Katie Walden

Katie Walden is a pupil under the supervision of Simon Blakebrough. She is accepting instructions as of 3rd April 2023.

During her first six, Katie has observed a diverse range of court work in the Magistrates with Mr Blakebrough sitting as a Deputy District Judge. She has obtained experience in the Crown Court in a number of trials involving rape and serious sexual offences, offences against the person, drugs offences, and serious organised crime. 

She has assisted in the preparation of witness examinations, opening and closing speeches, sentencing notes, and drafting advice and defence statements. She has completed numerous noting briefs on death by dangerous driving cases.

Katie has a commitment to access to justice and has worked on numerous pro bono projects. She has worked as a Coordinator for the University of Birmingham Free Legal Advice Group, an intern for Advocate, and during the Bar Practice Course worked on family law pro bono cases. She was offered a position as a research assistant for Robert Pether's pro bono legal team; She researched and assisted in drafting a submission to the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which was accepted in its entirety by the Group (opinion 70/2021).

Prior to the Bar, Katie worked for the Welsh Government on social welfare policy as part of the Civil Service Fast Stream. She assessed the functioning of the Regional Advice Networks and wrote a report which was to be presented to the Minister for Social Justice to assist in deciding upon their future development.

Outside of work she enjoys Olympic weightlifting, CrossFit, supporting the Welsh rugby team and reading as many books as possible.