News
James Horne recommended for appointment as King’s Counsel
Chambers is delighted to announce that James Horne has been recommended for appointment as King’s Counsel following his application in the 2022 competition
A warm welcome to Mark Knowles
Mark is a specialist Criminal practitioner with a national practice, his expertise spanning Murder, serious offences of violence, drug related crime, serious sexual offences and complex fraud
Result of the CBA Ballot
Following Monday’s announcement of the result of the CBA ballot and the return to court for all defence counsel, the members of Castle Gate Chambers would like to express their wholehearted appreciation for the support and solidarity shown by all of our Instructing Solicitors during the Days of Action. We stand united in our fight for the criminal justice system.
Nottingham Law School's Welcome Reception
Members of Castle Gate Chambers attended Nottingham Law School's Welcome Reception for the new intake of students on the Bar Training Course yesterday.
James Horne secured acquittal in Manslaughter case
James was instructed to defend as junior alone a 60-year-old man alleged to have unlawfully killed his 69-year-old neighbour, set against a background of long-term acrimony.
The Death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Castle Gate Chambers are saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and our thoughts are with her family at this difficult time. As the longest reigning monarch in history, the loss will be felt by a great many, both domestically and overseas, and we are heartened to learn that there will be a period of mourning for our former sovereign. We wish His Majesty King Charles III the very best for the future.
A Warm Welcome to Matthew Hayes
Matt brings a wealth of experience to chambers having specialised in criminal law for the past 23 years
The Crisis in the Criminal Courts
Almas Ben-Aribia's grand day out was a great success. Almas was one of a group of barristers who spoke at the Houses of Parliament to discuss the crisis in the criminal courts. The Law Gazette has quoted some of Almas's passionate testimonial. Well done for doing Castle Gate Chambers and the Bar proud.
Portland Tiara Theft
3 members of Castle Gate Chambers, Simon Eckersley, Laura Pitman, and Lucy Jones recently represented 3 of the 10 defendants in this high profile case at Nottingham Crown Court.
James Armstrong-Holmes appointed as a legally qualified member of the Chartered Insurance Institute’s Independent Review Pool
We are delighted to announce that James Armstrong-Holmes has been appointed as a legally qualified member of the Chartered Insurance Institute’s Independent Review Pool (IRP).
The Nottingham Legal walk
Castle Gate Chambers took part in the Nottingham Legal walk last week on 19th May. In raising £585 for The Access to Justice Foundation, we surpassed our target of £475 and were in fact the second highest fundraising team that took part in the event.
A Warm Welcome To Stephen Cobley
Steve is now in his third decade of criminal defence work. He has the portfolio of cases of an accomplished advocate and a consequent wide-ranging knowledge across the criminal spectrum.
Members of Castle Gate Chambers will be taking part in the Nottingham Legal Walk
On Thursday 19th May 2022 we will be raising money for The Access to Justice Foundation
No Returns - Chambers Statement
From 11th April 2022, members of Castle Gate Chambers will not accept returns of publicly funded defence cases. To be clear, this is a decision of last resort, and in direct support of the national action being taken by the Criminal Bar Association in relation to fees.
Laura Hocknell appointed Deputy District Judge (Magistrates’ Courts)
Chambers is delighted to announce that Laura Hocknell has been appointed by The Lord Chief Justice as a Deputy District Judge (Magistrates’ Courts)
Clive Stockwell QC voted The Nottinghamshire Law Society Barrister of the Year 2021
Congratulations to Clive Stockwell QC who has won the prestigious award during the annual ceremony which took place on 10th November 2021
A Warm Welcome To James Armstrong-Holmes
James joined Chambers on 1st November 2021 following a 6 year period within a well-established Criminal Set in London
Silks Ceremony 2021
Congratulations to Andrew Vout QC who was formally awarded with his Queens Counsel title at the Appointments Ceremony in Westminster Hall yesterday (1st November 2021).
CASTLE GATE CHAMBERS PUPILLAGE APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
Castle Gate Chambers is a recently established boutique set of talented criminal practitioners, collectively committed to developing and enhancing the East Midlands Bar. We are down to earth, friendly, and are keen to recruit organically to ensure that we attract the best candidates who are most likely to thrive within our set, which prides itself on being communal and supportive.
A Warm Welcome to Stefan Fox
Stefan joined Castle Gate Chambers on June 1st 2021 and adds yet more experience to an already accomplished team. Stefan has a wealth of experience in cases involving offences of violence, drugs, sexual offences, dishonesty, and offences affecting public order
Andrew Vout Appointed as Queen's Counsel
Castlegate Chambers is proud to announce that Andrew Vout was appointed Queen’s Counsel today (15-03-2021).
A Warm Welcome to Laura Hocknell
Having established a reputation as a hard-working and down-to-earth barrister at one of London's largest practices, Laura joins Castle Gate Chambers on Feb 1st 2021 and we're thrilled to have her on board.