February 7, 2022
Having completed their pupillage, Chambers is delighted to congratulate and welcome Alex Benn and Joshua Ellis as tenants to Chambers.
Michael Goodwin QC, Head of Pupillage said:
“I am absolutely delighted Alex Benn and Joshua Ellis have become tenants upon completion of their pupillage at Chambers. They have spent a year developing their vocational and advocacy skills shadowing members across a wide variety of practice areas. They both worked exceptionally hard during their pupillage and excelled in all areas. We wish them a successful career at the Bar and look forward to supporting them all the way.”
Before coming to the criminal bar, Alex graduated top of the year in law at the University of Oxford, receiving various university-wide prizes. Alex is now a senior lecturer in law at University College, Oxford, having taught at several colleges and for the Law Faculty. Alex’s academic work focuses on criminal and discrimination law, particularly classism. It has been cited in publications such as the Criminal Law Review, the European Human Rights Law Review and the Law Commission’s Hate Crime Laws: Final Report.
Alex acts for defendants at all stages of criminal proceedings. Alex has represented defendants at trial in a wide range of cases, including section 20 grievous bodily harm, threatening with an offensive weapon, possession with intent to supply class A drugs, stalking, fraud and sexual assault. Alex has also acted in the early stages of proceedings relating to attempted murder, section 18 grievous bodily harm and false imprisonment. Alex has appeared on behalf of the Crown Prosecution Service and the Probation Service, both in the Crown Court and in magistrates’ courts.
Prior to coming to the bar, Joshua worked with the Capital Appeals Project in New Orleans, representing defendants on Louisiana’s Death Row in their post-conviction appeals. He has also had experience working as a paralegal at a top commercial law firm in London, as well as advising and representing students at university disciplinary hearings.
An effective and approachable advocate, Joshua is noted for his client care and strong tactical mind. He is developing a busy criminal practice, regularly appearing in the Magistrates’, Youth and Crown Courts. He has particular experience in representing clients with complex mental health needs and has had considerable success in persuading the court to stay proceedings where his clients have not been fit to stand trial.