Free Seminar – Anonymity Applications & Special Measures in the Criminal Courts: A Practical Guide for Criminal Solicitors

Join us for a focused 90-minute seminar designed specifically for criminal solicitors. Our expert panel of barristers will explore current best practices, recent caselaw, and tactical considerations when applying for anonymity and special measures in the criminal courts.

Attendees will gain practical insights into:

• Crafting persuasive applications for vulnerable witnesses and defendants
• Navigating procedural and evidential hurdles
• Strategic use of special measures to support your client’s case.

The session includes time for Q&A, giving you the opportunity to discuss real-world challenges with our panel.

Following the seminar, attendees joining in person are warmly invited to stay for a networking drinks reception at Chambers.

Speaker Panel

Mark Gatley KC, Barrister, Garden Court Chambers
Mark is Head of the Garden Court Crime Team. He is an accomplished and highly regarded silk with a heavyweight criminal defence practice, specialising in serious and organised crime, and regularly acting for private clients. He has a reputation for combining impressive courtroom skills with an easy manner; for tactical acuity and thorough preparation. Mark is registered with the Bar Council for public access work and regularly represents members of the public who want to go to a barrister directly.

Stella Harris, Barrister, Garden Court Chambers
Stella has significant experience representing those accused of murder and serious violence and those with alleged connections to violent gang activity, where the admission of bad character, association evidence and unhelpful stereotypes has been successfully challenged. She assisted The Howard League for Penal Reform in making submissions to the Director of Public Prosecutions, suggestions which were incorporated in ‘Submissions on Charging in Cases of Joint Enterprise’. Stella also has an established practice representing women charged with murder and serious violent offending.

Thalia Maragh, Barrister, Garden Court Chambers
Thalia was called to the Jamaican Bar in 1999 where she maintained a mixed criminal and civil liberties practice at the private bar. In 2009, she was called to the Bar in England and Wales, and later in 2017 in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Thalia’s practice at the English Bar has been predominantly criminal defence and civil liberties: defending in serious crimes and representing victims in inquest and public inquiries. Thalia also has a growing international practice, working with Indigenous groups in Kenya, advising on the merits of appealing to the Privy Council and appearing before the Board, particularly in cases which raise constitutional law issues. She is a trustee of the Howard League.

Will Hanson, Barrister, Garden Court Chambers
Will specialises in criminal defence, immigration and associated public law challenges. He is an experienced trial advocate with a broad practice in general crime, financial crime and extradition. Will has a particular expertise in cases engaging human rights issues, including modern slavery, public order and protest. Will regularly represents clients in the Crown Court, Youth Court, and Magistrates’ Court, as well as appearing in the Court of Appeal and the High Court in respect of a range of offences, successfully defending young people & adults.