We are delighted to announce that Christopher Felstead has been appointed as a Circuit Judge. The Lady Chief Justice has deployed him to the Wales Circuit, based at Cardiff Crown Court, with effect from 5 January 2026.
Circuit Judge Appointment: Felstead – Courts and Tribunals Judiciary
Christopher Felstead was called to the Bar in 1998 and has built an outstanding reputation as a barrister at 9 Park Place Chambers, Cardiff. He specialised in family law, with a particular focus on complex financial remedy cases, including high-value settlements, tax considerations, family businesses, farming disputes and offshore trusts.
He has consistently been ranked as a Tier 1 leading junior by Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500, praised for his sharp advocacy, pragmatic approach and ability to handle the most intricate financial cases.
In addition to his practice, he served as a Recorder in the Family Court and Crown Court and as Legal Deputy President of the Mental Health Review Tribunal Wales. He also held leadership roles, including Vice Chair of the Circuit Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Committee, reflecting his commitment to fairness and inclusion within the profession.
David Elias KC, Head of Chambers, commented:
“We are immensely proud of Chris’s achievement. His appointment as a Circuit Judge is richly deserved and all at 9 Park Place wish him every success in this new chapter of his career.”
Kate Hughes KC, Head of the Family Team, added:
“Chris has been an outstanding colleague and advocate. One of the pre-eminent financial remedy practitioners in Wales, his professionalism and integrity have always shone through, and we know he will bring those qualities to the bench.”
With almost 70 barristers, including six Silks, 9 Park Place is one of the biggest common law sets in Wales, working across the UK and on many of the most high-profile cases on Circuit.