Mr James Gwatkin > Foundry Chambers > London, England > Barrister Profile

Mr James Gwatkin

Work Department

Foundry Chambers.

Position

Barrister.

Criminal Defence & Prosecution.

Career

James joined chambers in October 2019 following successful completion of his pupillage. He prosecutes and defends in the Magistrates’ Court, Youth Court and Crown Court, and is developing a strong practice in all of Chambers’ main areas of work.

James prosecutes for the CPS, Probation and local authorities at all stages of criminal proceedings. James is also instructed by the Home Office and the Director of Border Revenue in cash forfeiture and condemnation hearings. James defends in all types of cases including allegations of violence, dishonesty, harassment, public order, drug offences and driving offences. He has experience of representing young and vulnerable defendants, and has an excellent grasp of ongoing issues within the youth justice system including “county lines” drug supply and defences under the Modern Slavery Act 2015. He has completed vulnerable witness training organised by the Inns of Court College of Advocacy (ICCA).

His current defence instructions in the Crown Court include allegations of s.18 GBH, robbery, drug trafficking, conspiracy to burgle, fraud and possession of weapons.

Prior to joining Foundry, James worked as a criminal defence paralegal at leading firm Hickman and Rose. He assisted partners and associates in a range of cases particularly focussing on allegations of sexual offending (both current and historical) and financial malpractice. James gained invaluable experience and knowledge of all stages of the criminal process from police investigation through to appeal and other post-conviction/acquittal matters.

Whilst undertaking his legal studies James represented excluded children and their parents in school exclusion proceedings as a Communities Empowerment Network advocate. He also taught debating to prisoners through the Vocalise project. James is the Secretary of the Kalisher Trust, a charity striving for greater diversity at the criminal Bar by developing advocacy skills of young people and providing internship opportunities for those seeking pupillage.

Memberships

Appointments:

CPS Panel Advocate (Level 2)
Secretary of Kalisher Trust

Memberships:

The Honourable Society of Inner Temple
Criminal Bar Association
South Eastern Circuit

Education

Sept 2016 – June 2017: BPTC, University of Law (Very Competent)
Sept 2015 – June 2016: GDL, University of Sheffield (Distinction)
Oct 2012 – June 2015: BA (Hons) in History and Politics, University of Warwick (First Class)