Samuel Castlehouse

Before joining the Bar, Samuel worked at a local law firm assisting clients in care proceedings and disputes under the Children Act 1989 where he acquired experience in matters involving non-accidental injuries, neglect and sexual/physical abuse of children. 

Samuel’s practise focuses on criminal and family law. His criminal practice involves prosecution and defence in the Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court. Samuel is regularly instructed in all matters relating to children and he has represented clients at every stage of proceedings in public and private law. 

Samuel is a member of the Western Circuit, a committee member of BarNone, and a Middle Temple mentor.

Recommended by Legal 500 2025 - Rising Star in  Family Law Tier 1

‘Samuel is always well-prepared and knows the details of his case thoroughly. He is a pleasant, articulate, thoughtful negotiator who can see all points of view. He is a clear, concise and fair advocate.’

• LLB (Hons) Law, First Class, University of Plymouth (2017).

• Dean Award (2017) – recognition of academic achievement at Plymouth University. 

• Queen Mother Scholarship (2017), Middle Temple.

• Michael Sherrard Access to the Bar Middle (2017),Middle Temple.

• Bar Professional Training Course, University of Law, London (2019).

• CPS Panel 1.

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Crime

General Crime

Samuel has  prosecuted and defended in a variety of criminal matters in the Magistrates’ Court, Youth Court and the Crown Court. Some of his caseload has included:

• Public Order Act offences including defending an asylum seeker charged with Affray.

• Youth charged with section 20 GBH.

• Youth charged with arson.

• Indecent images.

• Both non-domestic and domestic burglary.

• Theft.

• Common assault and ABH, particularly in the context of domestic abuse.

• Road Traffic Act offences including drink/drug driving and dangerous driving.  

• Appeal against sentence resulting in  shortening of sentence for client in custody.

Family

Children (Private Law)

Samuel has represented clients at every stage of private law proceedings in relation to applications under section 8 of the Children Act 1989. His experience includes representing clients at separate fact-finding hearings and dealing with matters of sexual abuse, substance misuse, mental health and domestic violence.

Children (Public Law)

Samuel’s experience prior to and since joining Chambers has enabled him to accept  instructions on a variety of public law family matters. His experience in  this area includes:

• Representation at fact finding hearings including a 5-week fact find in relation to suspected FII, and a 3-day hearing examining allegations of domestic and sexual abuse.  

• Appeal against findings of fact.

• Representation of parents at final hearings including those suffering with learning disabilities supported by an  independent intermediary.

• Experience of cross-examining experts and professional witnesses.  

• Representation of Local Authority in  applications for Care, Placement and Supervision Orders.

• Advising one Local Authority on the  recognition of Parental Responsibility Orders following Brexit.

DOLS in Care Proceedings

Samuel has represented parents and Local Authorities in proceedings involving Deprivation of Liberty Orders.

Domestic Violence and injunctions

Samuel has experience representing clients in applications for non-molestation and occupation orders, including those suffering and accused of perpetrating domestic abuse.

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Recommended by Legal 500 2025 - Rising Star in  Family Law Tier 1

‘Samuel is always well-prepared and knows the details of his case thoroughly. He is a pleasant, articulate, thoughtful negotiator who can see all points of view. He is a clear, concise and fair advocate.’

Recommended by Legal 500 2024 - Rising Star in  Family Law Tier 1

'Samuel is a thorough and skilled advocate. His attention to detail is second-to-none and he has a unique ability to be able to put clients at ease in the court room. He offers sound advice to clients and is clearly an expert in his field.’

Samuel Castlehouse’s ‘advocacy never fails to impress’, which he employs on behalf of local authorities, parents, and children in final hearings and fact-findings of varying length and complexity.

In 2024 Samuel was recommended as a Rising Star in the Legal 500

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