanding relationships with clients.
Advice Cafe
Pro bono Work
Sutton Coalfield, West Midlands
10.2013 - 10.2014
- I offered pro bono legal advice at the cafe on a number of matters.
- I obtained details as to the enquiry and ensured that the fee earner within the specified area contacted the potential client, if this area was outside my knowledge.
- This was a lovely way to give something back to the community and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there, which sadly was cut short due to funding.
Fee Earner - Criminal Defence
Lee Handy & Co
Erdington, West Midlands
08.2000 - 08.2006
- Criminal Defence Fee Earner - Crown Court Department
- Undertaking legal research
- Answering client calls, responding to queries ensuring a high level of client care.
- Maintaining case files
- Preparation of Crown Court cases
- Attending clients to obtain instructions whether this be at the office, prison or secure unit.
- Conducting conferences with Counsel, client and other expert.
- Attending Court to assist Counsel.
- Dealing with financial matters and time recording.
- Assist and participate with training initiatives within the firm.
- Maintain client confidentiality.
- Actively promote office relations with clients, their families and potential new clients.
Legal Secretary
O'Hagan & Co, Solicitors
Birmingham, West Midlands
01.1996 - 07.2000
- Audio typing for busy criminal department.
- Recorded and monitored court appearance dates.
- Mailed and arranged for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses and court officials.
- Maintained master calendar for client appointments and court appearances.
- Coordinated and scheduled meetings and conferences.
- Opened new client files.
- Logged all closed files to ensure that there destruction date was noted.
- Organised and prioritised case loads of solicitors.
- Ensured files meet audit requirements.
- Assisted in the Housing Disrepair Team ( 8 a.m. - 9 a.m.) to work through back log.
- Stayed within travel and expense budgets while scheduling solicitor travel arrangements.
- Photocopied all correspondence, documents and other printed materials.
- Processed and distributed invoices to bill clients.
- Organised and maintained law libraries, documents and case files.
- Received and disbursed all incoming post.
Education
Legal Executive - Each discipline studied
Sutton Coldfield College
Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham01-2009
'O' Levels -
Archbishop Grimshaw Roman Catholic School
Birmingham01-1985
Windy Arbor Primary School
Birmingham01-1975
Skills
- I am adaptable to any situation, thinking quickly on my feet Presenting information in a clear and concise manner whilst being able to adapt easily when something unexpected happens
- I am able to gather effective and relevant information
- Attention to detail is imperative, listening well and understanding what other people are saying whilst being empathetic towards others
- My current post can be very stressful as deadlines set by the court have to be met I do however work well under stressful conditions
- I have a good understanding of representing clients with learning disabilities and mental health issues
- I am diligent, organised and analytical
Hobbies
- I love being outdoors, camping, walking and cycling.
- I am spiritual, a positive thinker, calm, and centered: and always try to relate to others in a positive way by being kind compassionate and caring.
Certification
- Chartered Legal Executive with the Institute of Legal Executives.
- Police Station Representative.
Social Media
- My profile can be found on LinkedIn.com
Referees
- Mr Richard O'Hagan E: Recorder.O'Hagan@ejudiciary.net
- Mr Laurie Neale E: Laurie562@hotmail.com
Further referees upon request.
Timeline
Criminal Defence Consultant
Self - Employed
07.2023 - Current
Advice Cafe
Pro bono Work
10.2013 - 10.2014
Police Station Accredited
ESN Solicitors
07.2008 - 07.2023
Chartered Legal Executive
ESN Solicitors
10.2006 - 07.2023
Fee Earner - Criminal Defence
Lee Handy & Co
08.2000 - 08.2006
Legal Secretary
O'Hagan & Co, Solicitors
01.1996 - 07.2000
Windy Arbor Primary School
'O' Levels -
Archbishop Grimshaw Roman Catholic School
Legal Executive - Each discipline studied
Sutton Coldfield College