Garden Court Chambers is delighted to announce that Stephen Knafler QC has been elected as a new Joint Heads of Chambers. In accordance with Garden Court's democratic constitution, he was elected by fellow members of Chambers at this week's AGM. He joins the existing Joint Heads Henry Blaxland QC and Kathryn Cronin at the leadership of Chambers.
The vacancy was brought about following the retirement of former Joint Head and original founding member of Chambers David Watkinson at the end of December.
Garden Court moved to a three-person headship 12 months ago, reflecting the growing size of Chambers. With over 130 practising barristers, Garden Court is the largest set in London. Stephen's broad practice - which spans civil and public law, housing, community care and immigration - means that the new joint leadership once again reflects the diversity of practice at Garden Court. Henry Blaxland QC is a criminal defence specialist, while Kathryn Cronin focuses on immigration and family law.
Speaking on the changes, Stephen said "Throughout my 12 years here, Garden Court has been a fantastic set to practise at. It is the set at which I took silk, and the set where ground-breaking cases are fought - and won - week in, week out. I now want to turn some of my time to supporting our colleagues and clients, to ensure that we continue to be one of the country's leading legal practices."
Senior Clerk to Chambers Colin Cook also welcomed the joint leadership. "In these times of cuts to legal aid funding, and when the English Bar is undergoing wide-scale change, Stephen is an excellent barrister, problem solver and strategist for us all to have at the head of the organisation."
Everybody in Chambers extended their warmest thanks to David Watkinson for his skilled stewardship and dedication to Chambers throughout Garden Court's history.
For media enquiries or to arrange interviews with any of the Heads of Chambers, please contact Ben Walker, Marketing Officer on 020 7993 7671.
