“I have been working with Helen for several years now, and it has been nothing but a pleasure. I can rest easy knowing that Helen has everything under control and that each case is given the care and attention it deserves. Helen understands what needs to be done, reflected in her confidence as a litigator. She is respected and trusted by clients and barristers alike.”
“Helen is a first-class caseworker, who leaves no stone unturned for her clients.
Helen’s handling of vulnerable clients in particular, is second to none, be they young or old.
You wouldn’t be disappointed with Helen on your side!”
“I have worked with Helen for many years, both as head of the Oxford Crown Court Department at Reeds and then as an independent barrister receiving instructions from her. She is hugely experienced and able. Our cases tend to run smoothly – mostly due to her hard work and efficiency. I try to avoid out of hours contact, but when an emergency arises, I can rely upon Helen to help me out.
Our clients can often be more than a little challenging and demanding. Helen always deals with this with patience and care.
I really cannot speak highly enough about Helen and will continue to welcome the opportunity to work with her.”
“Helen has instructed me in several serious and tricky cases over the last year. Her preparation of her cases and instructions to counsel are faultless. Instructions taken from her clients are always clear and relevant to the issues in the case.”
“Helen always keeps me informed as to what next steps are necessary, keeping me and the client updated at every step of the way. She is always on the ball and has often sorted out issues I want to raise before I’ve had a chance to raise them! It is always a pleasure to receive instructions from Helen”
“I have been working with Helen for several years now, and it has been nothing but a pleasure. I can rest easy knowing that Helen has everything under control and that each case is given the care and attention it deserves. Helen understands what needs to be done, reflected in her confidence as a litigator. She is respected and trusted by clients and barristers alike.”
“Helen is a first-class caseworker, who leaves no stone unturned for her clients.
Helen’s handling of vulnerable clients in particular, is second to none, be they young or old.
You wouldn’t be disappointed with Helen on your side!”
“I have worked with Helen for many years, both as head of the Oxford Crown Court Department at Reeds and then as an independent barrister receiving instructions from her. She is hugely experienced and able. Our cases tend to run smoothly – mostly due to her hard work and efficiency. I try to avoid out of hours contact, but when an emergency arises, I can rely upon Helen to help me out.
Our clients can often be more than a little challenging and demanding. Helen always deals with this with patience and care.
I really cannot speak highly enough about Helen and will continue to welcome the opportunity to work with her.”
“Helen has instructed me in several serious and tricky cases over the last year. Her preparation of her cases and instructions to counsel are faultless. Instructions taken from her clients are always clear and relevant to the issues in the case.”
“Helen always keeps me informed as to what next steps are necessary, keeping me and the client updated at every step of the way. She is always on the ball and has often sorted out issues I want to raise before I’ve had a chance to raise them! It is always a pleasure to receive instructions from Helen”
“I have been working with Helen for several years now, and it has been nothing but a pleasure. I can rest easy knowing that Helen has everything under control and that each case is given the care and attention it deserves. Helen understands what needs to be done, reflected in her confidence as a litigator. She is respected and trusted by clients and barristers alike.”
Helen Locke is an Associate Caseworker in our Crown Court Department based in our Oxford Office.
Helen is a very experienced Caseworker, having worked exclusively within the field of Criminal Defence for over 20 years. She assists the Team with a number of complex and serious criminal cases including murder, rape and historical sexual offences. Helen also works with Barristers from London and the South East.
Helen’s day-to-day responsibilities include taking instructions from clients, drafting bail applications, drafting witness statements, instructing Experts and liaising with professionals to ensure that cases are prepared to a high standard in readiness for Trial.
Helen strives to put her clients at ease with her approachable manner and ensures her clients understand each stage of their case, as it can be a very daunting experience. For some, this is the first time in the Crown Court or in the Criminal Justice System at all and Helen’s patience and compassion are a great reassurance to her clients. Helen has also managed cases for and represented youth clients and those with other vulnerabilities, such as mental health difficulties or neurodiverse diagnoses.
Recent and notable cases
MW was charged with Attempted Rape. MW had learning difficulties and was 49 years old with the capacity of an 11 year old, and the intellect of a 6 year old. After a Trial, which included Expert Evidence, he was acquitted. (Salisbury Crown Court)
Client charged with two stranger rapes. Careful consideration of the unused material proved decisive. Client acquitted after Trial (Oxford Crown Court).
Historical Sexual Assault on two alleged victims. Acquitted after Trial (Oxford Crown Court).
Charged with Murder alongside 4 co-defendants. TG was young defendant who had never been before the Courts before. DNA evidence was a key part of the case and various Expert reports were sourced.
Multi-handed Murder. Careful consideration of CCTV evidence was required and Experts were instructed, plus interpretation of the issue of joint enterprise. The client was acquitted.
Sensitive case where the defendant was charged with various assaults, including s.18 GBH against his 2 year old son. The case involved careful consideration of medical evidence and instruction of Experts.
Represented the only female in a multi handed case of False Imprisonment and Sexual Assault, where the Complainant was subjected to 12 – 16 hours torture and abuse.
Defendant charged with the historical rape of his sister. Defendant had learning difficulties and required extra care in taking instructions. Partial acquittal (Winchester Crown Court).
Defendant charged with ABH whilst working as a doorman. Prosecution offered no evidence at re- Trial.
AL was accused of Sexual Assault and raised the defence of sexsomnia. A leading expert in this field was instructed and AL was acquitted after Trial (2025) (www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/24908685.oxford-man-cleared-sexual-assault-sexsomnia-defence/).
Testimonials
Your professional, capable staff were always respectful, empathic and courteous. Whether [this was] face to face, or over phone/video calls.
Client
Being fearful of the whole court experience, your staff were on hand with clear, concise instructions and would clarify everything I was unsure of. Thank you to each and every one of you.
Client
My solicitor was amazing, as was my caseworker Helen who ensured everything ran smoothly in the background. Helen was professional, patient and understanding. Thank you.
Client
Your professional, capable staff were always respectful, empathic and courteous. Whether [this was] face to face, or over phone/video calls.
Client
Being fearful of the whole court experience, your staff were on hand with clear, concise instructions and would clarify everything I was unsure of. Thank you to each and every one of you.
Client
My solicitor was amazing, as was my caseworker Helen who ensured everything ran smoothly in the background. Helen was professional, patient and understanding. Thank you.
Client
Your professional, capable staff were always respectful, empathic and courteous. Whether [this was] face to face, or over phone/video calls.
Client