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Diane’s extensive grounding in civil and criminal litigation at Hardwicke Building followed by general criminal practice in London and Leeds means that she is well able to deal with any criminal case or client with which she is presented. Her positive approach coupled with her ability to provide practical reasoned advice, both orally and in writing and within short time-frames, make her very popular with professional and lay clients alike. She is particularly skilled in dealing with sensitive issues involving vulnerable witnesses and clients, including the very young, as well as sensitive information for example that relating to intelligence provided to prosecution agencies. 

Her practice encompasses advisory work: her recent involvement in an application to the Criminal Case Review Commission resulted in a reference being made. 

Diane has appeared before all manner of tribunals and has acted as a Leading Junior as well as been led. The types of case she has undertaken in the past include child rape, involving the rape of a 5-year-old by his brother, baby manslaughter, to fraud and Appeals to the Court of Appeal involving HM Revenue and Customs. Whilst her practice is mainly Defence-based, she also prosecutes.   

Diane also practises in Northern Ireland, where she lectures at the University of Ulster. She is the joint co-ordinator in the Criminal and Civil Litigation Modules and undertakes the Course Director duties, which involved liaison with many institutions, including the Law Society of Northern Ireland.