James Gwatkin

Practice Areas

Crime

Fraud

Career

James specialises in serious and complex offending, with a particular emphasis on defence work.

Whilst still in a relatively early period of his career, James has nonetheless established a loyal network of instructing solicitors and is briefed on cases of seriousness and sensitivity beyond his call. He undertakes cases involving young and vulnerable defendants and witnesses which require exceptional client care but is equally comfortable dealing with large volumes of complex evidence in drugs and fraud cases.

Recent cases include being led in a murder trial on behalf of an acquitted defendant and being led prosecuting several former members of the legal profession in a multimillion-pound legal aid fraud. James prosecutes and defends as junior alone in a range of cases including offences of serious violence, dishonesty, aggravated arson and sexual offences.

Prior to joining Foundry Chambers as a pupil, James worked as a criminal defence paralegal at leading firm Hickman and Rose. He assisted partners and associates in a range of cases, particularly focusing on allegations of sexual offending (both current and historical) and financial malpractice.

He is on the Education sub-committee of the Criminal Bar Association, and is the Secretary of the Kalisher Trust, a charity focusing on inspiring and assisting those with exceptional talent but modest means to achieve a career at the Criminal Bar.

Professional Memberships

South Eastern Circuit

Criminal Bar Association