Abbie Shepherd
Criminal Defence Barrister
Abbie is a Criminal Defence Barrister, working as part of the in-house Crown Court Department, after successfully completing pupillage in July 2026 under the supervision of Mr Ronnie Manek.
During pupillage, Abbie successfully conducted two Crown Court trials and gained experience across a broad range of serious and complex criminal cases. She assisted Mr Manek in matters involving causing death by dangerous driving, robbery, firearms offences and attempted murder.
Abbie is actively developing a busy criminal defence practice. She accepts instructions in both the Magistrates' Court and Crown Court, representing clients charged with a wide variety of offences, including: drug offences, robbery, sexual offences and violent offences.
Abbie has also successfully completed specialist youth justice training and has experience representing young people in the Youth Court.
Before coming to the Bar, Abbie worked in healthcare regulation, where she assisted and supported doctors in meeting their professional and regulatory obligations to the General Medical Council. This experience developed her ability to manage sensitive cases, analyse complex regulatory issues and support professionals facing proceedings with potentially significant consequences for their careers.
Abbie brings thorough preparation, sound judgement and a calm, client-focused approach to every case.
Education and Qualifications
Abbie Shepherd completed the Bar Professional Training Course with an LLM at The University of Law, following her undergraduate studies in Law with International Relations at the University of East London.
Notable Experience or Interests outside of Law
Abbie has a longstanding passion for interior design, having previously worked as a Kitchen Designer before pursuing a career at the Bar.
"I cannot thank GT Stewart Solicitors & Advocates enough for the professionalism, dedication and support they have shown throughout my case. From the very beginning, they took the time to explain everything clearly, kept me updated and made sure i understood every step of the process. A special thank you to Abbie Sheppard and Ruta Mikailaite, who were both exceptional. They were knowledgeable, responsive, compassionate and genuinely committed to achieving the best possible outcome. Their attention to detail and willingness to answer any questions gave me confidence during what was a very stressful time. I always felt that my case was taken seriously and handled with care. Their communication was excellent and they were always approachable and professional. I would highly recommend GT Stewart Solicitors & Advocates to anyone looking for experienced, trustworthy, and dedicated legal representation. Thank you again for all your hard work."
K v H (Royal Courts of Justice) — Two‑handed trial involving four counts of possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs, and possessing a bladed article. After a four‑day trial; both defendants acquitted on all counts. Represented D2; successfully opposed bad character application and half-time submissions were made, albeit the court found there was a case to answer.
K v S (City of London Magistrates’) — Client acquitted of assaulting an emergency worker.
K v T (Canterbury Crown Court) — Affray charge; prosecution offered no evidence on the first day of trial after self‑defence representations were made on our client’s behalf.
K v J (Inner London Crown Court) — Imitation firearm charge; Crown offered no evidence following hearings and written representations. Our client was pleased to remain of good character.
K v B (Crown Court) — Crown accepted lesser plea to theft rather than robbery after oral submissions were made on our clients behalf at the first hearing that the offence of robbery was not made out in law. Following a short adjournment the Crown agreed with our submissions.
K v P (Croydon Magistrates Court) — Client acquitted of assault by beating after a one-day trial. The trial involved a ground rules hearing as both complainant and the defendant were vulnerable, both required sensitivity and careful witness handling techniques.
Contact Abbie
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