Charlotte Morrish

Charlotte specialises in Animal Law, with a particular focus on the enforcement of existing animal welfare legislation through the criminal justice system. She acts for the RSPCA, local authorities and NGOs and approaches all her cases with meticulous preparation and pragmatism, providing advice and guidance to prosecuting authorities from the pre-charge stage.

In order to further her specialist knowledge in this area, Charlotte has recently completed her studies for an MSc in International Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law (expected graduation 2026). Her final thesis explored the enforcement gap in animal welfare law and some of the legal barriers that exist within the criminal justice system.

Charlotte’s Animal Law practice draws on her background as a criminal barrister where she prosecuted and defended in a range of serious and complex cases including homicide, serious sexual offences and fraud and dishonesty offences. She was instructed as trial counsel (junior alone) in cases involving allegations of rape, conspiracy, fraud, drugs and serious violent offences, and as led junior in trials of multiple historic sexual offences and murder. Charlotte has also acted for the Health and Safety Executive and the Environment Agency in regulatory matters. Her extensive trial and appellate advocacy experience spans the Magistrates’ Court, Crown Court and Court of Appeal.

Charlotte also accepts instructions in police law and has a particular interest in matters involving animal welfare.