Ruth Barber

I am a Senior Associate Solicitor in the Crime and Regulatory team, based in the Cambridge Office.

My career has spanned nearly three decades, specialising in criminal and regulatory litigation.  I was called to the Bar (Inner Temple) in 1996, then qualified as a Solicitor in 1998 after training at a West End London firm, where I dealt with high profile cases such as former members of the military charged with arms dealing and an extradition case appealed to the House of Lords.

I am an experienced court advocate. In 2005, I obtained my Higher Courts (Criminal Proceedings) qualification, and in 2006, I was appointed to the Attorney General’s list of Prosecution Advocates. I hold a master’s degree in Computer and Communications law and have a particular interest in computer misuse.

I worked as a duty solicitor in the Greater London area for many years before diversifying my practice to undertake private client and regulatory criminal cases involving the prosecution of companies and directors.  I prosecuted as an agent on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive for about ten years, specialising in fatal and high hazard cases, including offshore incidents. Immediately prior to working at Tees, I was employed as a prosecutor for the Insolvency Service.

Over the course of my career, I have dealt with almost every kind of criminal case, including driving matters, fraud, firearms, confiscation, companies act, insolvency, dangerous dogs and sexual offences. I am experienced in regulatory criminal law including health and safety, environmental law, care quality commission, planning breaches and proceedings before the Traffic Commissioner. I also provide representation at inquests, professional disciplinary tribunals and support for companies on corporate governance. I represent people both at court and at the police station, including anti social hours where necessary.

I also have substantial international experience, having worked for a number of years in Berlin, and three years as Public Solicitor on the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena.

“Being arrested or subject to investigation can be a highly stressful and distressing experience. I enjoy being able to support and reassure clients, guiding them through the process whilst endeavouring to obtain the best possible outcome.”