“She has a degree of empathy and understanding which enables her to deal with sensitive matters, together with the confidence and maturity to handle the challenging situations which arise in practice.”
Neerja Sharma is experienced in both criminal defence and prosecution. She has a broad ranging practice which includes cases concerning serious violence, public disorder, sexual offences, dishonesty including aggravated burglary, and drug importation. She is fluent in Punjabi and Hindi
As a led junior has she has experience of producing complex schedules in both the prosecution and defence of large scale drug importation. She can process a large amount of complex information and translate it into a legible and coherent documentation in a short space of time.
Neerja was led in the prosecution of a high profile historical rape trial. The allegations related to the abuse of under-age boys by an individual closely connected to Chichester Cathedral and School during the 1970’s and 80’s.
“I had every confidence in Neerja’s ability to deal with such a sensitive and difficult case and recommended her to the CPS to be my junior.”
During the early part of her career she was seconded to HMRCE, following which she was regularly instructed by HMRCE in both the magistrates’ and Crown Court. She is on the CPS list and has also prosecuted for Royal Mail, Westminster City Council, DWP and the RSPCA. She has defended Police Officers at Disciplinary hearings to appeal level.
More recently Neerja has gained experienced in employment law. She has advised at all stages of employment disputes, from grievance and disciplinary proceedings, settlement agreements, negotiating resolutions through to litigation in Tribunal. She has experience of cases ranging from wrongful and unfair dismissal, working time and flexible working to all types of discrimination claims. She has advised upon, and is experienced in drafting employment documents, including contracts of employment, disciplinary and grievance procedures, employee handbooks, settlement agreements and COT3’s. Her most high profile case was Rawsthorn v easyBus in which she represented the Claimant in a successful unfair dismissal claim.
Neerja travelled through South East Asia, Australasia, French Polynesia and the United States before embarking on her legal career. This ambition enhanced her personal development and forced her to adapt to changing environments whilst accepting and appreciating different cultures, languages traditions and ways of life. This undoubtedly has made a significant contribution to her ability both as an advocate and to empathise and understand the range of people encountered at the criminal Bar.