Emma was called to the Bar in 2001 by the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn and practised as a barrister at New Park Court Chambers in Newcastle until 2014. Specialising in Criminal Law, Emma prosecuted and defended a broad range of cases, including very serious cases, in the Crown Court and Youth Court. She remains an Academic Member of New Park Court Chambers. Emma is currently an Associate Professor of Law and her research focuses on expert evidence in the criminal justice system, with a particular emphasis on the communication of such evidence. Emma has published widely in this area in both legal and scientific peer reviewed articles, book chapters and case notes. Her most recent article, published in Forensic Science International, proposes a framework to assist both lawyers and scientists in the assessment of reliability. 

Following long-standing roles as Director of Learning and Teaching with responsibility for Postgraduate Professional Programmes and Director of the Bar Programmes (which included the design and BSB validation of the new Northumbria Bar Course), Emma retains an interest in the training of legal professionals, particularly the Bar. 

Emma has been involved in inter-disciplinary research applications generating funding of over £350,000 in the area of criminal justice co-operation within the EU. 

Emma is a Case Note Editor for the Journal of Criminal Law.  Emma is also a Committee Member of the Society of Legal Scholars representing Northumbria University and an External Examiner appointed by the Bar Standards Board.  

Emma is also involved in International Development on behalf of the Law School with responsibility for assisting in overseas partner management and development. Emma has particular responsibility currently for Malaysia, Thailand and Mauritius.