Profile description
Before becoming a Barrister, Jeanette had a previous career in the Police Force and spent time working as a Criminal Investigator for the Home Office Criminal & Financial Investigations.
During her time at The Home Office, Jeanette was appointed an Extradition Officer travelling abroad and working in partnership with agencies such as Europol, Interpol & International Police Forces. She has also worked as a Crown Prosecutor at the CPS and completed secondments for the likes of the Serious Fraud Office and National Crime Agency. Therefore she has a unique insight into the other side of the fence.
Jeanette was called to the Bar in 2012 and has since had experience and success focusing on criminal and family law. She is also able to accept instructions for inquests, professional discipline and proceeds of crime proceedings. Please see Jeanette's profiles below.
Jeanette’s approach
Jeanette, as an ex-detective and Crown Prosecutor knows the ins and outs of the other side of the fence and approaches all her cases with a fine tooth comb to make sure that everything as it should be - if not Jeanette is quick to inform the prosecution and make arguments for dismissal which has happened on a number of occasions. Jeanette will always treat your case very seriously, put the time in and do all she can to ensure a positive outcome.
Other Experience
On the side of Jeanette’s legal practice, she has her own TV consultancy firm where she works with writers and production companies who make TV drama and documentaries involving law. She has produced a number of true crime/police access shows for Sky, BBC and C5. She has also been the Legal Advisor on some well-known TV crime dramas for the BBC, ITV and Netflix. She is Coronation Street’s appointed Legal Advisor advising on their legal and police stories. She has worked on Happy Valley and Jimmy McGovern’s BAFTA winning prison Drama 'Time' (BBC)
Criminal Law
Jeanette specialises in Criminal Law both in the Magistrates, Crown Courts and Appeal Courts throughout the UK. She regularly receives cases to defend people in all manner of cases from theft to more serious cases such as serious assaults, sexual offences and people trafficking. Jeanette has been successful in achieving many acquittals for clients and prides herself in her attention to detail. She has the unique insight into how a case should be built by the police and the CPS from her previous years working for the police and the CPS as a Crown Prosecutor. She has a keen eye to spot when things have not been done as they should, and she is quick to take issue and advantage on behalf of her client.
What Jeanette’s clients say about her:
- I had the privilege of being represented by Jeanette Ashmole for my appeal against conviction in the Birmingham Crown Court, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. From the outset this was an extremely aggressive prosecution by the CPS due to me once being employed by the CPS myself. My job, legal qualifications and livelihood was at stake because of this wrongful conviction leaving me in tears every night for a year!! Her expertise in criminal law is unmatched, and her dedication to her clients is exemplary. The Judge in my appeal was extremely intimidating, however Jeanette's strategic approach, attention to detail, and exceptional advocacy skills were instrumental in achieving a favorable outcome in my case. Her professionalism, empathy, and unwavering commitment to justice make her an invaluable asset to anyone in need of legal representation in criminal matters. I sympathise with anyone who finds themselves on the opposing side of Jeanette Ashmole’s legal prowess !!! In my humble opinion a future Judge!!! I wholeheartedly endorse Jeanette Ashmole for anyone seeking a highly skilled and compassionate barrister. Words cannot describe my gratitude. Ashad Khan – Criminal Law Client
- I would like to write my best recommendation for brilliant Barrister, Jeanette. I had previously very poor experiences and I was largely unsupported and even discouraged to pursue my way to seek justice. Due to difficult circumstances, I carried a burden of the backlog issues to be dealt with and was very distressed about it and almost lost hope. When I contacted Mrs Jeanette, I had welcoming advice and right away I was given an immediate, clear view about the course of action to take. It not only made me feel supported but soon resulted in a winning case, where the judge himself was motivated to help. Throughout the case, reading my correspondence, Ms Jeanette quickly saw through the real issues most relevant to claiming justice and prepared all the documents to communicate a clear message in the most effective ways, backed with strong law points. This led to victory. We now had our first success, one more issue to deal with and I found out about the new relevant grounds within the next 24 hours as Ms Jeanette has already done the research about the relevant law. I also learned I can claim back some legal costs. Ms Jeanette is the best lawyer I ever had contact with, is brilliant, highly supportive, helps so efficiently, is highly organised and focused on the issues involved. She truly represents the best interest of her clients and serves justice. I also know I would probably not find my way to justice without her help. I am so grateful for all her hard work, dedication and invaluable support I received. After a long journey, my faith in justice is restored. Thank you, Jeanette. Magdalena Krol – Criminal Law Client
Motoring Offences
Jeanette has represented many clients who have found themselves in court charged with motor offences including clients who without their licence would find themselves jobless. Jeanette understands that a charge that may seem minor to the court and the police can have catastrophic consequences on clients and their families. That is why Jeanette has a proven track record of doing everything in her power to have her client's cases resolved positively and as quickly as possible. Jeanette's previous success has included saving many clients from totting disqualifications through successful arguments of exceptional hardship, liaising with the CPS to reduce the charge to avoid a ban and even liaising with the police/CPS to have cases dropped. Whatever your situation, don't do it alone and instruct Jeanette as soon as possible.
What Jeanette’s clients say about her:
- Jeanette was understanding and extremely professional yet always provided an honest view of my chances of success and the various routes a case like mine could take. Which was not good at all. My case was not straight forward however, Jeanette’s knowledge and experience was exemplary and fully evident during the trial which resulted in a win. I would like to thank Jeanette for her professional service and I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone. I cannot thank Jeanette enough for all her help and support representing me on the day. I would highly recommend her, literally would of been lost without Jeanette there on the day. Amazing defence and I am a very happy person. D.Baynton – Motoring Law Client
- Jeanette Stevenson is one barrister NOT to be missed! After having previously experienced probably Britain’s most useless advocate to then be introduced to Miss Stevenson was a complete Godsend. This charming, intelligent and resourceful young woman saved my career and cleared my name completely. She also made sure I was fully reimbursed of all costs. Her ability to listen to reasonably complex information and timeline under pressure is truly remarkable. I understand that Jeanette didn't have the easiest start in life and has worked hard to get where she is today. This is a woman that genuinely cares about the situation you are in and will do EVERYTHING to get justice for YOU’. S Hammond (Leicestershire) - Motoring Law Client
- Jeanette Stevenson - what an AMAZING young woman! She recently represented me in Court. My previous Barrister just homed in to one aspect of law and that was it and consequently we lost the original hearing. I decided to take it to the hilt as I was dumbfounded at the appalling system of the courts and the quality of the judge in question. Jeanette showed up with wig and pen and a lovely smile. She had such a small amount of time to absorb a lot of information and i thought as with the previous Barrister she wouldn’t be interested anyway. Boy was I wrong. She understood the detail almost immediately. Giving her information at 100 miles per hour- no problem for Jeanette. Straight into court no faffing about just humility and an inner self-assurance. There is no wonder she has commendations etc. What a superb career she has ahead of her. Hopefully a future judge. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Jeanette. Samantha H – Motoring Law Client
- Today I was in court for a road traffic accident that wasn’t my fault, I was blamed for being dishonest and lying basically but with the help from this barrister I was able to walk away with a decent claim, I couldn’t thank this lady enough she was very helpful, very supportive, very friendly and fantastic at her job, I would definitely use her again, even the conference call we had before the court hearing she was very helpful, she never backed down and gave enough evidence for myself to win the case, very happy with the outcome, also makes you feel like a friend not just a client thank you so much. Jeanette was understanding and extremely professional yet always provided an honest view of my chances of success and the various routes a case like mine could take. Which was not good at all. My case was not straight forward however, Jeanette’s knowledge and experience was exemplary and fully evident during the trial which resulted in a win. I would like to thank Jeanette for her professional service and I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone. I cannot thank Jeanette enough for all her help and support representing me on the day. I would highly recommend her, literally would of been lost without Jeanette there on the day. Amazing defence and I am a very happy person. Miss Crawford - Motoring Law Client
- Excellent Barrister, experienced, professional and knowledgeable. She helped me with a driving case that had been going on for over a year. Within the first week of her taking the case it was all settled in my favour!! Matt Waldheim - Motoring Law Client
Family Law
Jeanette specialises in cases involving Child Arrangements. As Jeanette also practises Criminal Law, this means that she can take full advantage of her robust cross-examination skills in the family court arena when those making allegations can be robustly tested. She prides herself on offering her clients a prompt and efficient service, supported by robust advocacy in court. Coming from a non-traditional background and having experienced first-hand the family court as a child, she fully understands the stress and anxiety this can bring to the whole family. Jeanette is compassionate with all her clients and fiercely represents their best interests. Jeanette is the obvious choice for cases involving fact finding hearings.
Work Jeanette accepts in Family Law
Jeanette is well-placed to accept instructions in Family Law matters. She has experience of dealing with vulnerable witnesses & clients including young children. During her time as a criminal investigator, she was trained to deal with vulnerable witnesses and defendants where she helped people trafficked into the UK.
Jeanette is able to advise on the breakup of a family and the consequential impact this has on the arrangements for the children. Disputes concerning children can present parents, family members and courts with some of the most challenging decisions of all. Jeanette can help anyone who finds themselves in conflict about children. In situations where there are serious concerns about a child’s immediate safety and welfare, Jeanette is able to act urgently to provide them with protection through court orders.
You can instruct Jeanette to do the following:
- Representation in all hearings including Fact Finding Trials
- Initial letter of request to the other party seeking contact laying out the legal position.
- Drafting child arrangement order applications – the court will decide who a child lives with and how much time they will spend with the other parent including the types of contact
- Drafting applications for variations of a child arrangement order
- Drafting consent orders - to formalise an arrangement agreed by the parties
- Drafting applications for prohibited steps order - preventing a person from doing something
- Drafting applications for specific steps order – requiring a person to do something
- Drafting applications for change of a child’s school or surname
- Application for relocation of a child to live in another area or country
What Jeanette’s Family law clients say
- I contacted Jeanette Stevenson when I needed help in order to be able to take my daughter abroad on holiday. Jeanette advised me what I was legally entitled to and wrote to my ex-partner with a proposed agreement to facilitate the holiday which was agreed. Jeanette drafted a Consent Order which was formalised by Court. Then, in the week leading up to the holiday when my ex-partner was being difficult, Jeanette hastily sent a letter enforcing that the agreement had been signed by both parties and that she was bound by it. This enabled me to take my daughter on holiday. Jeanette was exceptionally helpful during this particularly stressful time. Also, on another occasions, when I made an application to vary my Child Arrangements Order Jeanette gave me advice and helped me fill out the C100 application form and also helped with writing my statements for court. Jeanette is extremely professional and swift with her responses. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jeanette for all the support and guidance she gave me during a difficult and stressful time which resulted in the outcome I had hoped for both myself and my daughter. Jeanette Stevenson is an EXCELLENT family barrister and I have no reservations in recommending her. Mr Bowen – Family Law Client
- I honestly can’t thank Jeanette enough for all the hard work she put into my family case! I would definitely recommend her! She was compassionate, friendly whilst remaining professional and really good value compared to what I have paid in the past! Miss Lammie - Family Law Client
- I would highly recommend Jeanette from the first meeting to last she has been efficient switched on and communicative at a great speed whilst also having a proactive and dynamic approach to getting results and the job done. I was bewildered by the whole justice and family legal system but Jeanette explained everything to me and couldn’t have done anymore so for anyone wanting fantastic and a great service from start to finish don’t look elsewhere. I wish her all the best. Mr Binfield - Family Law Client
- Jeanette was recommended to me by a friend and from our very first chat I knew we would work together. Jeanette is so down to earth but couldn't be more competent and efficient at the same time. Jeanette was extremely approachable and compassionate to our situation. I would highly recommend her services. A real professional and wonderful lady. Debbie Nelson – Family Law Client
Jeanette's Professional & Academic Record
• LLB (Hons) with Criminology - The University of Derby 2:1
• BPTC - Nottingham Law School - Very Competent
Scholarships & Prizes
- Lord Diplock Scholarship – Middle Temple Major Scholarship
- Degree of Success Scholarship –The University of Derby in partnership with the Derby Telegraph Newspaper. Major scholarship to cover entire degree fees.
- Crown Court Commendation (as an Investigator)– Awarded by HHJ Brown sitting at Leicester Crown Court. An investigation into a six-handed conspiracy to breach UK immigration laws by facilitating sham marriages. The Commendation stated: “His Honour Judge Brown commends Jeanette Stevenson for the way in which the case was investigated and the evidence collated. It was a cross jurisdictional complex case and the officer was professional, thorough and impressive throughout”
- Home Office Commendation – Award for dedication, commitment and professionalism.
Other achivements, Training & Appointments
- 2024: Invited by Director of ‘Universities UK’ to be 1 of 2 speakers at a Special Reception at The House of Parliament (part of Universities UK ‘First in the family’ campaign)
- 2022: Contacted by Stacey Dooley Journalist to be interviewed on her BBC ‘Freshstarts’ podcast about her untraditional route to qualify as a Barrister.
- 2022: Appointed Director (Trustee) Board Member of Derby County Community Trust
- 2019: Appointed Alumni & Membership Board Member at The University of Derby.
- 2018: Appointed Associate Law Lecturer at The University of Derby
- Training: Professionalising Investigations Programme: College of Policing Level 1 & 2 – Volume & Complex Crime
- Training: The Home Office & College of Policing: Award for highest mark achieved for the National Investigators Exam (testing rules of evidence, knowledge of law and procedure) – awarded grades “Exceptional”
- Advisory: The Metropolitan Police: Invited to advise the Modern-Day Slavery and Trafficking Unit in relation to ongoing investigations and ABE interviews. This involved an attachment in London.
- Achievement: Minute to Win It Gameshow ITV – Applied and took part in a Gameshow to raise extra money needed for Bar School.
- Achievement: White Collar Boxing: Trained and took part in a fight to raise money for Marie Currie Cancer Care on 20th Anniversary of Mothers Death.
