Kelly Purcell-Chandler

Barrister | Called 2021

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Practice Summary

Kelly has a busy, varied practice both prosecuting and defending cases requiring attention to detail and analysis of complex legal issues.

Kelly is regularly instructed and represents clients accused of a range of offences from those that are violent and sexual in nature to charges that relate to motoring and dishonesty. She recently secured an acquittal along with three co-defendants after an 11-day trial at Coventry Crown Court. Her cross examination has been described by an opponent as “…clear, measured, impacting and persuasive.”

Kelly has been described as “…a dedicated advocate who combines a tenacious approach with an easy and approachable manner with clients.”

Kelly is currently a level 1 CPS panel advocate.

 

Education

    • LLB Birkbeck College, University of London
    • LLM Human Rights (Distinction) Birkbeck College, University of London
    • Bar Professional Training Course (VC) City, University of London

Kelly’s expertise

Criminal Law

Prior to a career at the Bar, Kelly obtained a distinction in her Human Rights LLM. Her dissertation was referred to as: “groundbreaking work in mental health”.

Kelly has previously volunteered with the Free Representation Unit representing individuals at their social security tribunals. She also supported clients at their disability hearings succeeding in having their benefits reinstated.

A former part-time tutor at Birkbeck University where Kelly taught contract and tort as well as EU Law, she also spent time teaching criminology as well as and law and politics at Ellern Mede (specialists in eating disorders for children). During volunteer work at Haringey Migrant Support Centre, she worked with people in her community helping them seek appropriate advice on issues such as immigration, social housing and children’s services.

Notable Cases

R x H [2025] (Reading CC) successfully prosecuted offensive weapon

R v L [2025] (Reading CC) successfully prosecuted a 6 count indictment including threats with a bladed article and intentional suffocation.

R v R [2025] (Coventry CC) successfully defending D1 in a 3 handed affray. The D had been acting in self-defence.

R v W [2024] (Oxford Youth Court) successful defended a young boy accused of sexual assault

R v W [2024] (Oxford CC) successful appeal to the Crown Court after the D was convicted of a s.5 Public Order offence. After serving carefully written submissions and caselaw the prosecution to allowed the appeal.

R v B [2024] (Oxford Magistrate Court) successfully defended a client in the magistrates the Crown were seeking an adjournment. I opposed the adjournment. The Crown could not disprove self defence therefore offered no evidence and the case was dismissed.

Awards
    • First cohort of Access to the Bar Awards (Middle Temple)
    • Harmsworth Scholarship (Major Award)
Appointments
    • Grade 1 CPS Panel Advocate
Interests

Outside of law Kelly enjoys spending time with her partner and children.