Mari accepts work across all areas of law, which includes crime, family, and civil law. She completed her pupillage at 9 Park Place Chambers and was accepted as a tenant in September 2023.
Mari is originally from Neath and studied Law at Swansea University achieving a First-Class Degree. During her studies, she competed in various competitions, including the Oxford University Press Moot and the National Medical Moot where she was a semi-finalist. She was also the winner of the Internal Moot Competition in 2019 and 2020. Mari worked part-time as a legal clerk throughout her studies.
Following this, she studied the Bar course at Cardiff University and attained an Outstanding. Notably, Mari had the highest mark in cross-examination, and, with her team, won the Internal Mock Trial competition.
Mari received financial scholarships due to her academic and advocacy achievements, such as the Neuberger Prize from the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn and the Family Law Bar Association scholarship.
Outside of work, Mari is a keen kayaker and competes in canoe polo. She has previously competed nationally l in canoe slalom and was a member of the GB canoe polo squad. Additionally, she competes in triathlons.
Mari has extensive experience representing clients at various stages of private law proceedings. She has worked on cases involving contested issues of residence and contact, national and international relocation, and applications for specific issue orders and prohibited steps orders.
Mari has also represented clients in applications for non-molestation orders and occupation orders.
Her work includes representing vulnerable clients, including those who lack capacity.
Mari has been instructed in care proceedings by both local authorities and parents. She has worked on cases involving serious matters, which include, but are not limited to, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect.
Mari has experience in financial remedy proceedings, which has included providing advice and representing clients in Court. She has dealt with disputes regarding pensions and the former matrimonial home.
Mari has a busy criminal law practice, regularly appearing in the Crown Court to represent both the prosecution and the defence. She is a CPS Level 2 Prosecutor and deals with a broad range of criminal cases from drug offences to violent crimes.
Mari is frequently instructed by the probation service for breach hearings and applications to amend.
Mari has been instructed by local authorities for regulatory offences.
Mari is instructed in a range of civil matters, including landlord/tenant disputes, personal injury claims, and bankruptcy proceedings.
She has provided written work including advice and statements of case.
- Swansea University, Law (LLB), First Class Honours (2018-2021)
- Cardiff University, Bar Course (BTC), Outstanding (2021-2022)
Mari is originally from Neath and studied Law at Swansea University achieving a First. During her studies, she competed in various competitions, including the Oxford University Press Moot and the National Medical Moot where she was a semi-finalist. She was also a runner-up in Future Legal Mind, a national essay competition.
Mari worked part-time as a legal clerk throughout her studies. Following this, she studied the Bar course at Cardiff University and attained an Outstanding, ranking second in her year. Notably, Mari had the highest mark in cross-examination, and won as a team the Internal Mock Trial competition.
Mari received financial scholarships due to her academic and advocacy achievements, such as the Neuberger Prize from the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn and the Family Law Bar Association scholarship.
- Family Law Bar Association Scholarship, 2022
- Internal Mock Trial Winners at Cardiff University, 2022
- Oxford University Press National Mooting Competition, semi-finalist, 2021
- Neuberger Prize, the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn, 2020
- Future Legal Mind Award, National Essay Competition, 2nd place, 2020
- Internal Mooting Competition Winner at Swansea University, 2019 and 2020
- National Medical Moot, semi-finalist, 2019
- Scholarship of Excellence, Swansea University, 2018
Please click here to view and download a copy of Mari Watkins’ Privacy Policy.