News
Find out what’s happening at KCH Garden Square, together with seminars, events, job opportunities and useful links – we’ll keep you up-to-date.
22nd April 2013
We are proud to announce that John Hallissey won the prestigious award for ‘Barrister of the year 2013’ at the Law Society Annual Ball in Leicester. On behalf of John we would like to thank all those who provided nominations and your continued support for Chambers.
22nd April 2013
We are delighted to announce that Amanda Cranny and Ivan Cartwright have been appointed as Assistant Deputy Coroners for Nottinghamshire.
26th March 2013
Stephen Lowne and Mark Watson have successfully prosecuted three defendants charged with murder. All three were found guilty after a five week trial at Northampton Crown Court.
14th March 2013
We are proud to announce that Chris Lowe and Ben Gow have been appointed on to the CPS Rape Panel.
We are also proud to announce that Kate Plummer has been successful in her application for Grade 2 on the CPS Advocate Panel.
12th March 2013
We are proud to announce that John Hallissey has been shortlisted for the ‘Leicestershire Law Society Barrister of the Year Award’. Chambers is sponsoring the award ceremony taking place on the 19th April 2013 at The Athena venue in Leicester – Good luck John!
7th March 2013
We are pleased to announce that one of our grade 4 prosecutors, Mr Jim Thomas, has received notification of acceptance on the following specialist panels: Serious Organised Crime Panel and the Proceeds of Crime Panel.
7th February 2013
The Disclosure Referencer
This new publication has been co-authored by two of our barristers, Alastair Munt and Caroline Bradley.
The Disclosure Referencer brings together all the relevant legislation, codes, rules, regulations, protocols and case law relating to the disclosure of evidence and materials in criminal proceedings both at Crown and Magistrates level.
It allows the reader to see where their duties lie and how best those duties can be fulfilled for each type of criminal case. The Disclosure Referencer can be used as a daily reference tool that immediately enables the practitioner to identify the rules and regulations which are relevant to each stage of the investigation and process.
Senior Presiding Judge, Lord Justice Goldring said “ This will be an invaluable guide for all criminal practitioners in this difficult and challenging area.”
Please contact Benjamin Trott if you are interested in a seminar or training workshop on Disclosure.
8th January 2013
Petrodel v Prest: An Assessment of the so-called “Cheat’s Charter”
Twelve years on from the pivotal decision of the House of Lords in White v White, the Court of Appeal has recently tackled yet another thorny issue in the realm of Ancillary Relief.
21st December 2012
Samuel Skinner represented one of the Appellants
Judgment from the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) re-sentencing. Find out more here.
11th December 2012
Standard Contractual Terms
From January 2013, KCH Garden Square Chambers will refer to the new Standard Contractual Terms. Details of the Bar Standard Board’s press release can be found here, along with the terms themselves.
21st November 2012
Jonathan Straw prosecutes this high profile case of a former Nottinghamshire Policeman. Read more here.
James Carter defends residents right for peace. Read more here.
James Carter acts for Derby City Council. Read more here.
8th November 2012
We’re proud to be awarded as a Top Ranked Leading Set by the Chambers UK Bar for 2013. This is what they had to say: “One of two sets dominating the East Midlands, KCH Garden Square benefits from operating out of both Nottingham and Leicester. It is widely perceived to be one of the criminal law heavyweight practices in the region, and is seen as being ‘at the forefront of changes affecting the Bar.’ Commentators predict that ‘it will thrive’ in years to come.”
The Chambers UK Bar also awarded three of our barristers as Leading Individuals for 2013, here are the comments:
“The highly experienced Ian Way is known by peers for his work against silks. Other barristers note that he is ‘extremely pleasant and able. If you get him, you get a fantastic barrister.’”
“Mark Van der Zwart is a particular specialist in cases involving ‘shaken baby syndrome’, and is highly adept at the complex expert evidence involved in such cases. On a more general level, his practice also encompasses complex drug cases.”
“Julie Warburton specialises in serious cases of violence against women and children, and also regularly acts in courts martial. She is skilled in the special measures applied to vulnerable witnesses, including witness examination via video link.”
5th November 2012
We’re pleased to announce the arrival of Sally Harrison QC.
Sally specialises in financial provision, with particular emphasis on big money cases and those involving family businesses, pension sharing and inherited wealth. Sally’s profile can be viewed here.
27th September 2012
We’re pleased to announce that we’re now Corporate Associate Members of the Leicestershire Law Society. Visit the website here.
25th September 2012
We are looking for established practitioners and junior counsel. Please see our advert in the Counsel Magazine or click here for more information.
24th September 2012
We have have some very positive inclusions in the latest edition of the Legal 500. Below are some of the comments:
“KCH Garden Square’s James Howlett is noted for his Chancery work, which includes boundary disputes, easements and restrictive covenants.”
“KCH Garden Square’s Mark van der Zwart is recommended for serious sexual offence cases, and ‘his ability in court is second to none’. Michael Cranmer Brown and Julie Warburton are also recommended.”
“At KCH Garden Square, Pami Dhadli’s ‘approachable manner is extremely popular with clients’.”
“Richard Pratt QC, Andrew Menary QC and Ian Unsworth QC all receive high-profile crime instructions.”
“Personal injury and clinical negligence, Andrew Moran QC is recommended.”
12th September 2012
Zoe Henry and Alex Davies become our newest tenants.
KCH Garden Square welcomes our newest tenants Zoe Henry and Alex Davies, who have successfully completed their pupillage with us. They are now building the practice in all three disciplines and client feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
23rd August 2012
Neil Wylie assists Nottingham City Council in gaining injunction.
A court injunction introduced nearly five months ago has put the brakes on car cruising in Netherfield and Colwick. More than 200 vehicles had been known to gather at Victoria Retail Park, in Netherfield, on Sunday evenings with groups also meeting during the week.
10th July 2012
In a very sensitive child abuse case, Moira Walsh (acting for the mother) has been successful in securing findings of sexual abuse against the Father amidst a backdrop of serious failings from both the Police and two Local Authorities.
Read more about this case on the Bailli website.
22nd June 2012
Gary Short successfully prosecuted a five-handed complex fraud in Nottingham Crown Court.
19th June 2012
Patrick Bowe is now a qualified arbitrator, a member of The Institute of Family Law Arbitrators and Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
Arbitration is now available as an option for dispute resolution in matrimonial finance disputes and in co-habitation property disputes. It has many advantages above resorting to the Courts. The parties are able to chose their Arbitrator, set the terms of reference for the arbitration and it is likely to be much quicker that resorting to the courts. Arbitration provided a consistency of decision maker which the courts can’t. It can provide a degree of certainty which is not often the case with the courts and has the potential to be much cheaper that the courts. Visit the IFLA website to learn more.
19th June 2012
James Howlett has written an article entitled ‘Fitzhugh v Fitzhugh’ which can be viewed here.
18th June 2012
Mark Watson has successfully appealed a sentence in the Court of Appeal. The sentence of 23 years was reduced to 19 years in respect of sexual offences against 4 child victims.
1st June 2012
James Thomas convicts all defendants in multi handed kidnap and torture case. Click here for front page newspaper story.
21st May 2012
Mr Goldrein QC has written an article about Public Interest in the court-room which can be viewed here.
16th May 2012
Jonathan Cox prosecutes for Leicester CPS. Defendant was convicted for 12 years for an offence of Section 18 GBH.
7th May 2012
Richard Holloway completed the ‘Nutty Norfolk Cycle Challenge’ covering 102 miles in 9 hours at the the weekend. He raised £500 in sponsorship for The Teenage Cancer Trust and Wooden Spoon Society cycling from Oakham to Norfolk.
4th May 2012
KCH Garden Square Barristers challenge Sakhi Solicitors to a 5-a-side football match at ‘Goals’ in Leicester.
Sakhi’s turned out in force with Nabeel, Sukh and Hammad leading a very confident and skillfull team. Whilst a valiant effort was made by Counsel and Clerks from Chambers, a combination of factors allowed Sakhi’s to come away victorious with the final score at 8-13.
A rematch is already proposed, and this time we can only hope that rain holds up, Lloyd Hawkins passes the ball, Jim Thomas doesn’t score any more own goals, James Bide Thomas doesn’t pass the ball straight to the opposition in front of goal, Jonathan Cox doesn’t wear his pink football socks, Gary Short doesn’t brutalize other players, Jon Colley gets a shot on target, Chris Lowry doesn’t tackle his own team mates, Alex Davies shows up... and Sakhi’s numerous semi-pro teenage ringers are unavailable to attend.
4th May 2012
Race abuse was “inexcusable” says actress Socha after she avoids jail.
BAFTA award winning actress escapes jail after pleading guilty to racially aggravated assault on a taxi driver. Mark van der Zwart was defending Lauren Socha. The full article can be read here.
27th April 2012
KCH Garden Square are delighted to welcome a new addition to the clerking team.
Chris Lowry joins KCH Garden Square having accumulated over four years of clerking experience at a number of specialist sets in London. Chris is responsible for clerking the Family and Civil teams alongside Russell Hobbs and Stuart Walker.
24th April 2012
James Thomas prosecutes for Leicester CPS. Defendant was convicted for 12 years for Threats to Kill.
23rd April 2012
John-James Hallissey completed the London Marathon.
His time was 4:28:20.
Congratulations John-James!
20th April 2012
James Thomas leads Jonathan Cox for Derby CPS, securing convictions in a multi handed conspiracy to produce class A and money laundering case.
26th March 2012
James Thomas prosecuting for Leicester CPS secures convictions in 7 handed £6.5 million fraud from Natwest Bank.
16th March 2012
James Thomas defends LP in multi-handed supply of Class A and money laundering at Preston Crown Court. All convicted except for LP.
14th March 2012
KCH Garden Square Nottingham welcomes as new members The Silks Team from 7 Harrington Street, Liverpool.
KCH Garden Square embarked on a programme of expansion commencing in 2011, when Nottingham based KCH merged with the Leicester set Garden Square. The newly merges set is now bringing in a team of silks with a national reputation. The QCs will at the same time remain as full members at 7 Harrington Street.
26th January 2012
Two Nottingham businessmen narrowly escaped being jailed after admitting running a business which left elderly people out of pocket. Samuel Skinner and James Cleary were defending the pair. The full article can be viewed here.
10th January 2012
We are delighted to announce a new arrival
We would like to welcome Moira Walsh to our Family and Mediation teams. Please contact a clerk for further details.
9th December 2011
James Thomas convicts two defendants in drug dealer gang related murder in Nottingham Crown Court.
7th December 2011
Alastair Munt has written an article on the changing landscape of Courts Martial; “On the 31st October 2009 the Armed Forces Act 2006 (AFA) and the Armed Forces (Courts Martial) Rules 2009 (AF(CM)R 2009) will come into force. The advent of the AFA reflects the increased willingness of the service justice system to be more ‘in tune’ with the civilian criminal justice system...”, it can be viewed here.
23rd November 2011
Zoe Henry has written an article on Jones v Kernott, entitled “An Opportunity for Some Clarification”, it can be viewed here.
21st November 2011
We are delighted to announce our new arrivals
We would like to welcome Ben Gow, James Carter and, on the 25th of this month, Nicola McIntosh. Please contact a clerk for further details.
17th November 2011
James Thomas prosecuting for Leicestershire County Council Trading Standards convicts pair for sophisticated internet business franchise fraud.
7th November 2011
Successful Sentence Appeal
Samuel Skinner has successfully appealed a sentence for dwelling burglary. The Lord Chief Justice reduced the sentence from four to three years.
21st October 2011
Kate Plummer becomes our newest tenant
KCH Garden Square welcomes our newest tenant Kate Plummer, who has successfully completed her pupillage with us. Kate has received some overwhelmingly positive client feedback so far.
17th October 2011
Successful Sentence Appeal
Gary Short has successfully appealed a sentence at the Royal Courts of Justice. Gary reduced 3 years 8 months down to just 3 years for Actual Bodily Harm.
27th September 2011
The Magnificent Seven
With the recent release of The Legal 500 2011, KCH Garden Square have some new barristers to be recommended by the highly regarded publication. Congratulations go to James Howlett, Pami Dhadli and Michael Cranmer Brown for their well deserved acknowledgements. Also commended for another year are Caroline Bradley, Julie Warburton, Mark van ver Zwart and Ian Way. You can read more in each barristers individual profiles.
10th September 2011
KCH Garden Square Launch Party
Leicester’s historic New Walk Museum and Art Gallery recently hosted a celebration of the recent merger between Nottingham based KCH Barristers and Leicester’s Garden Square Chambers to form KCH Garden Square.
1st September 2011
Marcus Harry becomes our newest tenant
KCH Garden Square welcomes our newest tenant Marcus Harry, who has successfully completed his pupillage with us. During his second six Marcus was instructed in all three disciplines and client feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
16th August 2011
Phil Gibbs appeared on BBC Radio Leicester
Phil joined host Jonathan Lampon to discuss the recent UK Riots and the sentences that were being handed out. Listen again here.
2nd August 2011
Mark van der Zwart commended by Chief Constable of Derbyshire
Together with other members of the prosecution team, Mark’s contribution to the ‘Operation Retriever’ investigation was recognised by a commendation from the Chief Constable of Derbyshire.
29th July 2011
We are delighted to announce the arrival of Richard Holloway
Richard was called in 1993 and is a specialist criminal advocate instructed exclusively by the defence.
15th July 2011
Launch party
Taking place at New Walk Museum & Art Gallery, Leicester, join us from 5.30pm to 11.30pm. Food and drink will be available together with live music provided by ‘The Saxophonists’.
4th July 2011
We are delighted to welcome our new pupil Zoe Henry
Zoe will be joining us in September as our new pupil for 2011-12.
Please contact a clerk for further details.
31st May 2011
We are delighted to announce the arrival of Sara McCarthy
Sara who lives in Leicester has a substantial practice that has been developed very quickly following her move to the Bar in 2009.
Previously she worked in the family department of a large Bristol firm of solicitors and this experience proved invaluable and enabled her to understand clients needs and expectations.
Her arrival from St. Mary’s Family Law Chambers increases our availability of counsel in the family team at KCH Garden Square. Our team comprises of over 20 established practitioners, based in two cities, who are therefore able to provide an effective and reliable service to our clients over a wide geographical area and with a continued commitment to publicly funded clients.
26th May 2011
We are delighted to welcome Stephen Taylor
Stephen (call 2002) is a civil barrister with particular skill in analysing complex cases, providing clear advice which makes his clients feel at ease.
26th May 2011
Kate Plummer is now accepting work
Kate Plummer, our pupil, is now accepting work in all three disciplines.
Please contact a clerk for further details.
23rd May 2011
New KCH Garden Square Website Live
The new site and brand identity is being created by Nottingham-based creative agency Matblack. We now have dedicated pages for Public Access, Mediation, and Courts Martial on the site.
11th April 2011
KCH Garden Square welcomes Mrs Lorna Meyer QC
We are delighted to announce the arrival of Lorna Meyer QC as a Door Tenant. Lorna has forged a strong reputation in all areas of Family law, specialising in child work. Her regular appearances at the High Court and Court of Appeal show vast experience, energy and great skill in preparation for every case.
16th March 2011
KCH Garden Square welcomes three new members
We are delighted to announce the arrival of three new members. Amanda Cranny (call 1984) is re-joining us after a period of time away teaching law. Ben Mansfield (call 2005) and Nadia Mansfield (call 2006) have joined us from King Street Chambers, Leicester.
Contact information
KCH Garden Square
1 Oxford Street,
Nottingham, NG1 5BH.
Telephone +44 (0) 115 941 8851
Fax: +44 (0) 115 941 4169
DX 10042 Nottingham
96a New Walk,
Leicester, LE1 7EA.
Telephone +44 (0) 116 298 7500
Fax +44 (0) 116 298 7501
DX 17003 Leicester 2
