Hazel was called to the Bar in 2001 following a career in shipping and overseas trade, during which she travelled widely negotiating contracts and facilities management services, holding a directorship in a multinational shipping line. Hazel specialises in animal cruelty cases, prosecuting regularly for the RSPCA throughout the UK. Having particular knowledge of cases involving wild birds she has successfully prosecuted a number of high profile cases involving trapping of wild birds and cruelty to battery hens, including cases on appeal challenging expert evidence and the burden of proof. Having been instructed in numerous cases involving the examination and cross examination of expert witnesses, Hazel has acquired significant knowledge of animal and bird welfare, veterinary intervention and terminology that assists in presenting a coherent case.