We are delighted to announce Tom Wainwright (Call: 2003) and Justine Compton (Call: 2005) of Garden Court Chambers have been newly appointed as Recorders by the King on the advice of the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales.
They take up these positions on a part-time basis and will continue to accept instructions across their specialist areas of practice.
The Lord Chief Justice has deployed Tom Wainwright to the South Eastern Circuit for the jurisdiction of crime and Justine Compton to the South Eastern Circuit for the jurisdiction of family.
Tom Wainwright has a formidable reputation as a passionate defender and a powerful advocate. A fearless, down-to-earth cross-examiner with a profound understanding of criminal law and where it can be challenged and changed. He has appeared in some of the most high-profile cases of recent years including the Colston statue topplers, the Hatton Garden burglary, the ‘Stansted 15’ protestors, representing the father of Jack Letts in his trial for funding terrorism and a number of large-scale international frauds. Tom has a particular interest and experience in Serious Fraud and Confiscation, Protest Cases, Terrorism, and Criminal Appeals. He is regularly instructed as Leading Junior Counsel in high-profile cases of significant complexity and legal importance.
Justine Compton is a leading housing law specialist having practised, as a solicitor and barrister, for over 20 years. She specialises in complex homelessness cases and possession claims involving vulnerable tenants. She also has particular experience in anti-social behaviour matters and succession cases. Justine is experienced in judicial review claims in respect of homelessness, allocations and community care. She is regularly instructed by the Official Solicitor. Justine is a Deputy District Judge on the South Eastern Circuit.
Official announcements on the Courts and Tribunals Judiciary website can be found here.
Tom Wainwright is a member of the Criminal Defence, Protest Rights and Children's Rights Teams. Justine Compton is a member of the Garden Court Chambers Housing, Planning, Romani, Gypsy and Traveller Rights, Welfare Law and Public Law Teams.
