News
Alan Kent KC Joins Castle Gate as a Door Tenant
We are delighted to announce that Alan Kent KC has joined us as a Door Tenant. Alan is a Band 1 KC in the Chambers and Partners rankings. He is also a Leading Silk in the Legal 500.
Amelia Bodenham begins Pupillage at Castle Gate
A warm welcome to Amelia who commenced Pupillage on 12th October 2026 under the supervision of Stephen Cobley. Amelia will be available to instruct in the spring of 2027 when she will be in her 2nd Six. We wish Amelia every success at the start of her journey at the Criminal Bar.
Andie Lee begins Pupillage at Castle Gate
A warm welcome to Andie who commenced Pupillage on 5th October 2026 under the supervision of James Horne KC and Laura Hocknell. Andie will be available to instruct in the spring of 2027 when she will be in her 2nd Six. We wish Andie every success at the start of her journey at the Criminal Bar.
Jack Ferdinando and William Shelley Secure Tenancy
We are delighted to announce that both Jack and Will have been successful in their applications for tenancy following completion of Pupillage. We are extremely proud and are thrilled to have them both on board as members of Chambers!
Success in the Court of Appeal – Murder conviction quashed
Rebecca Coleman, led by Laurie-Anne Power KC, successfully argued that their client’s conviction for Murder was unsafe.
Sophie Horne becomes permanent Fees Clerk
We are delighted to announce that Sophie has accepted an invitation from Chambers to work alongside Sarah Underwood as a Fees Clerk on a permanent basis. Welcome aboard, Sophie!
A warm welcome to Dominic Shelley
Called to the bar in 2003, Dominic is a specialist criminal defence practitioner who is well-known across the circuit for his formidable advocacy and trial experience
Laura Hocknell Appointed as a Recorder
We are delighted to announce that Laura Hocknell has been appointed as a Recorder by His Majesty the King on the recommendation of the Lord Chancellor.
Pupillage at Castle Gate Chambers, A Pupil’s Perspective by Amelia Trem
I was asked to write a “day in the life” of a pupil at Castle Gate Chambers, but for me pupillage was so vast and varied that picking one single day would not fairly capture the experience. Having only recently completed pupillage, I felt it would be helpful to reflect instead on the key points that I took away from my time as a pupil at Castle Gate Chambers.
Amelia Trem and Philip Cowburn Secure Tenancy at Castle Gate
We are delighted to announce that both Amelia & Philip have accepted respective invitations to join Castle Gate as tenants following successful completion of Pupillage.
East Midlands Pupillage Fair
Castle Gate Chambers will be taking part in the first East Midlands Pupillage Fair on 8th November 2025. We look forward to seeing you all there.
Castle Gate And Members Ranked in 2026 Legal 500
We are delighted to share that Castle Gate and it’s members have been placed in the 2026 Legal 500 rankings (crime - general and fraud).
Jack Ferdinando begins Pupillage at Castle Gate
A warm welcome to Jack who commences Pupillage today (Monday 6th October 2025) under the supervision of Rebecca Coleman & Stefan Fox
William Shelley begins Pupillage at Castle Gate
A warm welcome to William who commences his Pupillage today (Monday 22nd September 2025) under the supervision of Simon Eckersley.
Daniel Church appointed District Judge (Magistrates’ Courts)
The King has appointed Daniel Church to be a District Judge (Magistrates’ Courts) on the advice of the Lord Chancellor, the Right Honourable Shabana Mahmood MP and the Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales, the Right Honourable the Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill.
James Armstrong-Holmes takes full-time Judicial Post
The Senior President of Tribunals, the Right Honourable Sir Keith Lindblom, has appointed James Armstrong-Holmes as a salaried Judge of the First-tier Tribunal, General Regulatory Chamber, with effect from today, Friday 7th March 2025
Amelia Trem begins Pupillage at Castle Gate
A warm welcome to Amelia who commences pupillage today (28th October) under the supervision of Katrina Wilson. Amelia will be available to instruct in the spring of 2025 and we wish her every success at the Criminal Bar!
New face in the Clerks Room
Chambers is delighted to share that Jack Simmons will begin his new role within the Clerks’ Room today. Welcome aboard, Jack!
Stefan Fox appointed to the Parole Board
The Secretary of State for Justice has appointed Stefan Fox to the Parole Board for England and Wales.
Philip Cowburn begins Pupillage at Castle Gate
A warm welcome to Philip who commences his pupillage today (7th October 2024) under the supervision of Simon Eckersley. Philip will be available to instruct in the spring of 2025 and we wish him all the very best as he starts his journey at the Criminal Bar
Castle Gate and Members Ranked in 2025 Legal 500
We are delighted to share that Castle Gate and its members have, once again, been placed in this year’s Legal 500 (crime - general and fraud).
Lucy Jones appointed Assistant Junior of the Midland Circuit
We are delighted to announce that Lucy Jones has been selected as Assistant Junior of the Midland Circuit.
James Armstrong-Holmes has been appointed to the RFU’s national disciplinary panel
He will sit on panels which hear foul play and misconduct cases at Level 1-4 of the Men’s game (Level 1 being Premiership Rugby) and Level 1 of the Women’s game (Premiership Women’s Rugby). Appeals from regional Constituent Body Disciplinary Panels may additionally be heard.
Ellesse Taylor secures tenancy following successful pupillage
Castle Gate is delighted to announce that Ellesse Taylor has accepted full tenancy following her successful pupillage with us.
Almas Ben-Aribia and Lucy Jones Attend Advanced International Advocacy Course
Almas Ben-Aribia and Lucy Jones attended the week long Advanced International Advocacy Course at Keble College, Oxford.
The Criminal Bar Association (CBA) Wellbeing Protocol
Castle Gate Chambers will be adopting the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) Wellbeing Protocol with effect from 27th April 2024
Castle Gate Chambers prize awarded to best performing student at Nottingham Law School
As part of our ongoing relationship with Nottingham Law School, we have been delighted to sponsor the prize for the Best Performing Student on the Criminal Law with Mooting module on the LLB course at Nottingham Law School.
Ellesse Taylor begins Pupillage
A warm welcome to Ellesse who commenced Pupillage at Castle Gate on 25th September 2023
Legal 500 (Legalease) - Members of Castle Gate make rankings
Chambers is delighted to share that the following members appear in the rankings of this year’s Legal 500...
A warm welcome to Daniel Church
Dan has represented defendants at trials involving a range of serious offences including conspiracy to supply drugs, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, kidnap, false imprisonment, robbery and money laundering