Monika Zuziak-Shackleton is a Solicitor in the Prison Law Department, based in our Milton Keynes office. Monika works on all Prison Law matters including but not limited to determinate and indeterminate recalls, parole reviews and re-categorisation.
Monika provides advice and assistance to recalled prisoners who wish to challenge the decision to revoke their licence and be re-released. She also represents prisoners who are eligible to be considered for release or move to open prison. Monika can assist with written representations and oral hearings for indeterminate and determinate sentenced prisoners and often instructs expert psychologists and psychiatrists to prepare independent reports and challenge the recommendations for further work.
Prior to joining Reeds, Monika worked for BSB Solicitors, a criminal defence law firm based in London where she began as a paralegal and subsequently pursued a trainee position. At BSB Solicitors, Monika worked on an array of criminal cases including assault, criminal damage, extradition, driving offences, drug offences, Public Order offences, fare evasion and more. Prior to qualifying, Monika has also become a Police Station Accredited Representative and represented clients arrested for various offences at police stations across London.
Monika is dedicated to her work and always acts in her client’s best interest. She has an in-depth understanding of the law and is always seeking to deepen her legal knowledge. Having excellent logical, analytical and research skills, Monika can understand complex information and successfully navigate her clients through their case. She has great interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively and build strong working relationships with her clients and their families. Monika is also bilingual and, as a native Polish speaker, she regularly assists and represents Polish-speaking clients.
Specialist Recall Solicitor
Monika also deals with determinate and indeterminate sentence recalls. She understands that time is of the essence when making written representations to the Parole Board in support of re-release on licence and challenging any negative decision by way of an oral hearing. She also understands how stressful this process can be and is able to put our clients and their families at ease by explaining the process and keeping them well informed throughout the whole course. Monika puts great effort into her work and has a great deal of experience and a track record of successfully securing client’s re-release on the papers or following an oral hearing.
Authored Articles
Monika has written an article for Inside Time about people facing a prison recall. You can find the article here.
Recent and notable cases
A client was facing a life sentence recall for an alleged new offence. Monika submitted detailed representations to the Parole Board and, despite the outstanding investigation, secured O’s re-release on the papers.
This case involved a determinate sentence prisoner who following a successful oral hearing and re-release, was recalled again. This time for relapsing into substance misuse and increasing concerns around his behaviour within the Approved Premises. Monika has previously secured B’s re-release following an oral hearing. On this occasion, she was able to prepare in-depth representations and secure B’s re-release on the papers.
This was a standard determinate recall for further allegations which have not been proven. After conducting an oral hearing, H was granted release to the Approved Premises.
A determinate sentence prisoner was recalled for further offending which resulted in a new concurrent custodial sentence. The case was directed to an oral hearing and re-release was directed.
Testimonials
'Very helpful and keep me informed about my case. Even when I move prisons. I would recommend Reeds to All prisoners awaiting a parole hearing.'
Client
'I want to say thank you. You done an amazing job. You was not given much. I was very fortunate to have your assistance. I’m truly grateful and wish you the best...'
Client
'Monika Zuziak-Shackleton represented me on my recall matter and tried her upmost to help me. I thank her for all the work done.'
Client
'Monika went above & beyond to help me. She tried her hardest and should be praised for her efforts. I will also write to her to say thank you.'
Client
'Very helpful and keep me informed about my case. Even when I move prisons. I would recommend Reeds to All prisoners awaiting a parole hearing.'
Client
'I want to say thank you. You done an amazing job. You was not given much. I was very fortunate to have your assistance. I’m truly grateful and wish you the best...'
Client
'Monika Zuziak-Shackleton represented me on my recall matter and tried her upmost to help me. I thank her for all the work done.'
Client
'Monika went above & beyond to help me. She tried her hardest and should be praised for her efforts. I will also write to her to say thank you.'
Client