Our attention has been drawn to a letter circulated by the Gloucester County Court office inviting solicitors who instruct Deborah Dinan-Hayward, District Judge Myles Watkins’ wife, to contact the court office in advance of each booking to ensure that cases are not listed in District Judge Watkins’ court. The letter cautions solicitors that last-minute problems may result in wasted cost orders.

Myles Watkins sat as a Deputy District Judge in many local courts for a number of years before taking his full-time appointment. As a consequence, Chambers implemented a system to ensure that the smooth running of court lists would not be jeopardised by Deborah not being able to appear in Myles’ court. This system continues.

Chambers prides itself on providing a highly experienced and efficient clerking service. Michael Harding, our senior family team clerk has clerked the bar for over 20 years. Julie Hathway, the junior family team clerk has been with Chambers for five years, having previously given 15 years’ service in the County Court, principally in family listing. Michael and Julie are, as with all court centres, happy to liaise with the listing officers at Gloucester and Swindon to ensure, wherever possible, that solicitors are able to instruct the counsel of their choice for each client.

Should you have any concerns about this or any other area of our administration please do not hesitate to contact our Chambers Director, Paul Fletcher.