Arden University is proud to announce the conferral of an honorary doctorate on His Honour Judge Charles James Phillip Gratwicke, in recognition of his contributions to the legal profession and his dedication to education and public service.
Judge Gratwicke began his distinguished legal career after being called to the Bar at Middle Temple in 1974. Following his pupillage in 1975, he joined the chambers of Anthony Cripps at 1 Harcourt Buildings, where he built a reputation as an accomplished barrister specialising in general common law and criminal practice.
Throughout his career, Judge Gratwicke has remained committed to legal education, mentoring and inspiring countless aspiring lawyers. His dedication to the profession continues to leave a profound impact on the legal community.
Commenting on the award, Carl Lygo, CEO and Vice-Chancellor of Arden University, said:
“It’s such a pleasure to award Judge Gratwicke with an honorary doctorate. He has overseen some hard-hitting cases throughout his legal career and continues to exemplify the highest standards of judicial service and public duty.
"We wanted to recognise his tireless pursuit of justice and commitment to the rule of law – not just for the betterment of the profession and justice system, but also for the UK nation. Judge Gratwicke’s legacy serves as an inspiration to our students and the wider community."
Judge Gratwicke’s legal journey includes a series of prominent appointments:
- In 1990, he became a part-time chairman of the Potato Marketing Board disciplinary committee.
- He was appointed a Recorder in 1995 and a part-time chairman of the Milk Marketing Board in 1998.
- In 2003, he was appointed a Circuit Judge, serving as the Resident Judge at Chelmsford Crown Court from 2012 to 2020 and the Honorary Recorder of Chelmsford from 2013 to 2023.
- He also served as a travelling murder judge for three years before retiring in 2023.
Reflecting on receiving the honorary doctorate, Judge Gratwicke shared:
“I’m delighted to have been awarded an honorary doctorate by Arden University. It’s incredibly flattering and I’m so proud of the achievement.
"After a long career in the legal industry, it feels rewarding to be able to help inspire the next generation. There are people I know who wouldn’t have achieved what they did without trying, trying, and trying again. I want to help graduates believe that if they keep working hard, they can develop a highly rewarding career in the legal sector."
Although officially retired, Judge Gratwicke continues to make significant contributions to the legal field, serving as a judge at the Central Criminal Court (the Old Bailey) and Southwark Crown Court. He also plays a vital role at Arden University as the founding Chair of the Arden University Law School Advisory Board. In this capacity, he provides invaluable support and guidance to the Law School’s faculty, students, and leadership.
Arden University is proud to honor Judge Gratwicke’s exceptional career and his enduring commitment to inspiring the next generation of legal professionals. His legacy exemplifies the values of justice, perseverance, and service that resonate with the Arden community.
You can learn more about how Arden University supports aspiring legal professionals with modern, flexible law degrees here.
