4-5 Gray's Inn Square

4-5.co.uk

Amrit has a diverse practice with a particular focus on commercial litigation and public and regulatory law, advising and representing both individuals and companies in all levels of Court and Tribunal. Amrit is currently junior counsel to the Dame Linda Dobbs Review considering whether issues relating to HBOS Reading were investigated and appropriately reported to authorities following Lloyd Banking Group’s acquisition of HBOS. She has also recently been appointed to the UK’s COVID-19 inquiry to assist with considering the government’s economic response to the pandemic and its impact.

Andrew Dymond

Specialises in housing, landlord and tenant and local government law. Reported cases: Kilby v Basildon DC [2007] EWCA Civ 479; [2007] HLR 39 (variation of secure tenancies); Lambeth LBC v Blackburn (2001) 82 P&CR 494, CA (adverse possession); Lambeth LBC v Bigden [2001] 33 HLR 43 (adverse possession), Lambeth LBC v Archangel [2000] 33 HLR 44, CA (adverse possession); R v Islington LBC Exp Bibi (1996) 29 HLR 74, CA (homelessness). Past year: Andrew successfully appeared with Andrew Arden QC for the local authority in Redpath v Swindon BC [2009] EWCA Civ 943, which concerned local authorities powers to apply for anti-social behaviour injunctions under the Housing Act 1996. he continues to develop his practice in all aspects of housing law and has become a committee member of the Property Bar Association.

Andrew Singer KC

Andrew practices exclusively in the field of construction and associated professional negligence actions and appears regularly in the Technology & Construction Court combined with appearing as Counsel in construction related arbitrations as well as appointments as arbitrator. Andrew enjoys a sizeable construction practice with work derived throughout England ,Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. His practice is exclusively in Construction and Engineering disputes and associated Professional Negligence actions. Andrew has also gained wide experience in the provision of procurement advice.His recent reported cases include Amey v Cumbria CC and NIHE v HBL. Andrew is a member of the Mediation and Arbitration groups at 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square and an accredited mediator with the ADR Group. He is an arbitrator and adjudicator and is listed on the TECBAR’s panels. . He also sits as a part time Judge in the TCC and is a County Court Recorder.

Annabel Heath

Annabel was called to the Bar in 2010 and subsequently qualified as a solicitor in 2013. Since joining chambers Annabel has developed a busy housing, homelessness and public law practice. She was recently led by Jonathan Manning on the case of R (Elkundi and others) v Birmingham City Council [2021] EWHC 1024 (Admin), representing Birmingham City Council on two of the linked judicial review claims (those of Ahmed and Al-Shameri). These cases concerned the operation of s193(2) of the Housing Act 1996.

Arran Dowling Hussey

Arran is an experienced barrister, adjudicator, arbitrator and mediator. He is called in London (2007), Belfast (2006) and Dublin (2003), has rights of audience in the Courts of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (“ADGM”) (2020), registered in the Falkland Islands and at the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) Courts (2020). Arran is also based at the Law Library, Dublin. His practice includes advocacy, drafting statements of case, contractual documents and advising on commercial, chancery, construction, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and international matters. Arran is a member of a number of London based legal/construction and/or ADR committees including the Council of the Society of Construction Law, Board of Trustees of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and the committee of the Adjudication Society

Ayesha Omar

Ayesha specialises in property law. Her practice encompasses all areas of real property and landlord/tenant litigation both residential and commercial. She regularly appears in the County Court and the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) and has been appointed as junior counsel to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

Bill Perry

Bill has practised in (re)insurance since the 1980s. He has wide experience, predominantly in the direct and reinsurance property and casualty markets. He is an acknowledged expert in art and HNW insurance. He has written policy portfolios and advised and litigated or arbitrated (nationally and internationally) about film finance reinsurance books of business; BBB claims and policies; brokers’ duties and agency authority; provenance, valuation and damage issues in art and antiques; disclosure misrepresentation and avoidance relating to all types of policy (including life); inspections; back-to back reinsurance; commutations etc.; Part VII Transfers; solicitors’ negligence relating to same; state-backed indemnity fund terms; and numerous other aspects of (re)insurance law. He has a substantial practice in commercial litigation and dispute resolution generally, mainly of an international nature, including recently for example back-to-back ICC arbitrations involving commodity transactions between companies in three jurisdictions and the law of two others. He also has a long- standing contentious trust and probate practice. Bill is a CEDR accredited mediator recognised by the Civil Mediation Council. Besides representing clients on numerous occasions before Arbitration Tribunals of one or more members, Bill has sat as an Arbitrator in international arbitrations, with judicial, bar member and other professional colleagues.

Caroline Kenny KC

Caroline Kenny KC practices in commercial law, with expertise in trade practices, insurance and insolvency. She is an experienced trial and appellate advocate. Caroline maintains chambers at Owen Dixon Chambers West in Melbourne, Australia, and at 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square, London. She practices in a broad range of commercial law, insurance law, construction, energy and intellectual property disputes.

Charles Foster

Charles Foster is a specialist in regulatory, medical and public law. He has been involved in some of the key cases in medical law in the High Court, Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. He has vast experience representing clinicians and healthcare professionals brought before the MPTS, GDC, NHS tribunals, NMC. Represents clients at subsequent appeals up to and including the Administrative Court and the Court of Appeal. He receives instructions from MPS, MDDUS, MDU and also on a privately funded basis. He was the Chambers and Partners Junior of the Year for Professional Discipline in 2011, and has for many years been recognized as a leading barrister for Professional Discipline and Clinical Negligence in the Chambers and Partners directory and the Legal 500.

Charlotte Crocombe

Charlotte is a junior barrister specialising in public and criminal law. She has a particular interest in human rights and civil remedies for criminal behaviour.

Christian Panayi

Christian’s practice spans commercial and chancery work with expertise in contractual disputes, property & housing, media & intellectual property, commercial debt recovery, insolvency, and consumer credit. He regularly appears in the County Court and High Court in trials, appeals, injunctions, judicial review hearings, winding-up petitions and interlocutory applications. He has also appeared in the First Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) and the First Tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber). Christian’s expertise comprises contentious and non-contentious commercial work, with particular application to the digital media / IT sector.

Christopher Baker

After becoming established at the Bar in a wide range of litigation with an increasing focus on property-related work. Since then, he has developed a practice which combines the private law aspects of housing and landlord and tenant law alongside public law and judicial review work, with a particular emphasis on local government and human rights. He feels a personal commitment to the development of the law in these areas, as well as being professionally committed to fight for the interests of his clients. His litigation experience covers all courts up to and including the House of Lords, in addition to tribunal and arbitration work. Much his case work has involved cutting-edge issues and landmark decisions by the higher courts, including most recently as leading junior for the Housing Corporation in the House of Lords in Riverside HA v White (RSL rent increases), as leading junior for the local authority in the Court of Appeal in R (Lin) v Barnet LBC (challenge to housing allocation policy) and as sole counsel for the Secretary of State in the Court of Appeal in White v Knowsley HT (effect of standard form N28 ‘suspended’ possession order on assured tenancy). His work also involves keeping clients out of court, and a substantial portfolio of advisory work. He has advised in relation to a wide range of projects and problems, including the Channel Tunnel link, the management and repair of the Barbican estate, major regeneration schemes, local government standards committees and Standards Board investigations, e-government, local land charge search arrangements, allocations schemes, and human rights compliance. Christopher’s clients come from across the country and in other legal jurisdictions. He has acted for a wide range of public bodies, social landlords, commercial and private clients. His instructions come from all types of professional clients, from big City firms through to sole practitioners, in-house solicitors, and BarDIRECT clients. Outside legal practice, he is an author and speaker on his areas of specialisation and interest, with a number of published titles and an extensive portfolio of articles to his name. His most recent book, ‘Local Government Liability Law’, was published by Sweet & Maxwell in 2007. He is frequently asked to address national conferences. Notable cases include: Riverside Housing Association Ltd v White [2007] UKHL 20 – intervening for the Housing Corporation, as to whether an RSL rent increase was recoverable under the terms of its standard form tenancy agreement; very important issues about the use of estoppel against the tenants were not decided, though they formed one of the main elements of the appeal; White v Knowsley Housing Trust [2007] EWCA Civ 404 – intervening for the Secretary of State, as to whether a ‘suspended’ possession order in the standard form N28 had the effect of turning an assured tenant into a tolerated trespasser; R (Lin) v Barnet LBC [2007] EWCA Civ 132 – challenge alleging that housing allocation policy was unlawful in relation to homeless persons; Hyams v Wilfred East London Housing Co-operative, Lands Tribunal 14 Nov 2006, LTL 28/3/07 – recovery of improvement contributions under right to buy lease and operation of s125 notice.

Christopher Larkin

Admitted to the Roll 2010, High Court Advocate 2011 and Called to the Bar 2017. Specialises in Property, Housing, Public Law, Regulatory, Injunctions and Harassment Law. Chris joined Arden Chambers in 2017 and moved to 4 to 5 Gray’s Inn Square following a recent merger of the two sets.

Clara Zang

Clara accepts instructions in all areas of Chambers' practice and has particular expertise in the areas of Property, Local Government and Public Law.

Colin Manning

Colin has been a barrister for over 40 years and has wide experience in litigating commercial and business law disputes involving contract, international trade, share purchase/sale, partnership, professional and clinical negligence, entertainment and media (in particular film, music and video rights), building and construction, computer (technical and copyright), landlord and tenant and employment. His practice has led him to travel to Paris, Geneva, Chicago Gibraltar and Sierra Leone. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and served as a Recorder for 16 years.In addition, he has chaired Primary Care Trust Tribunal inquiries into the fitness of doctors and dentists to remain on NHS Performers’ Lists. He has also taken evidence on commission for use in foreign proceedings.

Damian Falkowski

David Hoffman

David specialises in business and property work, primarily on the Northern Circuit. He is listed in the Legal 500 which for 2017 recommends him as ‘Very experienced across the spectrum of Chancery law.” He undertakes a broad range of business and property work, including contract drafting as well as litigation, and general commercial work such as insurance, construction, IT and e-commerce and professional negligence. His property practice includes property disputes, insolvency, trusts and wills and other general succession matters. He is also experienced working as a junior to QCs and as part of a team on larger or more complex matters.

Edwin Cameron

Elisabeth Mason

A leading social entrepreneur, philanthropic executive and international lawyer, Elisabeth Mason is the Founding Director of the Stanford Poverty & Technology Lab, the first lab dedicated to leveraging the data and technology revolution to create new, lasting, and low-cost solutions to poverty and inequality in the United States. In addition, Elisabeth is an international tenant at 4-5 Gray's Inn Square Chambers, in the heart of London's legal community. There, she focuses on management of ten-figure +, multi-jurisdictional arbitral disputes, from funding to choice-of-law and venue issues, as well as strategy and client management.

Elizabeth Nicholls

Elizabeth has a broad chancery, commercial, business and property practice, including Local Government work. She also offers specialist advice in arboricultural law (trees, forests and hedges). She represents a wide range of local authorities, individuals and insurers and is regularly instructed to advise on matters relating to highways, land and property, environment and Town and Country Planning. Elizabeth has experience in money disputes (including fraud), enforcement, injunctions and direct action. She accepts instructions in boundary disputes and matters relating to rural and countryside issues.

Fabjola Aruci

Fabjola is currently completing her pupillage at 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square under the supervision of Vivienne Sedgley. Her legal experience ranges from Commercial and Chancery law to International Human Rights. During her pupillage, she hopes to continue expanding her practice in Commercial Chancery, as well as gain experience of Chambers' key areas of work, in particular Public and Election law.

Gerard Clarke

Gerard Clarke is a widely experienced dispute resolution lawyer and advocate with experience in commercial disputes and in regulatory and public law. Gerard is experienced in onshore and offshore commercial litigation, arbitration, and mediation, including fraud and asset recovery claims, trust disputes, and corporate insolvency and restructuring, and in judicial review, regulatory disputes, and sport and media law. Gerard has extensive experience of interlocutory, trial, and appellate advocacy, in courts and tribunals at all levels in the UK, BVI, and Cayman. Gerard has advised the Governments of the UK, Hong Kong, the Cayman Islands, Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man.

Glenn Campbell

Glenn’s core practice is based upon litigation and arbitration involving:- Professional Negligence Chancery and Commercial Insurance disputes Company and Insolvency cases Property law with a particular emphasis on security issues and agricultural matters Contentious trust problems Elder law including COP, property and finance and health and welfare Wills, probate and the administration of estates Glenn’s initial years of practice were spent at the criminal defence Bar and then as a member of Chancery chambers in Lincoln’s Inn

Gordon Exall

Gordon qualified and practised as a solicitor before being called to the Bar in 1991. He practises in the area of personal injury, fatal accidents, clinical negligence, sanctions, procedural issues, limitation and costs. He has been involved in some of the leading cases relating to procedure and the assessment of damages.

Guido Carducci

International Tenant and Arbitrator 4-5 Gray's Inn Square (London) Law Professor (Paris), Attorney-at-Law (Rome), Chartered Arbitrator (FCIArb)

Hannah Gardiner

Hannah became a member of 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square in October 2018 following successful completion of her 12-month pupillage. Having gained a wide range of experience under the supervision of Jonathan Manning, Justin Bates, Annette Cafferkey and Toby Vanhegan, Hannah accepts instructions in matters relating to many of Chambers’ core practice areas.

Hansjorg Stutzer

Thouvenin Rechtsanwälte, Zurich, Switzerland, Founding Partner

Helen McAteer

Helen specialises in inquest work and civil litigation, with a particular focus on multi-agency Article 2 jury inquests and those where complex medical issues arise. Helen regularly provides advice and representation to organisations and individuals throughout the inquest process, from the pre-inquest stage through to the consideration of Prevention of Further Death issues. Her broad civil litigation experience includes employer’s and public liability claims for personal injury, clinical negligence, unlawful detention, data protection, and Human Rights Act claims, including those brought on behalf of the estate of deceased prisoners, detainees and patients for alleged breaches of the right to life and the right to respect for private and family life. Helen was appointed to the Attorney General’s civil ��B’ panel in 2022, having previously been appointed to the ‘C’ panel in 2018 and undertaking government work as a ‘Junior Junior’ barrister in the early years of her practice. She has significant experience in representing government departments, agencies, and institutions, both as an advocate and in an advisory capacity.

Iain Colville

Since joining chambers in 1997, having previously worked in local government since 1990, Iain has developed a practice which embraces all aspects of planning, compulsory purchase, housing, landlord and tenant, homelessness and wider aspects of local government. He advises and acts on behalf of both public and private sector clients, including local authorities, RSLs, leaseholders, tenants, and the homeless, both in the lower and higher courts. The noteworthy cases he has recently been involved in are as follows: (1) Green v SofS for Communities & Local Government & others [2009] EWHC 754 (Admin); junior counsel for the appellant. It was held that the grant of planning permission permitting eight caravans by condition, rather than expanding or enlarging the permission sought, had the effect of regulating and controlling it. The need for regulation and control arose because of the nature of the planning permission granted. The permission was for a change of use. Although it permitted use of the site by a given number of caravans, in the absence of a condition, there was nothing to prevent intensification of the use by the introduction of further caravans. (2) Knowsley Housing Trust v White: Honeygan-Green v London Borough of Islington: Porter v Shepherds Bush Housing Association [2008] UKHL 70 HL; [2009] 2 WLR 78; [2009] 2 All ER 829; [2009] HLR 17; The Times, December 15, 2008; junior counsel led by Andrew Arden QC on behalf of the council in their appeal against the Court of Appeal decision. Heard together with the White and Porter appeals where the committee addressed the concept of tolerated trespasser established in Burrows v Brent LBC [1996] 1 WLR 1448, HL. This is an important decision as it establishes that an assured tenancy subject to a suspended possession order did not come to an end until possession was delivered up. When making a suspended possession order under the Housing Act 1985, the court could proleptically direct that the order be discharged once its terms had been complied with and could do so even if the terms had not been strictly complied with. So far as it related to the council’s appeal, their Lordships held that a tenant made subject to a suspended possession order who had served notice exercising the right to buy under the 1985 Act would have the right to buy revived if and when the order was discharged. (3) Truro Diocesan Board of Finance Ltd v Desmond Foley [2008] EWCA Civ 1162; [2009] 1 WLR 2218; [2009] 1 All ER 814; [2009] HLR 21: The Times, December 1, 2008. Junior counsel led by Andrew Arden QC on behalf of Truro Diocesan Board successfully resisting a second appeal that addressed the scope of the term ‘tenancy’ in the Housing Act 1988 s34(1). It was held that this term did not include an agreement for a tenancy, and the expression ‘immediately before the tenancy was granted’ in s34(1)(b) should be given its ordinary meaning as being restricted to those cases in which the new tenancy took effect immediately on expiry of the old.

Iain Christie

I became a full-time mediator because I passionately believe in the benefit of resolving disputes through constructive dialogue, giving parties control over the outcome to their dispute and avoiding the delays, costs and stress of litigation. Having spent the first half of my career as an advocate I am well aware of what the alternative to settlement entails. As such, I respect the decision of all those who come to mediation in good faith and go the extra mile to make sure they do not leave without a satisfactory resolution to their dispute. I act with integrity, courage, creativity and determination. In addition to my mediation practice I am a qualified facilitator, coach and professional actor, so I am very comfortable with holding the space during the live, evolving and sometimes emotional process which mediation can entail.

Ian Peacock

Ian specialises in housing, property and public law. He is recognised as a leading junior in both Chambers & Partners and Legal 500. He is an expert in homelessness and allocations law and has appeared in the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, the Administrative Court and the County Court. He regularly acts in landlord and tenant disputes, whether private, public or commercial. He has a particular expertise in claims involving local government landlords. He is a contributor to Macdonald on the Law of Freedom of Information and Hill and Redman’s Law of Landlord and Tenant. He accepts Public Access instructions in appropriate cases. Ian has recently been appointed as a Recorder on the South Eastern Family Circuit.

Imogen Sadler

Imogen is a junior barrister with a particular specialism in public law. She joined chambers in April 2022 having previously worked as a barrister at the Government Legal Department, where her work included advising on points of EU law pre and post the transition period, drafting legislation and assisting on two major Supreme Court cases.

Iulia saran

Since completing pupillage in chambers in September 2020, Iulia focused on developing a busy public law and regulatory practice. She frequently advises and represents local authorities in cases raising a wide range of public law issues. For example, Iulia was junior counsel in Sharif v Birmingham CC [2020] EWCA Civ 1488, where the Council argued successfully that it could obtain a s.222 LGA 1972 injunction to prevent car racing within its area.

Jacqueline Perry KC

Jacqueline Perry is dual qualified (UK and California Bar) with expertise spanning contract and tort. In recent years Jacqueline has advised on many substantial and highly publicised cases relating to public liability, professional negligence, personal injury and medical negligence, with much of her work having an international flavour.

James Bridgeman SC

James Bridgeman SC is a practicing Barrister, Chartered Arbitrator and certified mediator. He has been called to the Bar at the Kings Inns and Middle Temple. He holds practising certificates both in Ireland and in England and Wales and has a broad-based civil and commercial practice. James Bridgeman SC is a dual-qualified Barrister, Chartered Arbitrator, Accredited Mediator and Statutory Adjudicator with a practice based at the Law Library in Dublin, Republic of Ireland and is a member of chambers at 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square London. He has been in general Civil and Commercial practice since 1992 (silk 2017) and has a special interest in commercial and technology law including intellectual property, internet and construction law, European and International law, International Arbitration, ADR and other forms of dispute resolution.

Jane Lambert

I am a barrister practising intellectual property, technology, media, entertainment and competition law since 1977. I specialise in advising start-ups and other small businesses on protecting and exploiting their investment in branding, design, technology and creativity and representing them before the Patent Court, Intellectual Property Enterprise Court and Intellectual Property List and the hearing officers of the Intellectual Property Office. I have appeared in several important cases and have written or contributed to a number of publications including "Enforcing Intellectual Property Rights". I am an arbitrator and mediator and sit on the WIPO Domain Name Dispute Resolution panels.

Jayesh Jotangia

Jayesh is a cross-qualified Solicitor Advocate and Barrister with rights to conduct litigation on a direct access basis. He is a qualified Mediator and completed the CIArb’s International Arbitration Law, Practice and Procedure module.

John Barrett

John has practiced at the Planning and Environmental Bar since 1983. He is PEBA Member and is a former Committee Member of PEBA. John is also the former Editor of Encyclopaedia of Environmental Health (Sweet and Maxwell) he practices in all aspects of Town and Country Planning, Compulsory Purchase, Highways, Minerals and Waste, Renewable Energy, Environment, together with Administrative & Public Law and Local Government. Over the last 2 years John has promoted the development of over 2,000 houses on behalf of house builder and land promoter clients.

John McCafferty

Specialises in housing, local government and public law. He was a junior counsel (in the county court, Court of Appeal and House of Lords) in the landmark case of Kay v Lambeth LBC [2006] UKHL 10 (housing and human rights).

Jonathan Manning

Examples of recent work: 1) Manchester CC v Pinnock [2010] UKSC 45; [2010] 3 WLR 1441: junior counsel for the respondent local authority in the Supreme Court, before nine Justices (and appeared below) on what is the leading case on the availability of defences to possession claims under Arts 6 and 8, Human Rights Act 1998, Sch 1. This was a claim for possession of a demoted tenancy. Issues included whether the demoted tenancy scheme was compatible with Arts 6 and 8, in the light of the recent House of Lords, Court of Appeal, and European Court authorities, whether the county court judge had jurisdiction to hear a challenge to the decision to take proceedings or needed to adjourn for judicial review and whether, if he did have jurisdiction, it should be a full merits review, or a traditional JR-type review, whether on a Wednesbury or proportionality basis. 2) Birmingham CC v Frisby [2011] UKSC 8; [2011] WLR (D) 64: junior counsel for the respondent local authority in the Supreme Court before seven Justices. Appeared without a leader in the Court of Appeal (reported as Salford CC v Mullen) [2010] EWCA Civ 336; [2011] 1 All ER 119; [2010]. The case followed on from Pinnock and concerned the circumstances in which Human Rights Act 1998 defences (Arts 6 and 8) could be run in the county court by way of defence to a claim for possession of an introductory tenancy. 3) Nzamy v Brent LBC [2011] EWCA Civ forthcoming (ex tempore judgment given on January 26, 2011): successfully led for the homeless appellant in a case in which he had asked for a move from temporary accommodation provided for him as a homeless person under Pt 7, Housing Act 1996, but refused the move that was offered because he preferred to stay where he was, as circumstances at the current accommodation had improved and the alternative accommodation was inferior. The authority decided to discharge their duty to him as he had refused a suitable offer of accommodation and evict him from his current accommodation. Issues involved whether or not the appellant could waive performance of the homelessness duty, and whether the authority could lawfully have a secret policy that if a person asked for a move, they would be obliged to accept it or lose their current accommodation. 4) Honeysuckle Properties v Fletcher [2010] EWCA Civ 1224; [2011] L and TR 10: successfully appeared for appellant landlord in this leapfrog appeal to the Court of Appeal against the decision of a District Judge that the landlord had not protected the respondent’s tenancy deposit in accordance with the tenancy deposit scheme provisions of the Housing Act 2004, ss213-214. This proceeded as a test case with the appeal of Tiensia v Universal Estates; they were the first cases to reach the Court of Appeal concerning tenancy deposit schemes. 5) Hanton-Rhouilla v Westminster CC [2010] EWCA Civ 1334: led in the Court of Appeal for the homeless appellant in an appeal against the local authority’s decision to decline any duty to the appellant as a homeless person because, during the course of their statutory enquiries, they persuaded her to move from interim accommodation under Pt 7, Housing Act 1996, and into private sector accommodation. This appeal raised a challenge to the legality of gatekeeping practices whereby local authorities attempt to divert potential Pt 7 applicants into other forms of housing. Funding is currently being sought for a further appeal.

Jonathan Rose

Jonathan has significant specialised experience of civil fraud and criminal defence he has been instructed as leading counsel in numerous cases as well as having conducted cases in many different areas of law, more recently having been instructed in a substantial banking claim. Jonathan has appeared in foreign jurisdictions, having been called to the Caymanian Bar to conduct specific cases, he has appeared in most courts, including the Supreme Court, Privy Council, Court of Appeal, High Court both in the UK and abroad, additionally he has presented cases on behalf of the Nursing and Midwifery Council and have trained fellow barristers on current regulatory practice. Areas of expertise include: civil fraud; restraint proceedings; extradition; regulatory and disciplinary matters; crime and local authority prosecutions including trading standards.

Jonathan Powell

Jonathan specialises in Planning, Environmental and Property Law. Member of the Planning & Environment Bar Association, Administrative Law Bar Association, Ecclesiastical Law Society, Agricultural Law Association, Built Environment Working Group of the UK Environmental Law Association and Environmental Law Foundation’s referral panel. Author of practice guides on Judicial Review, Enforcement, Prosecution, Injunctions, Planning Agreements and Human Rights and Expert Witness Training. Contributing case editor to the Journal of Planning & Environment Law.

Julie Ball

Julie has a broad practice across Chambers’ areas of work, in particular, employment and sports law, public and administrative law, commercial litigation, regulatory and licensing law, and media and information law. She has appeared unled in the High Court, County Court, Employment Appeal Tribunal, Employment Tribunal, and in the civil jurisdictions of the Crown Court and the magistrates’ courts. Julie has extensive experience in drafting pleadings and advising on matters in the above referenced jurisdictions. She has developed a particular interest in matters relating to equality and discrimination as well as media and information law, including data protection. Further, Julie has significant experience of urgent applications for civil injunctions and committal proceedings for breach of court orders.

Katie Lines

Kevin Brown

Kevin joined 4-5 as a tenant in March 2022 following completion of a Third-Six. He previously undertook pupillage with the Government Legal Department. Kevin accepts instructions across Chamber’s key areas of work. He has a particular interest in housing, public and administrative law, equality and human rights. He also has a growing practice in professional discipline. Kevin appears in court regularly for clients in relation to housing matters, including possession, injunctions and anti-social behaviour. He was recently seconded to a local authority dealing with homelessness matters and is able to advise public bodies and tenants on a range of housing-related duties.

Mark Engleman

Mark Engelman is a leading junior barrister specialising in intellectual property law, covering areas of practice such as patents, trademarks, copyright, trade secrets, design rights, data protection and a wide range of internet-related matters. Mark provides an end-to-end service, working directly with clients from the first letter of contact to presenting cases in court and on appeal all the way to the European Court. Specialities also include defamation and media, contract and commercial disputes, along with commercial contract drafting and negotiation. Clients range from multinationals through SMEs to individuals as well as intermediaries.

Max Shephard

Max is regularly instructed in employment, regulatory, sports, and commercial cases. He appears in a range of courts and tribunals including County Courts, the Employment Appeal Tribunal, the High Court, and the Court of Appeal. Max is frequently instructed to advise on settlement in complex disputes.

Michael Jefferies

Michael is an experienced advocate with a very wide field of practice. His work involves all possible aspects of broad chancery practice, including company, insolvency, landlord and tenant, (residential and business), mortgages, guarantees, trusts, capital taxes, conveyancing, Inheritance Act claims, Probate, Will construction and rectification, boundary disputes, party walls, joint property disputes, professional negligence, commercial contracts, building disputes and Directors Disqualification, Town and Country Planning and Local Government work, including Judicial Review.

Michael Stephens

Michael is an experienced senior junior who has conducted a broad common law practice from chambers in Birmingham since 1985. His work in recent years has focused particularly on dispute resolution and the use of ADR, leading him to obtain further professional qualifications. Michael is a qualified mediator who has conducted numerous successful mediations covering, in particular, construction, professional negligence, property and business disputes. He abides by the European Code of Conduct for mediators. Michael is also an experienced arbitrator, familiar with both domestic and international rules. He is a member of a number of panels and has spoken frequently on arbitration topics, both in the UK and at international events. With his interest and expertise in construction law, Michael is well placed to act as an adjudicator under the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996. He also has considerable experience in the preparation of notices of adjudication and referral notices. Michael is able to accept instructions direct from the public to provide advice, draft documents or act as advocate and is happy to do so in all of his areas of practice.

Naveen Agnihotri

Naveen provides strategic legal advice to those operating in the commercial, banking and property sectors. He is an experienced international disputes lawyer. His clients include corporations, individuals, regulatory bodies and governments. He also represents parties as Senior Legal Counsel at arbitration and mediation. As an advocate, Naveen has appeared at a wide range of courts and tribunals in England as well as abroad. He has knowledge of practice in both common law and courts with civil codified rules.

Nikesh Pandit

Nikesh focuses on regulatory and disciplinary law and has a particular interest in financial regulation. Nikesh also has experience in broader public and administrative law matters.

Olivia Ford

Olivia has a general housing and property law practice. She also has experience in commercial litigation, and a keen interest in the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

Patrick Taylor

Accredited & Registered Mediator – CEDR 2001. Since accreditation Patrick has been involved in approximately 200 mediations, over 100 of which as lead Mediator. He is regularly appointed by Solicitors throughout the country to assist in resolving civil and commercial disputes. Patrick is comfortable dealing with all types of individuals including litigants in person through to senior executives and board members. Patrick is an experienced commercial litigator and mediator with over 25 years’ experience of handling a wide range of cases to a high level. After 20 years admitted as a Solicitor, Patrick came to the Bar to join Chambers Mediation Group to dedicate himself further to mediation practice. As a solicitor, Patrick has acted for a vast array of clients from Plc’s to individual private clients. He has experience of most UK tribunals including High Court (TCC, Chancery Division, QBD) Court of Appeal, County Court, and private arbitrations both in the UK and in Europe. He has acted for clients in many different countries and enjoys experiencing different cultures. Patrick has unique experience and understanding of legal costs and funding.

Paul Cohen

Paul Cohen is among the world’s foremost international arbitration practitioners. He is also highly experienced in international anti-bribery and fraud work. Paul heads the international group at 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square Chambers. He is called to the Bars of New York and England and Wales. Paul practiced for many years with the late Arthur Marriott QC, one of the founding fathers of modern international arbitration. Paul got his start in international law working at the Prosecutor’s Office of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. A former speechwriter on the Clinton/Gore Presidential Campaign, Paul later worked on high-profile international cases with the late Ted Sorensen, John F Kennedy’s legendary speechwriter and counsel.

Peter Saville

Peter joined 4-5 as a Third-Six following the completion of his pupillage in a well-established criminal chambers. During pupillage Peter prosecuted and defended serious cases in the Crown Court on behalf of professional and lay clients. Peter's practice included a breadth of civil orders, licensing and appellate work which have included novel points of law to the Court of Appeal. Peter has developed a strong advisory practice to individuals and institutions.

Philip Sapsford KC

Although living in Switzerland, Philip's practice has an international dimension. This includes the tracing of hidden assets in divorce and family law cases and in civil remidies for victims of fraud. In the 1980’s he began his pro bono work, particularly for final appeals to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in death penalty cases from the British Commonwealth countries.

Philippa Seal

Philippa has a property and general commercial practice with particular expertise in the field of landlord and tenant. She represents claimants and defendants at all levels including in the High Court in the Queen’s Bench and Chancery Divisions, in the Companies Court, and in the County Courts throughout England and Wales. She undertakes fast track and multi-track trials, applications and interlocutory hearings. Philippa also accepts work under the Bar’s Direct Public Access Scheme.

Ramya Nagesh

Ramya joined 4-5 Grays Inn Square in March 2022 after over nine years practising in other leading Chambers. She specialises in inquest, professional discipline, inquiry, business crime and general public law. Over the years, Ramya has built a breadth of experience over a number of practice areas, which enables her to provide a well-rounded and thorough approach to her cases. The key driving force behind her work has always been client care; ensuring that she goes the extra mile to provide her clients with the best possible service. Ramya regularly acts in professional discipline proceedings, including police disciplinary proceedings and those brought by the Nursing and Midwifery Council. She is happy to take instructions in relation to any regulator. Her wider experience defending and prosecuting in criminal cases has given her an advantage in being able to quickly adapt to either side of a professional discipline cases.

Raoul Colvile

Raoul has a broad based dispute resolution practice and significant experience of complex commercial civil litigation, white collar crime, and internal investigations, each regularly containing multi-jurisdictional elements. He was called to the bar following nearly six years of practice at the London Office of a major US Law Firm where he qualified as a solicitor advocate. Raoul’s civil litigation work has commonly included contractual disputes, matters arising from fraud, and the implementation of international asset recovery strategies. He has experience of ADR (including several detailed commercial settlements), arbitration, and the Chancery and Commercial Courts. His white collar crime and investigative work has often involved high profile and sensitive matters. Highlights to date have included the Serious Fraud Office v. ICBC Standard Bank Plc UK Bribery Act matter, which culminated in the UK’s first ever Deferred Prosecution Agreement (“DPA”), as well as working for the joint administrators in respect of the collapse of British Homes Stores (“BHS”)). Since July 2017 he has been assisting the Serious Fraud Office with a major high profile investigation. Raoul has advised companies and individuals both personally and as part of a team on a wide range of issues. He accepts instructions across a broad range of practice areas and is developing a Regulatory practice. Raoul’s recent instructions include: (i) representations at the interim order, substantive hearing and substantive order review stages for the Nurses and Midwifery Council, (ii) representations in the High Court, Crown Court and County Court, (iii) the role of sole LPP counsel on a high profile matter for the Serious Fraud Office, (iv) assisting the Government Legal Department on a commercial dispute involving alleged violations of the European Convention of Human Rights, (v) a three month secondment to the Pension Protection Fund.

Rayan Imam

Rayan specialises in property litigation with a particular focus on leasehold disputes and claims pursuant to the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 involving resulting/constructive trusts. Rayan has experience in the Upper Tribunal and regularly appears in the First-Tier Tribunal and the County Court in the full range of landlord and tenant matters.

Richard Price KC

Richard has extensive experience as an advocate and adviser in commercial litigation. He is an acknowledged expert in entertainment and media law, including intellectual property and defamation. He specialises in professional negligence work, relating to commercial matters, and clinical negligence. Popular with clients, he has been described in 'The Lawyer' as "a tenacious character, a steamroller in his arguments, and very, very practical" and clients describe him as "brilliant at absorbing the negative stuff, and extracting constructive proposals... and a great mind which enables him to see through what others might have missed”. Richard also specialises in professional regulation and discipline. He acts for regulators, and for professionals in disciplinary matters before their regulatory bodies with thoroughness and understanding. He has particular experience of chairing, and acting as legal assessor to, various disciplinary panels. Richard is one of the country’s few leading experts on election law, and edits the leading text books on the subject. Complimentary to his litigious work, Richard is one of the most experienced and widely regarded commercial mediators at the Bar, and has featured as a leading mediator in the Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 directories, which have described him in the following terms: a calm manner that leads you towards a settlement" (Chambers & Partners) a ‘big character’, who brings a broad ‘range of skills to bear" (Legal 500) excellent mediation practice" (Legal 500)

Rosalee Mohajer

Rosalee joined 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square as a Third Six Pupil in October 2018, following the successful completing of her pupillage at the London Borough of Lambeth. She accepts instructions in all areas of Chambers’ work, with a particular interest in housing, employment and public law.

Rowena Wisniewska

Rowena specialises in Financial Services Law and Regulation and has around 10 years experience in the Enforcement Legal Group at the (then) Financial Services Authority and its successor the Financial Conduct Authority. Rowena has been involved in a wide range of regulatory cases and litigation in the Upper Tribunal (Tax and Chancery Chamber), the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court at the FSA, FCA, the Treasury Solicitor and Government Legal Department. Rowena originally qualified as a solicitor in 2001 and worked in private practice before joining the Treasury Solicitor. During her time in Central Government she was instructed in general private law litigation, immigration and other judicial review matters. Rowena has particular expertise in providing regulatory investigation support, interview planning, advice on regulatory breaches and contested authorisation and registration matters, included contentious fitness and propriety assessments.

Rupert Beloff

Rupert is a specialist in electoral law. He advises returning officers, election officials, local authorities and candidates on issues relating the whole spectrum of election law and has appeared in high court on election petitions. Rupert is frequently retained by returning officers during elections to provide urgent advice on issues that arise. He is a regular writer of articles on election law that have appeared in a variety of publications. Rupert worked in sports media before being called to the bar and completing a commercial and planning pupillage. Rupert has a broad commercial and public law practice with a particular expertise in all aspects of sports and media law. He has extensive experience of appearing in courts and tribunals in London and nationwide, including high value complex claims. Rupert’s clients include regulatory bodies, sports clubs and agencies, sportsmen and women, national insurance companies, local authorities, FTSE listed companies, company directors, auctioneers and professionals. He accepts instructions across a wide range of Chambers’ work in both an advisory and advocacy capacity.

Salmaan Hassanally

Salmaan specialises in property and commercial law, as well as local government and public law.

Sappho Dias

Sappho is an experienced advocate, who has practised both Criminal and Civil law. She began her career as an advocate in 1982 and she has been in continuous practice since that date. After she moved to civil law, she has primarily practised in local government work advising in a wide range of cases from Election Law cases to Court of Protection cases. Of late, because of tragic personal circumstances, she has concentrated and built up a practice advising on legal advice privilege. She has acted as independent counsel for the SFO in a wide range of cases, as well as the Metropolitan Police.

Sarah Lewis

Sarah joined chambers as a third-six pupil having been in practice for 18 months in Northern Ireland. She has broad experience in the areas of environmental, property and land disputes, planning, housing, and landlord and tenant, company law, bankruptcy and insolvency.

Selena Jones

Selena accepts instructions in all areas of Chambers' practice and has a particular interest in Property, Local Government and Public Law. Selena previously practised at a leading set of chambers which specialises in Criminal Law, where she gained significant experience of conducting trials both defending and prosecuting in the Youth Court, Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court. This experience compliments Selena’s Housing and Property practice and makes her the perfect choice for cases involving criminal offences which relate to social housing properties. She is highly valued by lay and professional clients and is renowned for her “fearless approach to defence” and has been commended for her written and oral advocacy by those who instruct her. Selena has been commended by judges as an advocate with “ability, knowledge, principled confidence and strong ethics together with a thoroughly pleasant and highly persuasive manner”. She is recognised for her skilful handling of cases involving vulnerable defendants and is described as having a “wonderful aura which makes clients feel at ease”. Selena has appeared in contested confiscation hearings some of which have included the consideration of Unlawful Profit Orders. Notable cases are listed below.

Simon Randle

Simon specialises at the Planning and Environmental Bar, which has brought him into contact with all aspects of development control, including planning enforcement, the use of Injunctions as well as appeals to the High Court and also the Appellate Courts. He has tremendous experience of the planning system and has advised in respect of many major development schemes and appeared at numerous planning inquiries.

Stephanie Lovegrove

Stephanie was called to the Bar in 2004. She is a highly experienced barrister who represents and advises on all aspects of housing, commercial landlord and tenant and property law, acting in cases in the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) and the County Court, up to and including the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. She acts for both landlords and tenants; local authorities and residents. She is recommended as a leading junior by both Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500 for Social Housing where she is described as a “brilliant advocate” who "has excellent attention to detail and an eye for finding novel ways of developing the law” and “demonstrates prowess across all areas of landlord and tenant law, including residential and commercial possession matters”.

Stephen Barker

Stephen Barker is an independent commercial mediator. He is a CMC Registered Mediator. Stephen was trained and accredited by CEDR in 2001 and has regularly been appointed as mediator ever since. Prior to his call to the Bar in 2017, Stephen worked in private practice as a Solicitor. On transferring to become a barrister, he became a tenant at 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square. When he was admitted as a Solicitor in 1989, Stephen joined Eversheds, one of the leading international law firms and became an equity partner in 1999. He was head of the Commercial Litigation team at Eversheds’ Birmingham office, until he moved on in 2006 to join US law firm Reed Smith as a partner in their Commercial Disputes Group. Later Stephen was part of the management team of Reed Smith’s Birmingham off-shoot, Hill Hofstetter, now FieldFisher. He set up Barker Commercial Law, to look after the commercial legal needs of a select group of clients, including an automotive systems manufacturer and one of the world’s leading cyber-security software developers, both global listed businesses.

Tanveer Qureshi

Tanveer’s practice focuses on matters involving allegations of health and safety, regulatory breaches, fraud, along with other misconduct by companies, directors, financial professionals and corporates entities. Tanveer has a growing health and safety practice. He is an experienced and robust advocate and is frequently retained by corporate and directors to defend against HSE prosecutions, act in inquests and advise on strategy.

Timothy Straker KC

Joint Head of Chambers 2002-2015, Head of Chambers 2015 to present. Member of Governing Council of Malvern College. Justice of Appeal, Court of Appeal of the Falklands Deputy High Court Judge Election Commissioner Recorder Timothy Straker KC has a wide ranging public law practice. He has made many appearances in courts at the highest level in England and Wales and overseas. Timothy has acted in multiple election petitions in England, Wales and Trinidad and Tobago, which operates under a similar regime. He has advised on elections and related matters in multiple jurisdictions including Scotland, Guyana and Asian jurisdictions. He recently led in the Supreme Court when that court (exceptionally) considered the boundary between party and personal expenses. Timothy Straker KC has appeared in the vast majority of the most important election cases of the last twenty five years starting with successful appearances for the returning officer in the ‘Literal Democrat’ case, which directly led to the creation of the Electoral Commission for which he has acted. Principally he has acted for returning officers throughout the country and been closely involved in elections since 1995. He has acted for the Greater London Authority and Transport for London ever since those bodies were created. He sits as an election commissioner. Tim also undertakes public and private inquiry work, including issues of abuse. He has particular experience of chairing, public inquiries, railway arbitrations and electoral commission matters. He believes in close teamwork in major cases and a good working professional relationship with both professional and lay clients. He has acted for (and against) local authorities on issues ranging from abattoirs to zoos, appeared in inquiries in Scotland and undertaken, drawing on his English experience, work relating to environmental assessment in Greece and the Caribbean. His local authority and public law work includes planning (multiple inquiries and judicial reviews, e.g. The Emirates, Anfield, retail, polytunnels and amalgamations and basements), infrastructure (e.g. Mersey Gateway, Felixstowe and Harwich) and procurement (often confidential).

Toby Davey

Commissioner for Foreign jurisdictions Assistant Boundary Commissioner (BCE) Legal Assessor for British Psychological Society, legal adviser to RICS Legal Assessor to General Medical Council General Dental Council Legal Adviser Immigration Judge (legal chairman I.A.T)

Vida Simpeh

Vida accepts instructions in all areas of Chambers' expertise and has a particular interest in Commercial law, Public Law and Regulatory. Vida is currently instructed as Junior Counsel on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. She is also instructed on the Undercover Policing Inquiry.

Vivienne Sedgley

Vivienne is a leading junior with a wide-ranging public law practice. She previously worked for Speaker's Counsel at the House of Commons. She is a published author in her practice areas, writing for Supperstone, Goudie and Walker: Judicial Review and Parker’s Law and Conduct of Elections. She is known for her approachability and clear written advice, particularly in tricky areas of law.

William Okoya

Formerly a senior legal officer for a local authority and legal manager for a large-scale voluntary transfer RSL. He advises and represents both public sector landlords and their tenants. A selection of his reported cases include: R (Couronne v Crawley BC and Secretary of State [2006] EWHC 1514 (Admin) R (Bibi) V Camden LBC [2004] EWHC 2527; Swindon BC v Aston [2002] EWCA Civ 1850; Bond v Leicester City Council [2001] EWCA Civ 1544; [2002] HLR 6; Crawley BC v B (2000) 32 HLR 636; Watford BC v Simpson (2000) 32 HLR, 901, CA: Croydon BC v Maxon Systems Incorporated Ltd [1999] RA 286, QBD. William advises and represents both public sector landlords and their tenants. He is listed as a leading barrister in housing in Chambers UK and was a senior legal officer for a local authority and a legal manager for a large scale voluntary transfer RSL prior to practice at the Bar.

Legal 500

Our Team

FAQs

Marketing Resources

Newsletters

Contact us