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Shereener’s career started as she meant it to continue; fighting for fundamental freedoms and human rights. Pupillage in 1996 was at Sibghat Kadri’s 6 King’s Bench Walk. She became a tenant there in 1997specialising principally in criminal defence work. Shereener continued in the area of criminal defence when she moved to Garden Court Chambers. She regularly appeared in crown courts across the country; becoming counsel of choice to firms specialising in representing young defendants charged with serious gang-related violence. She single-handedly built a reputation for herself in this area whilst a member of the crime team. (A copy of Shereener's profile when she was a member of the Crime Team is availble upon request.) Shereener's appointment as Chambers' Equal Opportunities Officer in 2007 renewed her interest in employment and discrimination law. She was in this post for three years and attended a number of training courses to assist in her execution of this role. Returning to practice in 2009 after a one year absence following the birth of her third child, Shereener decided to specialise in employment law. Typical of her attitude and commitment to excellence, she was not content to simply rebrand herself. Therefore Shereener undertook a three month unpaid placement with the Employment Law Department at Leigh Day & Co Solicitors. Whilst at Leigh Day, Shereener assisted in the high profile case of Miriam O'Reilly v BBC. Shereener is committed to access to justice and is regularly instructed by the Bar Pro Bono Unit. Shereener won the 2011 Sidney Elland Goldsmith Bar Pro Bono Award. Lord Goldsmith, who led the judging panel, said: "This year's winner exemplifies my belief that pro bono is part of being a barrister. Despite existing personal commitments and the challenge of moving to a completely new practice area at the Bar, Shereener Browne has worked tirelessly on pro bono cases with little fanfare. Testimonials emphasise Shereener's willingness to go far beyond her original instructions in order to achieve the right outcome for her clients and this dedication has not gone unnoticed by colleagues and contemporaries. Shereener's ongoing commitment to pro bono work undoubtedly influences those around her to take on their own pro bono work." Among Shereener's many strengths are her detailed case preparation and her witness-handling abilities honed over 12 years of being a trial advocate in complex criminal cases. Shereener's cross examination skills were described by an Employment Judge in a recent case as "higly effective". Recent/Noteable cases- MCKay v DWP: Two week full hearing on behalf of claimant bringing claims under DDA.
- Eames v Forensic Science Service: Legal argument at PHR on meaning of "obligatory period" in s136 ERA 1996.
- Johnson v Boston Mayflower Housing Assoc.: Advice concerning covert surveillance of an employee. Whether article 8 ECHR engaged and whether surveillance amounted to a breach of the implied term of trust and confidence.
- Akintola v West Coast Trains: Whether employee fairly dismissed in circumstances where his work visa had expired but he had made an application to extend the visa before it expired.
- CLC solicitors v Methuen: Legal argument before the EAT on strike out of discrimination claims. Click here to read a report of this case in the Law Society Gazette.
- Clare de Rose v Specsavers: Whether a partner to a joint venture agreement could be fixed with liability as an agent of an individual accused of discriminatory acts. Case settled before EAT hearing.
- Bruce v DSTL : Represntation at a full hearing claiming unfair dismissal of a senior scientist. Claim was successful with the ET ordering reinstatement.
Reporting restrictions and Contempt of Court Shereener is interested in Freedom of Expression, in particular as it relates to reporting restrictions (mainly in the course of criminal proceedings) and contempt proceedings. Shereener was involved on behalf of Media Organisations in the lifting of a reporting restriction order in respect of a recent high profile criminal case. In order to further her practical knowledge of the law in this area, Shereener did a short placement in the legal department of the Guardian Newspaper. Publications and Appearances- Editor along with David Renton of Chambers' Employment Law Bulletin, published fortnightly. Click here to download past editions.
- Contributor to "The Human Rights Act 1998: A Practical Guide" edited by Ramby De Mello and published by Jordans.
- "The Lawrence inquiry and institutionalised racism - what is their relevance to the legal profession" appeared in the August 1999 edition of Counsel magazine.
- Contributor to "Human Rights in the Investigation and Prosecution of Crime" published by Oxford University Press.
- Shereener wrote a blog for the Bar Council website.
- Shereener has also appeared on BBC London Newsand has been quoted on BBC News Online, the New Law Journal and the Sunday Times.
- Shereener's Article entitled "Crime, Rehabilitation and the Right to Private Life: where should the Bright Line fall?" has recently been published in the Discrimination Lawyers Association Newsletter "Briefings" and is soon to be published in Counsel Magazine.
Membership- Employment Lawyers Association
- Employment Law Bar Association
- Discrimination Lawyers Association
Community WorkShereener was a mentor for two years with the Southwark Black Mentor Scheme, a scheme designed to encourage young black people aged between 14 and 15 to go onto further education. Shereener has in the past taken part in careers talks at South Bank University from where she graduated in 1995. She welcomes requests to talk to young people attending schools in economically deprived areas about pursuing a career in law. Shereener recently delivered two well-received lectures: one at Burlington Danes Secondary School, the other at Lincoln's Inn Hall. Shereener is regularly asked to judge mooting competitions at major Universities. OtherShereener is a advocacy teacher for the Inner Temple. PastimesShereener is a keen cyclist, cycling to and from court where possible. In 2010 she completed the London Duathalon raising funds for charity. She also enjoys portrait painting and singing jazz.
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