Abigail has recently completed pupillage under the supervision of Tom Tyson and James McHugh. Within her pupillage, Abigail gained experience across a wide range of Chambers' civil practice areas. Abigail accepts instructions in a variety of cases including Employment, Personal Injury, Human Rights and Civil Liberties, Inquests, Housing, Business and Property matters. During her second six, Abigail assisted James McHugh acting for the Respondent in the Court of Appeal case of Steer v. Stormsure Ltd [2021] EWCA Civ 887. The Respondent successfully defended the Claimant's claim to extend the right to apply for interim relief within Equality Act 2010 dismissals. Prior to commencing pupillage at Trinity Chambers, Abigail worked as a paralegal at a law firm ranked within both Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. Within her role, she assisted with catastrophic injury litigation. Abigail previously gained experience working as a court agent for a national advocacy services provider in disciplinary hearings at the General Medical Council. EDUCATION BPP University, BPTC (Very Competent) The University of Manchester, Bachelor of Laws (LLB) (First Class Honours) AWARDS The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple, Sir Robert Micklethwait Major Scholarship (2018) BPP University, Advocacy Scholarship (2018) The University of Manchester, Year Prize in Family Law (2018) MEMBERSHIPS Government Legal Department Junior Junior Scheme Newcastle Junior Lawyers Division Representative The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Abigail has contributed to the Housing Law Weekly during pupillage.
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Specialisms: business, chancery, family, regulatory and PI. Personal injury: Amanda is regularly instructed in personal injury cases including small claims and infant approvals. Amanda has dealt with road traffic and credit hire cases, acting for both claimants and defendants. Amanda has also undertaken work in relation to obtaining charging orders, unless orders, pre-action disclosure and Norwich Pharmacal Orders. Amanda drafts pleadings, advices and skeleton arguments. Family: Amanda has appeared in cases involving many aspects of children work and has been instructed in contact matters, contested injunctions, private law disputes and cases concerning domestic violence. In public law cases, Amanda has been instructed on behalf of parents, guardians and the local authority, appearing regularly in the Family Proceedings and County Courts and has also appeared in the High Court. Business and insolvency: Amanda accepts instructions in relation to commercial and contractual disputes including breach of contract, credit hire, debt recovery and sale of goods. Amanda advises on commercial transactions as well as acting on behalf of both claimants and defendants. Work is also undertaken in relation to corporate and personal insolvency matters including bankruptcy and voluntary agreements. Chancery: Amanda is instructed in relation to landlord and tenant matters including both residential and business tenancies as well as service charge and breach of covenant matters.
Andrew is an employment and business, property and commercial law practitioner. Andrew has been at Trinity Chambers since 2008 and has vast experience in Employment Tribunals, Courts and Regulatory Hearings nationwide across England and Scotland. Andrew currently acts as a junior being led by Mr Simon Goldberg in an ongoing, complex commercial dispute. Andrew is a member of the Regional Panel of Counsel for the Government Legal Department having been appointed since 2015. Employment & Regulatory "Very approachable and extremely conscientious - on his feet, nothing fazes him" Legal 500 2021 "Very passionate and puts everything into his cases." Legal 500 2020 Andrew regularly represents both claimants and respondents (of all sizes from small businesses to FTSE 100 organisations, as well as local authorities and government bodies), including against Queen's Counsel, in complicated employment law matters. Andrew is well placed to deal with employment law matters and commercial and business matters relating to employees and business (such as restrictive covenants, confidentiality clauses and injunction applications). Andrew has appeared at the EAT (in both London and Edinburgh) and regularly provides advice and drafting in relation to Employment Tribunal and Employment Appeal Tribunal matters. Andrew routinely represents clients in all matters of employment law and has acted in numerous complex Employment Tribunal cases. Andrew also has particular experience in cases involving the medical, health care and social work professions – including doctors, nurses, social workers and veterinarians, as well as a range of other health care and professional practitioners. Andrew has successfully represented clients in numerous difficult and complex regulatory hearings, including in cases lasting over 10 days. Andrew regularly delivers seminars and training in relation to regulation in the health care and social professions, in relation to which Andrew has been described as an: “Excellent presenter who brought the subject to life. Great insight on a challenging but interesting area of law” Business, Property & Commercial Andrew has substantial experience in numerous areas of business, property and commercial matters. This includes in relation to high value disputes and claims or applications for injunctions (interim and permanent).Andrew represents claimants and defendants in claims relating to: Restrictive covenants, restraint of trade and injunctions Breach of confidence, misuse of confidential information, breach of legal privilege and breach of fiduciary duties Unlawful means conspiracy, procuring a breach of contract and knowing assistance Insolvency matters (including directors duties, statutory demands and petitions for winding up and bankruptcy, abuse of process arguments and appeals) Professional negligence Partnership disputes Landlord and Tenant disputes (commercial and residential) Contractual disputes and sale of goods Possession proceedings Andrew has also gained invaluable experience working offshore (Guernsey) in a well known, reputable firm of Advocates for an extended period of time, working on large, complex business, commercial and chancery/insolvency cases. Personal Injury & Costs Andrew undertakes both claimant and defendant work in a range of personal injury matters, from road traffic to industrial injury/disease claims (including complex mesothelioma claims). He represents clients at CCMCs, applications, final hearings (including multi-track hearings) and on all matters relating to costs and assessment of the same. He also has experience in holiday related claims, employer’s liability and occupiers’ liability cases. MEMBERSHIPS Regional Panel of Counsel for Government Legal Department (formerly Treasury Solicitor) Lincoln's Inn (since 2006) EDUCATION & AWARDS Law LLB, Durham University (2004 – 2007) – First Class (Honours) BVC, Nottingham Law School (2007 – 2008) Ward Hadaway Bursary winner – 2004 (financial award and two summers of work experience) Lincoln’s Inn Hardwicke Entrance Scholar ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Andrew is authorised to accept instructions under the Bar Public Access scheme.
Employment law Commercial litigation Sports law Mediation�� Commercial Litigation Ranging from civil fraud to sale of goods, contractual claims, insurance litigation, professional negligence & company disputes, Andrew has considerable experience & expertise in commercial litigation. Freezing orders and search and seizure orders, whether domestic or extra-territorial, have formed a significant part of his practice throughout his career at the bar. In relation to professional negligence & regulatory work, Andrew’s depth of knowledge and experience derives from the 11 years he spent at 4, New Square where he worked mainly on matters relating to breach of duty by solicitors and accountants, including coverage & declinature disputes with underwriters. Recent cases have included – Professional conflicts in a regulatory framework Procurement of contractual benefits by fraud and breach of fiduciary duty Breaking internal deadlocks within private companies Conspiracy to engineer an unlawful team move Breach of trust relating to employee share benefits Estoppel in relation to pension promises Fiduciary Duties Andrew is the co-author of a major work, published in 2008, entitled “Fiduciary Duties: Directors & Employees” In HISL v Tunnard, Andrew appeared in the Court of Appeal in relation to a senior employee’s fiduciary duties to his employer. In Chase Midland, he successfully acted against a company advisor in relation to his fiduciary duties. He has acted recently in cases involving the diversion of business opportunities, the allegedly unlawful establishment of competing businesses, breach of share purchase agreement, making & taking secret profits, fraudulent misrepresentation by a director, and failing to disclose conflicts of interest. His experience in this field has led to an expertise in company law, which is further reflected in Andrew’s membership of the advisory board of Gore-Browne on Companies, one of the leading company law text books. Restrictive Covenants, Garden Leave & Contractual Issues Andrew acts for individuals and companies on the drafting and enforceability of covenants and garden leave clauses. Handling urgent applications for injunctive relief and working as part of a team preparing for a speedy trial represent a regular and significant part of his practice. Andrew regularly lectures on these topics and has appeared in a number of the leading cases, including Rock Refrigeration v Jones and Symbian v Christensen. He was also leading counsel for the successful claimant in Brake Brothers v Ungless in which the role and underpinning of covenants was reviewed, and in which supply-side covenants were applied. Andrew was counsel for the successful employees in the ground-breaking decision of Malik v BCCI Confidential Information & Urgent Injunctive Relief The issues relating to confidential information arise frequently in Andrew’s practice in connection with employees and directors, and also in relation to covenants in restraint of trade. He has great experience in search and seizure orders, freezing orders and springboard injunctions. Strikes This is another area of specialisation involving urgent applications for injunctive relief. Andrew regularly acts for a number of national companies in relation to industrial action. In the recent past, he has acted for three of the major supermarket chains, a railway company, and oil companies. He acted for a major airline in the Gate Gourmet industrial dispute. Andrew’s experience means that he has developed considerable experience and expertise in the important but obscure details of the rules relating to balloting for strike action. Pensions The cross-over between pensions and employment is obvious. Andrew has regularly advised on this practice area, and with increasing frequency as companies attempt to change the pension regime and employees have sought to resist such changes. In terms of litigation, the best-known of these cases is Hagen v ICI in which a group of employees were misled as to the pension changes which would result from a TUPE transfer. Professional Negligence Andrew has for many years acted for solicitors, surveyors and accountants in relation to issues concerning the proper performance of professional duties. This experience includes claims brought by clients, regulatory matters, and issues concerning insurance policy wording and application. There is a major overlap between the word relating to fiduciary duties which Andrew undertakes for professionals and that which he undertakes for directors and employees. Andrew has written widely on this and one of his articles, specifically relating to the position of solicitors, was cited with approval by the House of Lords in Twinsectra v Yardley. Andrew is currently acting in a major claim against a firm of solicitors based upon a property-related scam and for a mortgage broker in relation to dealings with a client. Sport Football and Formula 1 feature prominently in Andrew’s sports-related practice. Understanding the nature of the specific industries gives an edge to Andrew’s work, enabling him to combine legal expertise with practical solutions appropriate to the area of activity. This work represents a growing element in Andrew’s practice, embracing contractual disputes, regulatory issues, and claims involving fiduciary duties and injunctive relief. Amongst his clients are Rafa Benitez, Sunderland AFC, Benfica, Wirth Research, and an engineer at the heart of in the Ferrari v McLaren scandal. TUPE Andrew advises on the impact of TUPE both in the context of contentious and non-contentious business. He appears regularly in cases in which the impact of TUPE is in issue. He is an editor and co-author of a major work devoted to TUPE, and lectures on this topic. Andrew was one of the advocates in ICI v Hagen, a major TUPE case in the High Court. Andrew appeared in the Court of Appeal in Balfour Beatty Networks v Wilcox. He regularly advises a major national chain on the impact of TUPE on its commercial acquisitions and disposals. Most recently, Andrew acted for the Law Society in the case concerning the establishment of the OLC and its implications under TUPE for staff employed by the Law Society. Discrimination & Equal Pay Both as a practitioner and as a part-time tribunal judge, Andrew has a wide experience of discrimination claims. He appeared in the EAT in the landmark case of GMB v Allen, and has acted in high profile cases concerning sexual orientation and whistleblowing. City based discrimination cases have become a regular part of Andrew’s practice. Andrew is representing a local authority in a significant equal pay claim, and has acted for claimants in relation to a claim arising in the health service. Working Time Andrew has appeared in a number of the most significant cases concerning working time, including Byrne Brothers v Baird, Redrow v Wright, James v Redcats, and Transocean v Russell. NHS Cases Andrew has chaired major internal disciplinary hearings connected with the health service. In addition, he has acted for both hospitals and consultants in relation to the contractual disputes – often involving injunctions– which arise from the complex and sometimes arcane jurisprudence relating to the regulatory and disciplinary aspects of this work. Andrew acted for the hospital in Kulkarni v Milton Keynes NHS Trust. He has also advised widely on the employment implications which result from changing the ways in which medical services can be delivered to patients. Mediation The practice areas in relation to which Andrew acts as a mediator reflect his expertise as a practitioner. Most frequently, he mediates disputes which have issues relating to fiduciary duties, employment, sport, and professional services. This means that Andrew brings to such mediations skills beyond merely those of facilitating negotiations. He has an understanding of the underlying substantive law, enabling him to focus on the real risks - legal as well as financial – which the parties face if the matter in question were to be litigated to judgment.
Crime Prosecuting & defending all aspects of criminal work. Regulatory Regulatory work on behalf or against Local Authorities including Trading Standards and Benefits prosecutions. Prosecuting and defending cases brought by the Health & Safety Executive. Anthony has represented several large Blue Chip companies in relation to such proceedings including fatal accident cases.Anthony also has experience of dealing with civil actions against the police. Anthony has dealt with many other unreported criminal and regulatory cases covering the following: Murder Manslaughter Death by dangerous driving Large scale drug conspiracies Historic sexual abuse Fraud Rape Proceeds of Crime Trading standards Health and Safety Motor Offences
Employment The Legal 500 has listed Antoine as a leading Employment barrister every year since 2011. He has broad experience in all the main ET jurisdictions (discrimination, unfair and wrongful dismissal, wage disputes, breach of contract, TUPE, pregnancy/maternity claims, whistleblowing, equal pay) as well as some of the lesser known jurisdictions (appeals against industrial training levies). He advises individual, corporate and public sector clients in High Court and County Court disputes involving Employment law (restrictive covenants, breach of confidence). Antoine is an experienced appellate advocate (10 full EAT appeals, 1 Court of Appeal appeal), and has appeared in ETs in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. In 2020 Antoine was appointed an Employment Judge in Scotland, and in 2021 as an Employment Judge in London Central ET. He continues to act for claimants and respondents in all ETs where he does not sit as a judge. Commercial/Chancery The Legal 500 has listed Antoine as a leading Commercial barrister since 2011. Antoine has specialised in business disputes since qualifying as a solicitor at Slaughter and May in 1996. In 1997 – 2004, he practiced Commercial Litigation in New York at two major US firms (Debevoise & Plimpton, Skadden Arps). Antoine’s Commercial practice involves advising and representing sole traders, partnerships, companies, shareholders, directors and those in dispute with them (customers, lenders, investors) in (1) contract disputes (2) debt collection (3) directors duties/disqualification (4) shareholder disputes (5) mis-selling (6) commercial landlord and tenant (7) corporate and personal insolvency (8) professional negligence (esp. involving solicitors) (9) construction (10) fraud/embezzlement (11) sale of goods (12) partnership disputes (13) breach of confidence (14) insurance. Antoine has substantial experience drafting and arguing urgent interim applications, and obtained numerous interim freezing orders. His Commercial practise aims to combine technical expertise with pragmatic advice aimed at achieving the best commercial outcome at lowest cost. Antoine is experienced in the use of mediation/ADR to resolve commercial disputes. Property Antoine has a keen interest in disputes concerning land law and landlord and tenant matters (commercial and residential). He advises commercial and social landlords, tenants, banks and other lenders, developers, vendors, purchasers, agents, neighbours and those dealing with them. APPOINTMENTS Antoine was appointed an Employment Judge in Scotland in 2020 and in London Central ET in 2021. Antoine is on the Attorney General's Regional Panel of Counsel, and is regularly instructed by the Government Legal Department in Employment and Commercial/Insolvency-related matters. MEMBERSHIPS Employment Law Bar Association North East Circuit ARTICLES & PUBLICATIONS “Selection Box: Employers Enjoy High Degree of Flexibility When Choosing Redundancy Selection Criteria”, New Law Journal, 16 November 2012 EDUCATION, HONOURS, AWARDS, QUALIFICATIONS Cambridge University - BA in Law (1st Class Honours), Sidney Sussex College Scholar, Tripos Prize Oxford University - MA in Politics Philosophy & Economics Harvard Law School - Masters degree in Law, financial scholarship Admitted to New York Bar (1998) Admitted to Roll of Solicitors of England and Wales (1996) DIRECT ACCESS Antoine is able to consider instructions direct from members of the public. Any requests should be directed to his clerks in the first instance.
Highly regarded and experienced Criminal Silk instructed in all aspects of both defence and prosecution case work and advocacy. Instructed in serious and high profile cases heard in the House of Lords, Court of Appeal and Crown Court. With forensic case preparation, tenacious cross-examination, careful witness handling and robust Court room presence, has a reputation as a formidable jury advocate. Regularly instructed in complex and document heavy cases including: Murder Manslaughter Conspiracy Terrorism Serious & Historical Sexual Offences Infant Death Fraud Coroner's Inquests Regulatory Proceeds of crime Serious motor offences – death by dangerous driving Heads Trinity's Criminal Practice group. Caroline Goodwin Q.C. was the 2019/2020 Chair of the Criminal Bar Association having previously been elected Vice Chair in 2018. Tenant at Carmelite Chambers, London. Murder, Manslaughter & Conspiracy Defends and prosecutes cases involving murder, manslaughter, diminished responsibility, attempted murder and conspiracies. Extensive practical experience of working with a range of experts. Fully familiar with cell site analysis, fingerprint, foot mark, ballistic and DNA evidence as well as the forensic interrogation of computers and smart devices. As part of this practical approach, advocates the use of site visits by the instructing team, Jury and Judge. Regularly deals with vulnerable witnesses and cases requiring video evidence and the use of intermediaries. Specialist practice areas include: Murder Attempted Murder Manslaughter Knife Offences Firearms Offences Gang Related Deaths Vulnerable Defendants Vulnerable Witnesses Self Defence & Coercion Provocation Diminished Responsibility Appeals Multi-Handed Defendants Cut-Throat Defences Terrorism Instructed in cases involving allegations of terrorist activity, including defending allegations involving membership of proscribed organisations. Serious & Historical Sexual Offences Prosecuting and defending cases involving serious sexual assaults including rape, abuse and historic abuse. Recognised expertise in dealing with vulnerable witnesses involved in serious sexual offences, including allegations of sexual abuse made against young and vulnerable defendants. Having been on the CPS Rape and Serious Sexual Offences List, experience of dealing with cases involving adults, children, the mentally impaired and forced marriage/honour violence. Experienced in dealing with special measures such as video evidence and the use of intermediaries. Also prosecutes and defends in cases involving internet child pornography and sexual “grooming”. Regularly instructed on behalf of both the prosecution and defence in often high-profile cases involving allegations of historic sexual abuse within families, institutions and other positions of trust. Adopts a forensic approach to assimilating and distilling voluminous amounts of evidence and testimony going back many years. Specialist practice areas include: Rape Sexual Abuse Sexual Assault Domestic Abuse Marital/Relationship Rape Coercive Control Sexual Exploitation Human Trafficking Child Abuse Vulnerable Defendants Vulnerable Witnesses Child Grooming Indecent Images Extreme Pornography Honour Violence/Forced Marriage Care Homes Institutional Abuse Schools and Education Sporting Organisations Inter- familial Inter-generational Child Exploitation Child Cruelty Infant Death Experienced in dealing with technical medical records and expert evidence surrounding complex causation issues in cases involving infant death, including allegations surrounding neglect and baby shaking. Such cases often involve vulnerable defendants and witnesses requiring intermediaries and the use of video evidence. Specialist practice areas include: Baby Shaking Infanticide Child Neglect Child Cruelty Gross Negligence Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Murder Manslaughter Acquired Brain Injury Fraud Deals with white collar crime including complex and serious fraud cases, including some with an international element. International Following an extensive appointment process, instructed as a prosecuting advocate for Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan de Cuhna. Travelled over 4000 miles to Saint Helena and, on behalf of the Attorney General, prosecuted in a series of 10 trials in cases ranging from rape, sexual assault, including historic, and violence.The cases were unprecedented for the Island as they were the first trials to include intermediaries. Coroner's Inquests Regularly instructed in relation to complex Coroner’s Inquest matters acting on behalf of Local Authorities, NHS Trusts, Clinicians, Police Authorities and families of the deceased. In preparing for such hearings, able to meet consultants, nursing staff, police officers out of hours at their place of work recognising the pressures which organisations such as the NHS are under. Heavily involved throughout the pre-inquest stages, including attending conferences, pre-inquest hearings, forensic review of medical evidence and records. Deals with lengthy jury and non-jury inquests involving deaths arising from: Workplace accidents Road accidents Alleged substandard medical care Alleged substandard care in care homes Homicides Suicides Police custody Treatment in prison Has delivered mock inquest training events. Regulatory & Motor Offences Deals with a wide range of regulatory matters including health and safety, trading standards and environmental protection prosecutions. Instructed in serious motor offences including death by dangerous driving. Has a particular interest in equine cases. Direct Public Access Accredited to accept instructions under the Direct Access scheme. APPOINTMENTS Queen's Counsel 2017 Recorder 2010 Grade 4 Prosecutor CPS Vice Chair of Criminal Bar Association 2018/2019 Chair of Criminal Bar Association 2019/2020 MEMBERSHIPS North Eastern Circuit Criminal Bar Association Association of Military Court Advocates LECTURES & SEMINARS Regularly delivers seminars and training events to solicitors, police authorities and CPS. Recent topics have included advocacy skills, serious sexual offences and vulnerable witnesses. Has also played the role of a Coroner at several mock Inquests and often acts as a Judge in local university mooting competitions. EDUCATION BA Newcastle upon Tyne
Charles has a busy and well-established chancery/commercial practice, with a particular emphasis on business and property matters. He aims to provide pragmatic, business-focused resolutions to disputes, with advice delivered promptly in user-friendly terms. Charles is also well known nationally as a specialist licensing advocate and has acted in a large number of licensing applications relating to a wide range of venues and events, including high profile matters such as the Newcastle Carling Academy, the Birmingham Carling Academy, Darlington FC's stadium, the York Barbican Centre, the Sage Gateshead international music centre and the "HiFi North" festival. He has also had many years’ experience in lap dancing applications, now regulated as sexual entertainment venues. His betting and gaming practice concerns betting shops (multiples and independents), amusement arcades, bingo, casinos and online gaming. He frequently appears in firearms matters. He also deals with the licensing of scrap metal dealers. Charles has a very active taxi licensing practice representing both operators and local authorities, and has advised statutory bodies in relation to matters as diverse as the use of former fire engines for mobile hen parties to the processing of applications for drivers’ licenses from non-UK applicants unable to furnish Criminal Records Bureau checks. His licensing practice involves a significant amount of work in the Administrative Court, where Charles also conducts public law Judicial Review cases largely concerning local authorities. Licensing Pubs, clubs, music venues, festivals, tableside dancing clubs, hotels, sports stadia, betting, gaming and amusement centres, casinos, internet gaming, sex shops, sex cinemas, sexual entertainment venues, firearms (shotgun appeals in particular), buses, taxis, taxi drivers (revocations in particular), houses in multiple occupation, scrap metal dealers. In addition, policies, CRB checks, Data Protection, Freedom of Information, Human Rights Act, Judicial Review and enforcement proceedings. Represents the trade, local authorities and the police. Landlord & Tenant Commercial and residential landlord and tenant, lease renewals. dilapidations, tied leases and licensed premises. Real property Conveyancing and related land disputes including easements, covenants and boundary disputes, fairs and markets, village greens, caravan sites. Particular emphasis on licensed/regulated properties. Chancery/Commercial Contentious Probate, Inheritance Act claims, guarantees, mortgages, construction disputes, contract disputes, civil fraud, solicitors' disputes, sport and businesses. Particular emphasis on licensed/leisure sector. Company partnership Share sale agreements, warranty claims, directors' disqualification, shareholder disputes, fiduciary duties. Social Housing Possession claims, anti-social behaviour injunctions, leasehold valuation, tribunal applications. Acting for local authorities and other social landlords. Professional negligence Claims involving solicitors, architects, engineers, surveyors, estate agents. Particular emphasis on professional negligence claims in the licensing field. Insolvency Corporate and personal. APPOINTMENTS Junior Counsel to the Crown (Provincial Panel) (2000-2007) MEMBERSHIPS North Eastern Circuit Institute of Licensing Chancery Bar Association LECTURES & SEMINARS Charles is a Workshop leader on the Bar Vocational Course at Northumbria University. He regularly presents seminars to local authority clients on licensing and social housing matters. EDUCATION Inns of Court School of Law Diploma in Advocacy (National Institute of Trial Advocacy) University of Nottingham: LL.B.
Christopher is always interested in the unusual and challenging, and with his extensive experience of jury trials is recognised as a leading and tenacious advocate across his range of practice areas including: Divorce & Matrimonial Finance Criminal Law Private Prosecutions Regulatory Personal Injury Business Property Chancery Coroner's Inquests Divorce & Matrimonial Finance Christopher has an extensive matrimonial finance practice focused on remedies following divorce and dissolution of civil partnerships in high value and complex money cases. His practice covers farms and agricultural property, trusts, professionals (doctors, dentists, lawyers, accountants, financial advisers), sportsmen/women, entrepreneurs, offshore asset tracing (Bearer Shares, holding companies), businesses (limited companies and partnerships), inherited wealth, pension valuations (final salary, police, NHS, military) and insolvency. He also deals with the variation of complex financial settlements, as well as professional negligence cases relating to matrimonial finance. In matrimonial finance proceedings, Christopher regularly deals with Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR) hearings as well as mediations and Institute of Family Law Arbitrators (IFLA) arbitrations. Integrating his civil and Chancery practice, Christopher deals with cohabitee disputes and other Trusts of Land and Trustees Act (ToLATA) applications. He is instructed in Schedule 1 Children Act 1989 financial applications and high value child maintenance claims. Christopher also represents parents and extended family members in private family law proceedings including contested residence and contact issues. He is experienced in dealing with high profile clients including senior business figures, television personalities, premiership football players and other sporting personalities. Civil & Common Law Christopher is instructed in civil and common law matters – ranging from personal injury, clinical negligence, commercial and property disputes, contentious probate and professional negligence. With extensive experience of jury trials against the police, Christopher specialises in claims for assault, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution and misfeasance in public office. Regulatory Christopher is instructed in a range of regulatory matters, including professional discipline, environmental protection and prosecuting and defending under the Waste Management Regulations, including illegal tipping and scrapping. He has successfully defended proceedings brought by DEFRA alleging animal cruelty at a large commercial meat processing factory. Recent cases include the successful dismissal of private prosecution proceedings against a large land developer based on alleged damage to the habitat of the legally protected Great Crested Newt. In Willis v Derwentside District Council, Christopher successfully represented the claimants in a claim involving the escape of stythe gas at the site of a former coal mine. Capitalising on his extensive criminal experience, Christopher is instructed in Proceeds of Crime (POCA) cases brought by Local Authorities and other public bodies seeking to recover assets arising from regulatory breaches such as trade mark infringement, environmental protection, tipping and scrapping. Coroner's Inquests Deploying his extensive jury trial advocacy experience,combined with his civil law expertise Christopher is instructed in a wide range of Coroner's Inquest matters including cases involving death in custody, work accidents, road accidents and deaths related to allegations of clinical negligence. Criminal Law Christopher is recognised for his wide level of criminal advocacy experience and is regularly instructed in serious cases such as homicide and complex financial crime, including as a leader. He has particular expertise and Court of Appeal success in issues surrounding the use and protection of informants, including procedural “know how", provision of discounts, Section 73 Serious Organised Crime & Police Act (SOCPA) “super grass” agreements, and informants identified by Court Order. He was instructed in the leading informant discount case of R v Blackburn and P, also reported as R v P. In 2017 Christopher represented the identified informant in Operation Shelter known as “XY” in Newcastle. He has an interest in entrapment, undercover and agent provocateur cases, including those involving child sex offences and internet grooming and has defended victims of "Dark Justice". Christopher has dealt with cases involving Covert Human Intelligence Sources (CHIS). He is instructed by the prosecution and defence in Serious Sex Cases including sexual assault, rape, historical and institutionalised sexual abuse, indecent images, prostitution and soliciting and internet grooming. He has successfully defended allegations of rape, marital rape and sexual allegations against police officers. Christopher is a Crown Court Recorder authorised to try Class 2 Serious Sex Cases. Christopher was commended by the police and CPS for his part in Operation Fibre resulting in the prosecution of three men accused of grooming and child sex offences in Teesside including counts of arranging/facilitating commission of a child sex offence, sexual activity with a child and child abduction. He has been instructed by the defence and prosecution in relation to major armed robberies and conspiracies to rob. He was involved in Northumbria Police’s Operation Zoom. Christopher is instructed in relation to cases involving firearms, including leading the defence in the case of the shooting and murder of South Shields takeaway owner, Tipu Sultan. Christopher has particular expertise in disclosure and third-party disclosure issues in criminal proceedings. He is instructed in complex Proceeds of Crime (POCA) cases particularly arising from regulatory offences prosecuted by local authorities. He is experienced in financial crime cases involving allegations of fraud, conspiracy to defraud, mortgage fraud and money laundering. Christopher is instructed in one of the first prosecutions under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 where a landlord is alleged to have exploited his tenants to work without pay in return for accommodation. Christopher is experienced in dealing with clients with mental health and/or learning difficulties including using intermediaries and other special measures during court proceedings. He can put vulnerable clients at ease, build rapport and explain the particular circumstances of their case and the often daunting court process. Christopher deals with cases involving insanity, fitness to plead and Mental Health Act disposals. As well as being regularly instructed by the Crown Prosecution Service, Christopher has also dealt with private prosecution matters. Motor Offences With his extensive motor offence defence experience, Christopher deals with cases involving causing death by dangerous, careless and inconsiderate driving. In R v Hughes, Christopher acted for the successful appellant driver charged with causing death by driving whilst unlicensed and without insurance. The case has largely eliminated simple prosecutions for this offence. He has advised in several similar cases since for the prosecution and defence. As well as private motor users, Christopher is also instructed in relation to commercial vehicles, including unintended acceleration cases involving fatality. He has defended several high-profile sporting and public figures and personalities. APPOINTMENTS Crown Court Recorder (authorised to try Class 2 Serious Sex Cases) Deputy Head of Chambers and Treasurer Grade 4 Prosecutor CPS Appointed by the Department of Energy and Climate Change to hear Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC) Appeals MEMBERSHIPS Criminal Bar Association Family Law Bar Association Association of Military Court Advocates LECTURES & SEMINARS Christopher regularly delivers seminars on ancillary relief matters in addition to financial aspects of criminal proceedings for example proceeds of crime, money laundering and evidence. EDUCATION BA (Hons) Durham. DIRECT PUBLIC ACCESS Whilst Christopher is qualified and able to accept instructions directly from individuals, businesses and professional organisations, given the range and complexity of work he deals with, this often results in him working collaboratively with solicitors. Under direct public access Christopher has dealt with NHS complaints, actions against the police, matrimonial finance disputes, child maintenance/support Tribunals, care home regulation and professional disciplinary matters before the General Optical Council. He also accepts private prosecution instructions. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Christopher is the Deputy Head of Trinity and is Chambers' Management Committee Treasurer. He has been a Bar Standards Board External Moderator on the Bar Vocational Course. Christopher is a Director of two small property management companies, giving him commercial and pragmatic insight as well as an understanding of Board level governance, duties and responsibilities. Christopher was previously a Governor of a successful independent school for 15 years.
Family Private Law Children Domestic Abuse & Injunctions Internal and External Relocation Cases Finding of Fact hearings Ancillary Relief & Matrimonial Finance Pensions Armed Forces Following a successful career in business Claire was a mature entrant to the Bar. Claire has considerable experience representing parents in private law children matters involving residence and contact, as well as applications relating to domestic abuse. In addition to complex contact and shared residence cases, she specialises in finding of fact hearings, implacable hostility cases, and changes of residence. Claire recently appeared in the High Court successfully defending an appeal after a rehearing of a finding of fact hearing concerning a single issue of rape F v M (Appeal: Finding of Fact) [2019] EWHC 3177 (Fam). Claire also has extensive experience of applications for temporary and permanent leave to remove from the jurisdiction, internal and external relocation cases. She represented the father in the reported appeal Re H [2014] EWCA Civ 989 and subsequent rehearing of Re H [2015] EWFC 39 concerning an application by the mother to take their child to Iran for a holiday, despite the father's status as a political asylum seeker. Claire represents clients in all aspects of ancillary relief and matrimonial finance applications. She is particularly experienced in cases involving modest assets where a creative solution is often required to achieve a ‘fair’ result. She has also represented a number of serving and retired members of the armed forces, and has expertise in pensions. Claire is especially aware of the need for sound advice from the earliest stages of proceedings to avoid the stress and expense of protracted litigation. She understands that clients need to feel supported and listened to, and is very capable of putting them at ease. She is experienced in dealing with litigants in person, and being a trained mediator is able to communicate effectively with them in order to achieve negotiated solutions. Claire is fully committed to the continued representation of both privately and publicly funded clients. Claire's article in Family Law Week “Changing Residence - A Judgment of Solomon” addresses the difficulties faced by the courts in deciding whether to change a child's residence, particularly in view of a child's wishes and feelings to the contrary. APPOINTMENTS Family Law Mediator (Children and Ancillary Relief) MEMBERSHIPS Family Law Bar Association North Eastern Circuit Inner Temple EDUCATION LLB (Hons) Buckingham University BVC Northumbria University ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Claire enjoys foreign travel, scuba diving, skiing and photography. She supports Newcastle United and sometimes enjoys it. Claire is married with two children and two dogs.
David has an extensive track record of representing public bodies, public officials and professionals involving breach of regulatory obligations, whether in the High Court, Coroner’s Court or in specialist Tribunals. Areas of expertise include: Complex Casework Organised Crime Murder Homicide Serious Sexual Offences Appellate Work Judicial Review Corner's Inquests Coronial Law & Inquests David currently holds instructions in relation to Coroner’s Court proceedings of exceptional complexity and involving numerous properly interested parties (PIPs). He represents the employee of a public health trust, in a case involving complex factual issues of virology, medical negligence, and systems management. He has appeared at inquests where death has been occasioned in a manner simultaneously engaging criminal responsibility or otherwise touching upon the criminal justice system. APPOINTMENTS & MEMBERSHIPS Crown Prosecution Service Panel Advocate Grade 4 Crown Prosecution Service Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Panel Criminal Bar Association North Eastern Circuit Administrative Law Bar Association Liberty Association of Regulatory and Disciplinary Lawyers EDUCATION & AWARDS LLB (Hons) University of Sheffield Dubb Lipton Alsop Award Inner Temple Duke of Edinburgh Award Inner Temple Exhibitioner Inner Temple Intern Scholarship ADDITIONAL INFORMATION David undertook an Internship at the Louisiana Capital Assistance Centre (New Orleans) working on death penalty cases and the cases of British citizens incarcerated at the Guantanamo Bay military facility. David was the winner of the Inner Temple Inter-Varsity Mooting Competition and Telders Public International Law Mooting Competition (English round), in successive years. He appeared at the International Court of Justice on behalf of English Universities. David is able to receive instructions direct from the public or businesses through the Bar’s public access scheme.
Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence David is a vastly experienced personal injury practitioner, having advised and appeared in a wide variety of claims for claimants and defendants. He is regularly instructed in cases involving accidents at work, road traffic claims, industrial diseases, professional negligence, and stress at work, including bullying and harassment leading to personal injury. He has a special interest in personal injury related limitation cases and has lectured and conducted seminars on the subject. Police & Prison Claims David is one of the most experienced practitioners in claims against the police in the North-East and also advises frequently on all aspects of prison claims, including Judicial Review. He strongly believes this is an expanding area of work and welcomes the establishment of the Administrative Court in Leeds. Crime David has substanial Crown Court criminal advocacy experience. MEMBERSHIPS Personal Injury Bar Association SEMINARS & EVENTS David has lectured frequently on all aspects of personal injury practice and crime. EDUCATION & AWARDS MA University of Edinburgh Blackstone Entrance Scholar, Middle Temple. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Fluent French (written and spoken).
Asylum & Immigration/Judicial Review/Human Rights Prior to joining chambers Elizabeth worked as an immigration counsellor at David Gray Solicitors where she presented immigration and asylum appeals before the Tribunal. She has continued her work in the Tribunal whilst developing her practice in the High Court and Court of Appeal. She has gained the LSC accreditation in Immigration and Asylum work. Elizabeth also deals with private Immigration matters including cases involving work permits, deportation, the UK Border Agency and in particular the Points Based System including advising businesses on this complex and developing area. Administrative & Public Law Elizabeth has dealt with Immigration and Human Rights related Judicial Review proceedings. Children Act Proceedings Elizabeth deals with all areas of family law including public and private law proceedings and cases including mental health issues. Given her asylum and immigration background Elizabeth also deals with children cases where there is an immigration element. MEMBERSHIPS Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association Family Law Bar Association LECTURES & SEMINARS Elizabeth has delivered seminars on deportation appeals and the Points Based System. EDUCATION LLB Northumbria University Expertise Family - Public Law & Children Immigration Court of Protection & Adult Care Administrative & Public Law Civil Liberties & Human Rights
Family Fiona practises exclusively in the field of family law. Within this area she has developed a high-profile practice specialising in the following: Public law children Fiona is instructed by most Local Authorities in the region to act predominantly in the County Court and the High Court. In addition she has a busy practice representing family members and also Children’s Guardians. She has a wealth of experience dealing with vulnerable adults, those from ethnic minorities and adolescents who themselves are parents. In this regard Fiona has been involved in a number of cases involving special measures and particular consideration of children giving evidence. Her practice involves cases of serious non-accidental injury, fabricated/induced illness, sexual abuse/rape, forced drug ingestion in children, cases of chronic neglect and child abduction. Fiona has acted for those represented by the Official Solicitor and is developing a practice in the Court of Protection. Adoption Fiona receives instructions in respect of all aspects of adoption and particularly those with a foreign element. Private law Most of the cases Fiona is instructed to appear in have a complex element to them. She acts for all parties in the County Court and High Court. She has a particular interest in Special Guardianship, Parental Responsibility and Domestic Violence. Fiona is experienced in representing the child as a separate party in the proceedings. Removal from the Jurisdiction Fiona is well versed in all cases of this nature having appeared in the County Court, High Court and Court of Appeal in such cases. She has acted for those seeking to remove and also those seeking to resist a removal with equal success. APPOINTMENTS Recorder (Family) , Northern Circuit since 2020 MEMBERSHIPS Family Law Bar Association North Eastern Circuit LECTURES & SEMINARS Drawing on her experience in both public and private law children cases Fiona has delivered a number of CPD accredited seminars and workshops to solicitors on a large scale and of a smaller nature. Furthermore, she continues to conduct social work training as to conduct of care proceedings and court etiquette. EDUCATION & AWARDS LLB Hatfield College, Durham. Winner of Northumbria University Bar Mooting Competition 1998 Foster Wheeler Bursary 1994 – 1997. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION In addition to her heavy court practice Fiona a pupil supervisor. Outside of work she has a busy family life and has a particular interest in musical theatre herself performing as a leading lady at the region's major theatres.
Francis has a wide-ranging and diverse trial practice covering all types of serious crime, as well as high-profile appellate work (including the Supreme Court case of Jogee [2016] UKSC 8, which radically changed the law of joint enterprise), lately focussing on victims of human trafficking, and miscarriage of justice cases, and cases before the Criminal Cases Review Commission. With Chambers in London and Newcastle, he accepts instructions to provide advice and advocacy for private and legally aided clients, as well as under the Bar’s Public Access scheme. He also acts for clients in immigration and asylum cases, and sits as an Immigration Judge in the First-Tier Tribunal (Immigration & Asylum Chamber). He also accepts instructions in professional disciplinary matters, and advises professional clients in other jurisdictions. Francis was Chair of the Criminal Bar Association (2016-17) and is a Bencher of Middle Temple. Francis has been recognised as a leading barrister in Crime for many years, and is ranked in the Legal 500, as ‘a highly intelligent Silk’.
Graham delivers CPD training to solicitors, insurers, insurance brokers and loss adjusters across all his specialist areas. He is also able to accept instructions from businesses and members of the public under the Direct Access scheme.Graham Bartlett was called to the Bar in 2000 after a career as a chartered loss adjuster. More recently he was a senior lecturer Northumbria University where he taught civil litigation and was an accredited advocacy tutor.
Housing Law Helen is an experienced housing lawyer and, having practised in this area for over 12 years, now specialises exclusively in Housing Law. She appears principally in the County Court and High Court, on the North East circuit and further afield, and has appeared in the Court of Appeal both as junior counsel and alone. Helen also acts in hearings in the Magistrates' court and is familiar with the procedures in that jurisdiction. Her practice includes all aspects of Housing Law and extends to Judicial Review applications made by homeless applicants and relating to possession claims against travellers. Helen is instructed on behalf of landlords (private, local authority and registered social landlords) and tenants in equal measure. Her work involves all types of tenancy agreements and she is familiar with the varying rights of and interaction between Assured Shorthold (sometimes Starter) tenancies, Assured tenancies, Introductory, Demoted and Secure tenancies and non-secure periodic tenancies. She is experienced in the law relating to trespassers, licensees and the homeless. A large proportion of Helen's work arises from allegations of Nuisance and Anti-Social Behaviour, whether in the context of claims for injunctive relief and associated committal hearings, for demotion or possession orders, or for Anti-Social Behaviour or Closure Orders. Helen also acts in claims for possession involving issues of succession, loss of security and arrears of rent and other breaches of tenancy. Helen is experienced in matters relating to homeless applications and in both bringing and defending appeals under section 204 of the Housing Act 1996. In the High Court Helen appears in Judicial Review claims relating to the provision of accommodation and is able to advise on and draft such applications at short notice. In addition to claims for possession Helen is frequently instructed by both landlords and tenants in claims relating to disrepair, harassment, breach of covenant of quiet enjoyment and unlawful eviction. She is familiar with the provisions of the Housing Act 2004 and associated case law relating to the protection of deposits in private sector tenancies. Helen has a particular interest in the impact of disability both physical and mental on the provision of accommodation and the basis on which injunction or possession orders can successfully be sought in such circumstances. She has been instructed both by and against individuals requiring the assistance of the Official Solicitor and is familiar with the impact of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and Equality Act 2010. Helen frequently acts in cases in which possession orders are sought against travellers. She was junior counsel in Court of Appeal in the case of Leeds City Council v. Hall, one of the group of cases which considered the applicability the Gateway B to Introductory and non-secure tenancies. MEMBERSHIPS Yorkshire Housing law Practitioners’Association EDUCATION & AWARDS Bar School (Ashworth Scholarship) City University London, CPE / Diploma in Law Inner Temple for the CPE University of Edinburgh, B.Sc. Hons.,Chemistry
Commercial/Chancery Litigation Advising and drafting in all stages of litigation, Henry has a strong Chancery practice concentrating particularly on land disputes and probate matters in the High Court and County Court. Henry also appears in the Property Chamber of the First-tier Tribunal, the Court of Protection, and represents clients at mediations. Land/Real PropertyHenry’s property practice encompasses the full spectrum of work in real property. He routinely deals with boundary disputes, easements and rights of way and also advises and represents private clients in the enforcement of covenants. Henry also deals with a range of building and construction disputes acting for claimants and defendants. Henry covers more general areas of contentious property work, dealing with construction and rectification of title documents, declarations and enforcement of judgments. He is also experienced in all of the following areas of litigation: nuisance and trespass; mortgage and possession; landlord & tenant (commercial and residential); Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (ToLATA) claims; social housing; anti-social behaviour injunctions; Party Wall Act disputes; access to neighbouring land; urgent injunctions. Commercial & BusinessHenry's commercial practice has a strong Chancery crossover element, engaging all areas of commercial dispute whether in shareholder disputes, partnerships or consumer law. He deals with all manner of company disputes relating to the sale of goods and supply of services, retention of title clauses, and general commercial contract disputes including bailment and conversion. Contentious Probate/EstatesHenry advises in probate and administration of Estates and the Interpretation of wills. He is experienced in claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 and can advise in areas such as Intestacy, challenges to wills, probate actions, removal and substitution of personal representatives, and the administration of estates. Costs Henry deals with a range of costs issues including cost budgeting, detailed assessment, relief from sanctions and attends Costs and Case Management Conferences (CCMC's). Matrimonial Finance/Ancillary Relief Henry accepts all instructions in this area of work, whether first appointment, negotiation/mediation/FDR or final hearing. He is also able to deal with property disputes relating to the dissolution of marriage. SEMINARS & PUBLICATIONS Henry regularly contributes to property and commercial seminars. He is the co-author of the second edition of Club Law Manual, (2011), London, Wildy, Simmonds and Hill Publishing. He is also a panel contributor to the Quarterly comment by Trinity Chambers in Environmental Law Review (Sage) Henry has presented CPD accredited commercial and property seminars relating to trusts of land, property and probate matters. MEMBERSHIPS Chancery Bar Association EDUCATION LLB Southampton University (2000) BVC Inns of Court School of Law, London (2002) BA (Archaeology) MPhil ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Prior to becoming a barrister Henry worked in commercial archaeology, specialising in landscape and geophysics. Based primarily in the South of England he also supervised excavations in Germany and Spain. His interests include military history, music and cooking.
Jack accepts instructions in all of Chambers’ practice areas, and is particularly interested in private children law, matrimonial finance and business and property law. Prior to starting pupillage, Jack worked as a paralegal for Clifford Chance. During this time, he worked closely with solicitors in Clifford Chance’s London, Madrid, Amsterdam and New York offices using a range of digital work platforms and legal tech. As such, Jack has considerable experience of remote working and is available to provide advice and representation via telephone or video-conferencing software if required. EDUCATION Bar Professional Training Course, Northumbria University (Outstanding – first in the year) Graduate Diploma in Law, Northumbria University (Distinction - first in the year) Master of Studies in Medieval History, Hertford College, University of Oxford (Distinction) Bachelor of Arts in History, Christ Church, University of Oxford (First Class Honours) Longbenton Community College AWARDS The Trinity Chambers Prize for the Best Performance on the Bar Professional Training Course (2018) The Parklane Plowden Chambers Prize for Excellence in Advocacy (2018) The Cathedral Chambers Prize for Excellence in Family Practice (2018) Bond Dickinson Prize for the Best Performance on the Graduate Diploma in Law (2017) Exhibition Award, Inner Temple (2017) Dean's Award Scholarship, Northumbria University (2017) Hertford College Book Prize (2016) The Gladstone Prize (2014) The William Gurney Prize (2013) MEMBERSHIPS The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Away from practice, Jack is a big racquet sports fan and spends most of his spare time playing tennis, badminton or squash. He retains a strong interest in history from his undergraduate studies and also enjoys watching American Football, going to the theatre, and being bothered by his two cats.
Chancery Law, both advisory work and litigation (including Land Registry Adjudications). Also member of Chambers' Business, Agriculture and Mental Health Groups. Jacqueline has a specialist interest in the following:- Land law including restrictive covenants, easements, rights of way, sale of land Equity and trusts including constructive trusts and proprietary estoppel Wills, succession, administration of estates and family provision claims Landlord and tenant Partnership Professional negligence in chancery related matters APPOINTMENTS Deputy District Judge 2002 MEMBERSHIPS Chancery Bar Association Northern Chancery Bar Association Bar Pro Bono Unit Middle Temple LECTURES & SEMINARS 2011 "Contentious Probate" - Solicitors For the Elderly (Teesside). 2009 “Proprietary Estoppel – There is a Limit” (as part of the Chancery and Commercial Seminar at Sunderland, Teesside, Carlisle and Newcastle), 2008 Tees Valley Law Society Seminar “A Trust In The Family – Practical And Conveyancing Implications” (Constructive Trusts in the context of cohabitees and family members). 2004 “Securing Provision from an Estate – Aiming at the Right Target”, topics “The Substantial Validity of Wills, and “Family Provision” (Teesside and Newcastle). 2001 “Benefit Of Land Covenants - Contracts (Rights Of Third Parties Acts) 1999” and “Lands Tribunal Applications“ as part of Seminar on Restrictive Covenants (Carlisle and Whitehaven). EDUCATION LLB King’s College London ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Between 2000 - 2012 Member of Legal Services Commission Funding Review Panel (adjudicating on appeals from refusal of public funding). Teaching part-time on the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) at Northumbria University including Chancery option.
Employment Business & Property Personal Injury Costs Housing Law Employment James has a nationwide practice in both England and Scotland covering all areas of employment law, including discrimination, wrongful and unfair dismissal (including redundancy), restrictive covenants and whistleblowing. James represents both Claimants and Respondents including individuals, trade unions, local authorities, SMEs and large companies. James regularly provides advice and drafts pleadings on all aspects of employment law. Recent cases he has been involved in include: Successfully representing a Claimant in a 5-day automatic unfair dismissal and whistleblowing claim. Acting for a Respondent local authority in a 5-day disability discrimination claim. The claim was dismissed. Successfully representing a Claimant nurse in a two-week unfair dismissal claim against a large NHS Foundation Trust. Acting for a well known logistics company in an unfair dismissal and disability discrimination claim following an employee being sacked for unsafe working practices. The claim was dismissed. Successfully acting for Claimant in a claim against large manufacturing company for failure to reasonably deal with a request for flexible working. James also has experience advising both employers and employees on Settlement Agreements following termination of employment. Business & Property James acts in and advises on a wide variety of commercial disputes in both litigation and ADR for clients from a wide range of industries. He covers all aspects of Business and Property work including commercial and traditional chancery, real property, professional negligence and insolvency. Recent cases he has been involved in include: Acting for business owner in claim for substantial loss of profit following breach of the repairing covenant in a commercial lease. Advising a clothing designer in a misrepresentation claim against a manufacturer. Representing the committee of a social club in a professional negligence claim against a firm of solicitors for failing to advise of their personal liability on a mortgage taken out by the club. Personal Injury & Costs James is instructed by both claimants and defendants in a wide range of personal injury cases. He regularly deals with road traffic, employers and occupiers liability claims at the level of fast track and above. He has significant experience of cases involving credit hire, low velocity impact and issues arising out of portal claims. James also regularly deals with costs disputes acting on behalf of both claimants and defendants. He is instructed in costs budgeting and assessment hearings. Housing Law James’ housing practice covers a wide variety of litigation including possession proceedings, anti-social behaviour injunctions, tenancy deposits, unlawful eviction and disrepair. He has a particular interest in cases involving discrimination under the Equality Act 2010. Prior to coming to the bar James worked for a national advice charity and has experience both advising and working with third sector housing providers. Recent cases he has been involved in include: Successfully acting for a tenant challenging a possession claim by a housing authority on the basis that the action was discriminatory under s.15 Equality Act 2010. Acting in committal proceedings for a local housing authority against a tenant in breach of an Anti-Social Behaviour Injunction where the tenant had been exposing himself to other residents. APPOINTMENTS Attorney General's Regional B Panel of Counsel (2021 - 2026) MEMBERSHIPS North Eastern Circuit Commercial Bar Association Employment Law Bar Association LECTURES & SEMINARS James was recently an Associate Lecturer in Employment Law on the BPTC at Northumbria University. In addition to this James regularly provides seminars and training to solicitors and other professionals on all aspects of employment, business and property law. EDUCATION LLB (Hons) Northumbria University, 2009.
James is an experienced traditional Chancery practitioner known in particular for dealing with contentious probate, trusts and property. He regularly appears in the relevant courts and tribunals and acknowledged by his repeated inclusion in the Legal 500 for this area. In addition he is also a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) .He is also instructed in cases where mental health and capacity are an issue and thus has experience in dealing with such property and affairs in the Court of Protection. He also heads Trinity’s Agricultural Practice Group and is experienced in representing various parties at inquests and licensing matters James provides an overview of the areas he has experience in below, but for a fuller presentation please click on the appropriate link to the specific area of expertise on the right. INHERITANCE, PROBATE AND TRUSTS Contentious Probate Challenges to and interpretation of wills Removal and substitution of personal representatives Issues arising out of the administration of estates Claims under the Inheritance Act Intestacy Applications to the court for directions and orders. Duty of care in the preparation and execution of a will, rectification, and deeds of variation Trusts Variation, rectification, and termination of trusts Interpretation of trust documentation Challenges to the validity of trusts Administration of trusts Removal of trustees Allegations of breach of trust and tracing against trustees and third parties COURT OF PROTECTION James specialises in property and affairs matters Jointly owned property and other trustee matters Deputyships and Deputyships in personal injury awards Powers of Attorney Statutory wills and gifting PROPERTY Real property Adverse possession and title issues Co-ownership (TOLATA), trusts of land, proprietary estoppel Boundary disputes Easements (rights of way) Trespass, and nuisance Land covenants Commons and village greens Landlord and Tenant Commercial, residential and agricultural tenancies. Interpretation of leases Leasehold covenants Forfeiture and actions for breach of covenant Statutory regulation of tenancies including business tenancy renewals, leasehold enfranchisement and extension, service charges and commonhold. AGRICULTURE & RURAL AFFAIRS With a strong interrelation with his property experience and an understanding in the particular way matters affect farmers and the agricultural community, James has worked with landowners, farmers, tenants, land agents and chartered surveyors on cases such as: Farm Tenancies both those under the Agricultural Holdings Act and Agricultural Tenancies Act, interpretation and application of leases and their terms Farms workers housing rights Succession rights, including proprietary estoppel claims Partnership disputes Water and drainage rights Boundary disputes, easements and public and private rights of way and shooting rights Environmental responsibilities Animal provisions Nuisance claims Claims in regard to applications of chemicals to crops. Listed buildings INQUESTS James has a wealth of experience in representing those across the spectrum involved in this process. He is often instructed by interested parties to protect their interests during the inquest process and has experience in dealing with the coroner’s duty regarding reports to prevent further deaths. He thus well versed in Pre-Inquest Reviews and whether an organisation can be classed as an interested party. He has argued for inquests to be held with a jury and under Article 2. Where the situation arises, he has also successful represented parties in advancing claims because of the unfortunate event. LICENSING Alcohol licensing applications, Reviews into premises licenses and appeals Sexual entertainment venues Firearms Represents trade objectors, local residents and the police BUSINESS AND COMMERCIAL LITIGATION Consumer and commercial contracts, Company and partnership law, Directors' duties, and liabilities (including disqualification), Professional negligence PERSONAL INJURY James is instructed both for Claimants and Defendants in respect of liability and quantum issues and undertakes fast track and multi track cases. He has also advised and been successful in applications for personal injury trusts. MEMBERSHIPS Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) LECTURES & SEMINARS Contentious Probate Agricultural law Trusts of Land Neighbour Disputes Civil litigation update Mock Coroners Inquest Expert Witnesses Environmental Damage - Interested Parties PUBLICATIONS In the bloodDNA tests; Deceased persons; Parentage.Trusts and Estates Law & Tax Journal 196 (May) 20-23 Mind the Gap?Anderson v SpencerMay [2018] Fam Law 592 DNA extracted from deceased may be tested in paternity dispute (Anderson v Spencer)Lexis Nexus 19/02/2018 Who Died First?Critic of the case of Scarle v Scarle [2019] EWHC 2224STEP Journal December 2019/January 2020 Volume 27 Issue 10 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION James is a qualified PADI Master Scuba Diver. His interests include travel, photography and cycling. He is direct access qualified and thus is able to undertake suitable cases.
Employment & Discrimination Law Jamie is a specialist employment and discrimination law barrister with sixteen years’ experience in dealing with employment disputes of all kinds. He appears locally in Newcastle Employment Tribunal and also appears frequently in Edinburgh and Glasgow Employment Tribunals. He has a national practice and has appeared in most Tribunal locations. Jamie has a varied client base receiving instructions from FTSE 100 companies, local authorities, NHS Trusts and small and medium enterprises. His Claimant work varies from acting on behalf of trade union members to individuals in a wide range of circumstances. A particular recent focus has been successfully representing Claimants in claims of sexual harassment. A significant proportion of his Claimant work is based on receiving instructions directly from members of the public. Jamie has a thriving advisory practice and because of his specialism he is often called upon to advise in relation to a tricky point of law or where there is no obvious answer. He enjoys appellate work and particularly welcomes instructions to appear in the Employment Appeal Tribunal in both London and Edinburgh. Examples of Jamie’s recent work includes: Regularly defends all types of claim in the Employment Tribunal be it discrimination, whistleblowing and unfair dismissal. Defending public sector employers in relation to multiple party holiday pay litigation. Multi party TUPE litigation, both public and private sector. Whistleblowing claims and successfully establishing the absence of a public interest disclosure. Representing public and private sector employees experiencing harassment in the workplace. Jamie has successfully acted on behalf of Claimants in sex, race and disability harassment claims. Frequently instructed in claims of disability discrimination on behalf of both Claimants and Respondents. Has a strong grasp of the legislation and the underlying case law. Advising and representing Chief Constables and Police Officers in discrimination claims before the Employment Tribunal. Representing employers and employees in the health and social care sector, particularly where allegations of abuse have been made. Drafting contractual terms, particularly where there is an issue relating to employment status or the enforceability of a restraint of trade clause. Jamie also undertakes non contentious work, drafting employment contracts and policies. Furthermore, Jamie has a teaching qualification and is able to provide training on any aspect of employment law. APPOINTMENTS Fee Paid Employment Judge - North Western Region Deputy District Judge - North Eastern Circuit MEMBERSHIPS Employment Lawyers Association Newcastle upon Tyne Employment Tribunal Users Group EDUCATION & AWARDS LLB (Hons), LLM Sir Thomas More Bursary (Lincoln's Inn) SEMINARS Disability Discrimination Update for Claimants and Respondents Whistleblowing: Tactics for Claimants and Respondents An Introduction to the Equality Act 2010 The Equality Act 2010 Made Interesting Technology and Social Media Privilege and Without Prejudice Discussions What You Need to Know About the New Employment Tribunal Rules and Fees Regime - Employment Lawyers Association Managing Social Media in the Modern Workplace ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Jamie is authorised to accept instructions under the Bar Public Access scheme. Twitter: www.twitter.com/EmploymentBar Jamie maintains an employment law updating service on his own website: www.jamieandersonbarrister.co.uk .
Commercial & Chancery Jamie regularly appears in both the County Court, in multi-track and fast track cases, and the High Court in relation to commercial disputes. His commercial practice ranges from significant value construction disputes, commercial landlord and tenant disputes over £500,000 to advising in relation to the renewal of commercial leases. His commercial experience includes disputes relating to: Partnerships Directors disputes Financial mis-selling Contractual disputes Rectification and construction of documents Shareholder disputes Sale of goods Construction disputes Insurance Wills and Probate Professional negligence Agriculture and rural affairs Jamie’s commercial practice also has a significant Chancery element. He has significant experience of disputes involving trusts of the family home, Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (‘ToLATA’), residential landlord and tenant- including easements boundary disputes and matters relating to covenants. He also deals with possession proceedings, including repossessions by LPA receivers and cases involving the Housing Acts. Insolvency Jamie has a particular interest in insolvency matters, both in relation to individual and corporate insolvency. He has recently advised and appeared in relation to applications to suspend the release from bankruptcy of a high-net worth individual, applications to set aside statutory demands and the dismissal of winding up petitions. In addition he has appeared for both creditors and the insolvent companies in relation to transfers at an undervalue. Jamie is a member of R3- the Association of Business Recovery Professionals and regularly attends their regional events. Employment Jamie represents both Claimants and Respondents, dealing with high value unfair dismissal claims, encompassing conduct, redundancy and TUPE related dismissals. He has been involved in many high value discrimination cases, and has achieved significant success in representing Claimants in pregnancy related discrimination claims. Jamie has a national practice in equal pay litigation, and is instructed in multi-week hearings involving multiple Claimants, and has frequently appeared against Silks. Professional Discipline & Fitness to Practise Jamie is instructed in cases involving individuals who are the subject of professional disciplinary proceedings and in particular acting for registrants in fitness to practise hearings. Jamie has dealt with disciplinary and misconduct hearings before the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Personal Injury Jamie accepts both Claimant and Defendant work, and regularly appears in the County and High Court in relation to high value cases, in particular road traffic accidents involving catastrophic injuries, and credit hire. In addition he is experienced in dealing with complex credit hire disputes and costs issues post the Jackson reforms. Costs Jamie deals with costs disputes acting on behalf of both Claimants and Defendants. He is instructed in costs budgeting and assessment hearings. MEMBERSHIPS Employment Lawyers Association R3 Association of Business Recovery Professionals LECTURES & SEMINARS Jamie regularly provides a range of lectures, including Advocacy Skills, Civil Litigation and Equal Pay: An Update, Employers Liability, Professional Disciplinary hearings and is able to provide lectures and presentations on specific commercial topics on request. EDUCATION & AWARDS 2:1, LLB Dunelm, University of Durham Very Competent BVC, BPP London Inner Temple Exhibitioner, Duke of Edinburgh Scholar
Jane is a Grade 3 CPS prosecutor although the majority of her practice is defence based. Jane has been led as junior counsel in four high profile murder cases including a conspiracy to murder and a re-trial. CASES Sexual offences Child cruelty Serious offences of violence Robbery Drug supply Internet crime Conspiracy Proceeds of crime Money laundering
Employment & Discrimination Jane practises predominantly in employment and discrimination law. Jane is instructed to represent claimants (including Trade Union backed claimants) and counts local authorities, health authorities and “blue chip” companies amongst her respondent clients. She has been instructed in a number of high profile discrimination cases (see below). She is the head of the employment group at Trinity Chambers. Administrative & Public Law Jane appeared for the North East Group of solicitors, intervenors in the high profile case of The Law Society v Legal Services Commission [2010] EWHC 2550 (Admin), an application for judicial review of the 2010 competitive tendering process for the provision of publicly funded family law services conducted by the LSC. The Administrative Court held that the tendering process was irrational, unfair and arbitrary due to the failure to indicate clearly, in advance, the criteria to be met to win contracts. Jane has also advised in cases involving closure of local authority residential homes. Education Law Jane has also advised in cases involving schools admissions and exclusions. Her expertise in discrimination law places her at a particular advantage in dealing with disability discrimination in the context of education, as does her knowledge and experience of public and education law. She has appeared for both the local authority and parents in such cases. APPOINTMENTS Equality and Human Rights Commission Preferred Panel of Counsel Fee-paid judge, First-tier Tribunal, Social Entitlement Chamber, England MEMBERSHIPS Employment Law Bar Association Industrial Law Society Association of Regulatory and Disciplinary Lawyers LECTURES & SEMINARS Jane regularly lectures to solicitors on various employment law topics including redundancy, discrimination, equal pay and the Equality Act. Jane has also delivered seminars in relation to education law with a particular focus on discrimination. EDUCATION & AWARDS B.A. , M.Sc. (Industrial Relations, LSE) Harmsworth Award - Middle Temple ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Worked for a national employers organisation advising on employment law, particularly equalities issues and transfers of undertakings.
Crime All areas of defence and prosecution case work and advocacy in the Crown Court and Court of Appeal, including serious and evidentially complex cases of violence, homicide, sexual offences, drug trafficking, money laundering, fraud, conspiracies, serious motor offences including death by dangerous driving. Regulatory Police Disciplinary hearings, acting on behalf of Police Authorities and representing individual officers, Courts Martial representation. Inquests including police shootings and death in custody cases. CASES Defending and prosecuting cases of murder Manslaughter Serious offences of violence Death by dangerous driving Large scale drug conspiracies Drug trafficking Historic sexual abuse Fraud Sexual offences Proceeds of Crime Coroners Inquests Death in custody Courts Martial
Town & Country Planning Energy Law Administrative & Public Law Professional negligence ADR Public Inquiries Town & Country Planning & Environment Applications Policy writing Parties’ written cases Presentations to Committees Appeals and Reviews, Public and other Inquiries Windfarms, hydro, biomass, waste and all renewable energy matters Judicial Reviews and Administrative Law particularly in Planning and Environmental issues Local Plans and Examinations in Public Planning Agreements Historic Buildings and Heritage questions National Parks EU Habitats and Birds Regulations, Environmental Law and related matters Property Compulsory Purchase and Valuations Lands Tribunal – valuation issues, rent reviews Property and Construction disputes Arbitrations, including fishing and farming disputes Negligence A number of cases involving solicitors’ surveyors’ and accountants’ negligence APPOINTMENTS Member of the Scottish Bar since 1981, QC Scotland since 1998 Member, Dispute Review Board, Mersey Gateway Crossing 2015 Hon RIAS (Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland) FCIArb (Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators) until 2021 LECTURES & SEMINARS Regularly gives talks on Planning law and Arbitration to solicitors, local authority staff, students, clients and others and has written a number of articles on Listed Buildings and Built and Natural Heritage issues. EDUCATION LLB Edinburgh 1972 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION John Campbell Q.C. graduated from Edinburgh University in 1972, and worked as a solicitor in Scotland until 1978. He was appointed as an Assistant Director of Legal Aid in Hong Kong where he worked in a range of public service legal jobs until appointed a Magistrate in 1980. He returned to Scotland in 1981.He passed Advocate that year, was called to Lincolns Inn in 1990, and took silk in 1998. He was a member of 40 King Street Chambers in Manchester throughout the 1990s. He has worked in Family Law, both claimant and defendant Personal Injury and industrial disease work, and much earlier, in Crime. He has acquired a lot of agricultural experience, particularly for estates, farms and tenants and in landlord and tenant issues, and has worked widely in promoting arbitration and mediation for farmers, and in rent reviews both in Scotland and around the world. He has been a registered Construction Adjudicator and is currently a Member of a DRB. He has worked in Town and Country Planning since the mid 1990s and has developed that speciality to include Environmental Law. He is particularly active in Renewable Energy work on behalf of communities, NGOs, third parties, developers and councils. His practice today is mainly in Planning and Environmental Law, property and land law, and agriculture and energy work, and he has a specialised practice in all kinds of ADR work and its promotion. He has carried out about 200 public inquiries and a number of related judicial reviews. Outside the law, he was Chairman of Scotland’s largest Building Preservation Trust until 2020 and is a Trustee of Berwickshire Housing Association, and chairs a University Micro-Computing Research Advisory Board.
Called to the English Bar in 1975, James has been Queen's Counsel for over 20 years. He has been admitted, permanently or pro hac, in a total of 11 international and offshore jurisdictions including the Cayman Islands, the British Virgin Islands and Gibraltar. After many years as a member of Serle Court Chambers, James became a partner in the London office of Kobre & Kim LLP, a US/International law firm. He was Managing Partner of that firm’s Cayman Islands office from 2012-2014. He joined Jersey-based dispute resolution law firm Baker & Partners in September 2018 as Senior Counsel. James is a leading authority on cross-border litigation in English and Commonwealth courts, with an emphasis on disputes in the financial services and technology industries as well as those related to insolvency. His work has often involved complex trusts, banking and securities matters, including claims of £100 million+ by non-English banks, brokerage firms and other institutions against major international banks including Standard Chartered Bank, JP Morgan Chase and The Royal Bank of Scotland. He was leading counsel for Chevron, Inc in proceedings in Gibraltar against litigation funders in respect of the enforcement of a US $20 billion judgment in Ecuador. In January 2020 James’ name was added to the EU-list of the Dutch language section of the Brussels Bar. Alternative Dispute Resolution James is a Chartered Arbitrator and CEDR Mediator and has arbitrated and mediated international disputes in many parts of the world. He is a Fellow of the Singapore and Hong Kong Institutes of Arbitrators. APPOINTMENTS James sat as a Recorder from 1996 – 2010. In 2007 he was appointed a Deputy High Court Judge and a Deputy Mercantile Judge. He is approved by the Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court to sit as a judge of the Commercial Court of the British Virgin Islands. MEMBERSHIPS Commercial Bar Association Chancery Bar Association Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP) Association of Contentious Trust & Probate Specialists (ACTAPS) EDUCATION University of Exeter (LLB and LLM) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION James is a former lecturer in Law at the University of Leicester.
John practices in all areas of criminal law, and has been instructed in cases of robbery, rape, sexual assault and burglary. He has experience acting for a range of different bodies in criminal proceedings ranging from local authorities, government bodies, and also private prosecutors. John joined Chambers in January 2021 having previously practiced in London and the South East. Crime John has been instructed in a range of Crown Court and Magistrates Court matters for the defence and prosecution. He has been instructed in cases involving vulnerable witnesses and issues relating to insanity and fitness to plea. He has also acted on behalf of clients facing a range of violent, drug related or fraud charges either at trial or for sentencing. John has developed expertise in serious youth court cases, representing youths accused of rape, sexual assault, robbery and fraud. In addition, John has acted for local authorities in relation to a range of criminal prosecutions concerning housing and planning law and enforcement. This included prosecuting cases in the Crown court and Magistrates Court on their behalf as well as pre-charge advice on cases. John also has experience of dealing with POCA proceedings included contested hearings. He has also dealt with other post-conviction matters including applications for football banning orders. John has a variety of experience in disclosure matters, he has conducted LLP reviews on behalf of the Police and has also been instructed as a disclosure junior in a large county lines case and was responsible for reviewing numerous phone downloads. Private Prosecutions John has experience in conducting various stages of a private prosecution. He has acted as a disclosure officer to review material to comply with initial, and ongoing, disclosure obligations. As a result, John is aware of the significant burden that disclosure obligations place on a private prosecutor and the importance of ensure the process is carried out effectively. He has also been instructed in numerous trademark and fraud prosecutions from first appearances through to trials and sentencing hearings. John is comfortable with the legal and practical hurdles that can arise when bringing a private prosecution and presenting the case to the Court. He also has significant experience of costs applications following successful prosecutions, both against Defendants personally and from Central Funds. Regulatory Alongside his Criminal practice, John has been instructed in a number of related regulatory matters. This has included a prosecution on behalf of the Forestry Commission, as well as extensive experience of breach of trademark offences. John has also been involved in prosecutions on behalf of local authorities for breaches of health and safety at work regulations, HMO conditions and licensing cases. This has included drafting advices for clients' pre-charge as well as representation at hearings. APPOINTMENTS Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Grade 2 Prosecutor EDUCATION BPTC: University of Law: Outstanding BA Law (Cantab): Cambridge: First AWARDS Gray’s Inn Reid Scholarship University of Law Employment Law award (BPTC) Lamb Building Advanced Criminal Procedure award (BPTC) Ng Law award (Jesus College Cambridge) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION John is direct access qualified and is able to accept instructions from the public or businesses directly. John is a door tenant at 5 St Andrew’s Hill where he maintains a practice in extradition law. Expertise Criminal Regulatory Private Prosecutions
Family Julian practises in all areas of family law, undertaking work in public law proceedings, private law proceedings and applications following relationship breakdown (matrimonial/civil partnership and cohabitee). Whilst recently called to the Bar, Julian was admitted as a Solicitor in 1991 and has practiced in Family Law for 28 years. He was a member of the Law Society’s Children and Family Panels. Julian has conducted the majority of his own advocacy since 1996 in all tiers of the Family Courts. Julian has also practiced as a Solicitor Mediator. Julian was the Principal Solicitor for the Child Protection Services of a Local Authority for 10 years. Public Law Children Julian is instructed to act in all tiers of the family court and the court of appeal and on behalf of all parties in proceedings. He brings a wealth of experience having dealt with cases involving child death, serious inflicted injuries, sexual abuse, FII, chronic neglect, FGM, child abduction and cases with a foreign element. Clients have included vulnerable adults, adults with particular faith practices, children and local authorities. He has acted in cases involving vulnerable adults, adults requiring special measures, parents who are themselves children and children giving evidence. Public Law - Inherent Jurisdiction Julian has made a special study of the role of the Inherent Jurisdiction in Family Proceedings particularly regarding the use of secure accommodation, DOLS and removal from the Jurisdiction. Private Law Children Julian is instructed to appear in cases involving complex elements, and has experience in acting for the child in such applications, permanent and temporary removal from the jurisdiction. Adoption Julian has acted in cases involving contested adoption and adoptions with an international element. Matrimonial Finance Julian has experience in acting in ancillary relief and experience in providing advice and representation at all stages of litigation. MEMBERSHIPS Family Law Bar Association Resolution North Eastern Circuit EDUCATION BSc Zoology with Honours degree at Liverpool University CPE and LSF leading to admission as Solicitor Level 8 (Masters equivalent) CGSI in Leadership ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Julian has a wealth of experience derived from his practice as a Solicitor in private practice and a Local Authority Principal Solicitor. This range of roles has given Julian a broad experience of many issues that arise in the Family Courts with the advantage of viewing applications from a range of perspectives. Julian understands the other issues that face Solicitors in practice who act for the Local Authority, parents and children. Julian has recently retired from the Reserve Forces after 30 years’ service. A keen musician who sings with Hexham Abbey Choir and has surprisingly, recently taken up the trumpet.
All areas of children law, including public law proceedings, adoption, special guardianship, private disputes including school and relocation cases, financial claims for children, and surrogacy; In relation to children law, particular experience and interest in the international movement of children, deprivation of liberty, and placement of children in Scotland by local authorities; Mental capacity, vulnerable adults, forced marriage, and other Court of Protection welfare matters; Judicial review in children matters, particularly relating to their support and protection from local authorities. Willing to act on a Direct Access basis for suitable cases, particularly private law children matters. APPOINTMENTS Chairman of the North East Family Law Bar Association 2014-2022 Bar representative on the Newcastle Courts Family Practitioner’s Forum LECTURES & SEMINARS A frequent contributor to Trinity's ongoing programme of family lectures and seminars, and also to local law societies. Topics have included: Transparency in the family courts Interim care orders Removal of children from the jurisdiction Media attendance in family cases Implications of looked after child status Development of the law relating to non-consensual adoption Witness training for social workers Drafting techniques in relation to the threshold criteria Secure accommodation of children placed in Scotland Scottish and English perspectives on the deprivation of liberty of children EDUCATION BA (Hons) University College London. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Practised at the Chambers of Henry Setright QC and Brian Jubb in Gray’s Inn from 1994-2002.
Family Katherine practises in all areas of family law, undertaking work in public law proceedings, private law proceedings and applications following relationship breakdown (matrimonial/civil partnership and cohabitee). She accepts instructions on a direct access basis. Public Law ChildrenKatherine is instructed to act in all tiers of the family court and the court of appeal and on behalf of all parties in proceedings. She has a wealth of experience dealing will all levels of complexity, including injuries of the utmost severity, sexual abuse, FII, chronic neglect, FGM, forced marriage, surrogacy and child abduction. She has acted in cases involving vulnerable adults, and those with foreign elements. She has experience of cases involving adults requiring special measures, parents who are themselves children and children giving evidence. Private Law ChildrenKatherine is instructed to appear in cases involving complex elements, and has experience in acting for the child in such applications. Removal from the JurisdictionKatherine has experience in acting in cases regarding permanent and temporary removal from the jurisdiction. AdoptionKatherine receives instruction in all aspects of adoption. Matrimonial FinancesKatherine has experience in acting in ancillary relief. She has acted in proceedings involving third party interests and in applications brought pursuant to TOLATA. She has acted in applications pursuant to Sch. 1 Children Act and before the CMEC appeal tribunal. She has experience in providing advice and representation at all stages of litigation. Arbitration Katherine is a qualified family finances arbitrator and is a member of the Institute of Family Law Arbitrators. She has also been instructed to act in arbitration hearings and round table conferences and supports the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in appropriate cases. For further details visit Family & Children Arbitration. Mental Health & Court of Protection Katherine practices in all areas of mental health work and has experience before the FTT and Court of Protection. She has acted in cases on behalf of the local authority, patient and family members and in cases involving decisions relating to residence, care/medical treatment and finances. APPOINTMENTS Legally Qualified Chair for the Offices of the Police and Crime Commissioners for Northumbria, Durham, Cleveland, North Yorkshire, Humberside, West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire. Family Finances Arbitrator MEMBERSHIPS Family Law Bar Association Resolution North Eastern Circuit Institute of Family Law Arbitrators EDUCATION LLB Law with Honours degree at Newcastle University BVC Nottingham Law School ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Katherine is a pupil supervisor and regularly provides training to those involved in the court system, including lawyers, social workers and the probation service and subjects such as Female Genital Mutilation, Good Social Work Practice, Surrogacy and Parentage. Outside her professional commitments, Katherine is a keen sportswoman and has a particular interest in boxing.
Kelvin Rutledge Q.C. is a specialist in local government law. His practice covers most areas of local authority activities but with particular emphasis on housing, adult social care, children’s services, land dealings and governance. He regularly represents local authorities in judicial review cases, appeals, civil trials and inquests. He has related expertise in human rights, European and discrimination law and is also a highly experienced and knowledgeable property lawyer. He is mainly based in London, where he is a member of Cornerstone Barristers, but has a strong client base in the North and North East. Kelvin was appointed Queen's Counsel in 2013. His wide experience as an advocate includes appearances in the UK Supreme Court and the European Court of Justice. Around 100 of his past cases appear in the law reports. He has for a number of years trained students of Middle Temple on ‘Appellate Advocacy’. Kelvin provides advocacy, advisory and drafting services in relation to a wide range of topics including homelessness and housing allocation schemes, care homes, housing finance, elections, land appropriation, leaseholder's rights, ombudsman's complaints, ordinary residence disputes and equality duties. He regularly provides assistance to authorities on matters of policy and public governance. He also appears and advises in related areas of private law. Common themes running through the directory entries are that Kelvin is a knowledgeable and technically-able lawyer, a tenacious advocate with a friendly and accessible manner, and that clients enjoy working with him. He has a strong work ethic and can be relied upon to meet deadlines. Kelvin’s past cases include some of the leading authorities in his areas of practice. In the adult social care field he represented the successful councils in Slough BC v M, in which the House of Lords redefined “care and attention”, and in McDonald v Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, in which the Supreme Court gave important judgments on resources, human rights and equality duties. His social housing cases include Hotak v Southwark LBC (definition of 'vulnerability'), Runa Begum v Tower Hamlets LBC (homelessness reviews), and Kay v Lambeth LBC, Powell v Hounslow LBC and Hall v Leeds CC (possession proceedings and human rights), all decisions of the Supreme Court or House of Lords. Public Law & Judicial Review Kelvin has substantial experience and tactical knowledge and expertise of judicial review, especially defence work. In particular, he has considerable knowledge and experience of defending decisions to reduce public services: see, for example, R(McDonald) v Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea in the Supreme Court. Due to careful handling, many of these cases do not go to a full hearing. For disputes concerning the interplay between local government and health services see R(LB Greenwich) v Secretary of State for Health [2006] EWHC 2576 (Admin). For claimant work, see R (Structadene) v LB Hackney (2001) 82 P. & C.R. 25 (acted for successful claimant against local authority's failure to sell land for best value). For factually sensitive cases see R(M) v LB Hackney [2009] EWHC 2255 (Admin) (successfully defended local authority's decision not to rehouse a highly vulnerable individual who was a convicted paedophile). For politically sensitive cases see Ibrahim v LB Harrow [2008] 2 C.M.L.R. 30 (housing duties for spouse of EU worker – appeared in ECJ in Luxembourg, subsequent national press coverage), R(Beale) v LB Camden [2004] EWHC 6 (Admin) (the "Camden ALMO case") and Swords v Secretary of State for Communities & Local Government [2007] EWCA Civ 795 (both high profile challenges to council housing stock transfers). Housing Chambers & Partners recognises that Kelvin Rutledge has a formidable reputation in the social housing sector describing him as "exceptional", "leaves no stone unturned in his preparation." His thorough and detailed approach is complemented by a "wonderfully accessible and friendly manner," which naturally means he is "adored by clients." The Legal 500 describes him as an "outstanding housing lawyer". Kelvin's experience includes: Housing eligibility for EU 15 and A8 nationals including Ibrahim v Harrow LBC in the European Court of Justice Adult residential care following Slough BC v M (in which he appeared for the successful local authority) Supporting "looked after" children through tertiary education Contracting out housing functions Premises closure orders Public/private sector housing finance schemes Stock transfers Public law defences to possession claims post-Doherty Tenancy rights of minors Health & Social Care Representing clients in the Administrative Court, Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court in the full spectrum of health and social care matters, including adult and child social care, mental capacity and mental health law. Acting on behalf of local authorities, healthcare providers, families and individuals. Instructed on major strategic matters such as budget setting and formulation of policy and procedure, as well as commercially and reputationally sensitive cases including judicial review proceedings. MEMBERSHIPS Administrative Law Bar Association (ALBA) LECTURES & SEMINARS Kelvin is a well-known speaker at both national and regional conferences and training programmes on topics relating to his fields of specialism. He provided national training on the Care Act 204 and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. PUBLICATIONS Inside Housing - Housing associations could be vulnerable to judicial review if they refuse to sell tenants the homes they are living in under the extended Right to Buy 22nd June 2016Inside Housing has published an article which considers a legal opinion by Kelvin Rutledge QC and Ashley Bowes. The legal opinion commissioned by Future Housing Review, states that there is no legal barrier to prevent a housing association exempting its entire portfolio under the extended Right to Buy scheme, providing it adopts a policy explaining why the homes should not be sold. The opinion notes that tenants may have grounds to judicially review the decision to exclude their property. Message from the Heads of Team…what lies ahead in Housing? 14th October 2014 Solicitors Journal - Cracking down on disruption 30th March 2009'Cracking down on disruption: Premises closure orders' for the Solicitor's Journal Judicial Review and Support for Persons From Abroad 1st January 2009The Local Government Group's Judicial Review and Support for Persons From Abroad. Housing Law; Lime Legal’s Allocation & Homelessness 1st January 2008Annual conference: Jordan's Housing Law; Lime Legal's Allocation & Homelessness Solicitor's Journal - In Possession, Blogging the Law 4th August 2006Author of 'In Possession, Blogging the Law' for the Solicitor's Journal. Journal of Housing Law: Homelessness Law 1st January 2006Author of 'Homelessness Law: Interim Accommodation and the EEA National' for the Journal of Housing Law.
Family Law All areas of family law including ancillary relief and children. Kevin is a qualified family law mediator (Children and Ancillary Relief) and is a member of the Family Mediators Association. LECTURES & SEMINARS Kevin has presented several lectures and seminars as part of Trinity Chambers' Family team CPD programme delivered to solicitors. EDUCATION After his first degree, Kevin read for an MA in Social Studies at Durham University where he also gained the professional qualification of Diploma in Social Work sponsored by the Home Office. Kevin gained his academic and vocational legal qualifications at Northumbria University before undertaking pupillage at a leading and specialist family law set in London. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Prior to becoming a barrister, Kevin worked as a Family Court Welfare Officer (what is now described as a CAFCASS officer) in the North East of England and before independent practice he was engaged as in-house counsel for a local authority specializing in child-protection matters. Kevin is a Senior Lecturer at Northumbria University and Programme Leader BPTC . Kevin lives in the North East with his wife and four children.
Kieran joined the Bar in 2017, having spent the previous 25 years practising as a solicitor in Newcastle upon Tyne; heading his own firm for some 10 years. Kieran has extensive experience in both criminal and family law and became a Higher Courts Advocate in both Civil and Criminal proceedings in 2008. When not practising Law, Kieran enjoys holidaying with his wife and daughters, socialising with friends and watching rugby. Family & Child Care Whilst a solicitor, Kieran was a member of the Law Society Children Panel and has been involved in a number of complex and harrowing Children Act proceedings, appearing in both the lower and higher courts. Since becoming a barrister, Kieran has been instructed by a number of Local Authorities in the North East region to conduct their care cases and has acted in public law cases on behalf of individuals and on behalf of children. Crime Kieran’s experience of the criminal courts extends from the Magistrates’ Courts to the Court of Appeal. He has appeared in numerous cases in the Crown Court involving serious and complex crimes including murder, manslaughter, rape, sexual assaults, armed robbery, aggravated burglary, drug offences, causing death by dangerous driving and many more. He was recently led in “Operation Sanctuary/Shelter”, a multi-handed case involving, inter alia, sexual exploitation of vulnerable young women, heard at Newcastle Crown Court, which took nearly 2 ½ years to conclude. MEMBERSHIPS Member of Gray’s Inn Criminal Bar Association Family Bar Association North Eastern Circuit ADDITIONAL INFORMATION When not practising Law, Kieran enjoys holidaying with his wife and daughters, socialising with friends and watching rugby.
As Professor of Family Law, Kim practises exclusively in the field of family law proceedings. Within this area she has developed a high-profile practice specialising in both Public Law and Private Law Proceedings. QUALIFICATIONS Doctor of Philosophy; Bar Vocational Course; Graduate Diploma in Law; MSc Social Work; BSc (Hons) Sociology. EXPERTISE Kim practised as a Social Worker and Children's Guardian for over 20 years, in the North West of England. Kim was appointed as Head of Department at the University of Bradford in 2004, before moving to Northumbria University in 2013, as Head of Department for Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing. Kim was awarded a Personal Chair at Northumbria University in 2014. Kim was called to the Bar in 2005, and she continues a career in Child Protection and Family Law that spans over 30 years. Kim has been involved in Serious Case Reviews as a chair, author and committee member for 32 years. Kim was a member of the Safeguarding Board in Bradford for 11 years before joining the Safeguarding Board in Newcastle where she is a member of the Serious Case Review Committee. Kim is currently working together with colleagues at Northumbria University, and a range of stakeholders on a research project examining the effectiveness of public inquiries into historical allegations of child abuse. Kim was recently appointed to the Board of Governors at Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Mental Health Trust. Kim's specific interest is improving the health and wellbeing of children, and access to a range of services that meet the needs of both children and their families. Kim continues to publish extensively in the area of Family Law. SELECTED PUBLICATIONS Monographs Holt, K. (2019) A Focus on Law: Child Protection, Palgrave. Holt, K. (2016) Contemporary Family Justice: Policy and Practice in Child Protection Decisions. Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Holt, K. (2014) Child Protection. Palgrave. Chapters Holt, K. (2016) Child Protection: Critical Issues in Social Work Law. Edited by Brammer, A. and Boylan, J. Palgrave. Published Papers Holt, K. (2021) Technology, Power and Inequalities: Achieving a humane approach to the digital divide. The Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health. Holt, K. and Kelly, N. (2021) A personal and conceptual reflection on findings from serious case reviews during the period 1987-2018: Part I Journal of Family Law. Holt, K. and Kelly, N. (2021) A personal and conceptual reflection on findings from serious case reviews during the period 1987-2018: Part II Journal of Family Law. Abel, K. M., Bee, P., Gega, L., Gellatly, J., Kolade, A., Hunter, D., Callender, C., Carter, L-A., Meacock, R., Bower, P., Stanley, N., Calam, R., Wolpert, M., Stewart, P., Emsley, R., Holt, K., Linklater, H., Douglas, S., Stokes-Crossley, B. & Green, J. A.(2020) A Community-Based Intervention to Improve Health-Related Quality of Life in Children of Parents with Serious Mental Illness: Feasibility Study. Health Technology Assessment. Holt, K and Kelly, N (2020) The Adoption and Children (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2020: Regulations introduced during a global pandemic that will have implications for the most vulnerable children. Journal of Family Law. Holt, K. and Kelly, N. (2020) Children not trophies: findings from an ethnographic study of private family law proceedings in England. Qualitative Social Work Journal. Vincent, S., Holt, K., Kelly, N., Smale. E. (2019) What do Public Inquiries into the Care and Protection of Children Achieve? Child Abuse Review. Holt, K. and Kelly, N. (2019) Care in Crisis – is there a solution: reflections on the care crisis review 2018. Journal of Child and Family Social Work. Holt, K. and Kelly, N. (2018) Limits to Partnership Working: developing relationship based approaches with children and their families. Journal of Social Welfare and Family Law. Gellatly, J., Bee, P. Gega, L., Bower. P., Hunter, D., Stewart, P., Stanley, N., Rachel Calam, R., Holt, K., Wolpert, M., Douglas, S., Green, J., Kolade, A., Callender, C. and Abel, K. (2018) A Community-based intervention (Young Smiles) to improve the health related quality of life of children and young people of parents with serious mental illness: randomised feasibility protocol. Trials. Holt, K. and Kelly, N. (2017) The right to fair and free legal representation; Re Charlie Gard. Journal of Family Law. Holt, K. and Kelly, N. (2017) Children should be our future: an examination of Re X. Journal of Family Law. Holt, K. and Kelly, N. (2016) Why parents matter: exploring the impact of a hegemonic concern with the timetable for the child. Child and Family Social Work. 21 (2). pp. 156-165. ISSN 1356-7500 Holt, K. and Kelly, N. (2016) At a crossroads: to issue or not to issue care proceedings. Journal of Family Law. Holt, K. and Kelly, N. (2016) A fast track approach to adoption: implications of proposed legislation with the introduction of the Children and Social Work Bill. Journal of Family Law. Holt, K. and Kelly, N. (2016) Factors that influence engagement in pre-proceedings practice: presenting the roles of professionals working within the family justice system through personal narratives. Journal of Social Welfare and Family Law. Vol.38, Issue 1, p.3-13. Holt, K. and Kelly, N. (2015) What has happened since the Family Justice Review: a brighter future for whom? Journal of Family Law. Vol.45, No 7, p.807-813. Holt, K. and Kelly, N. (2015) Motivate to mediate: the carrot and the stick approach to achieving justice for children and their families within an English legal system. International Journal of Family Law. No.2 p.161-171. Holt, K. and Kelly, N. (2015) When is it too late? An examination of A and B-V-Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council [2014] EWFC-47. International Journal of Family Law. Vol.45, p.403-410. Holt, K. and Kelly, N. (2015) When adoption without parental consent breaches human rights: implications of Re B-S (Children) [2013] EWCA Civ 963 on decision making and permanency planning for children. Journal of Social Welfare and Family Law. Vol.37, Issue 2, p.228-240. Holt, K. and Kelly, N. (2015) Access to justice: the welfare of children and families lost on a target focused and cost driven system. Journal of Family Law. Vol.45, No 2 p167-174. Holt, K. and Kelly, N. (2014) The emperor has no robes: why are members of the judiciary in the most complex of care cases abandoning a sinking ship? Journal of Family Law. Vol.44, No.10 p1424-1434. Holt, K. and Kelly, N. (2014) Administrative decision making in child care work – exploring issues of judgment and decision making in the context of human rights and its relevance for social workers and managers. British Journal of Social Work. 44, 4 p1011-1026. Holt, K., Kelly, N., Broadhurst, K. and Doherty, P. (2014) Liverpool Pre-proceedings Pilot, Final Report. Cafcass. Holt, K., Kelly, N., Broadhurst, K. and Doherty, P. (2013) Liverpool Pre-proceedings Pilot, Interim Report. Cafcass. Broadhurst, K., Holt, K., Kelly, N. and Doherty, P. (2013) Coventry and Warwickshire Pre-proceedings Pilot, Final Report. Cafcass. Holt, K., Broadhurst, K., Kelly, N. and Doherty, P. (2013) Access to justice for families? Legal advocacy for parents where children are on the ‘Edge of Care’: an English case study. Journal of Social Welfare and Family Law. Vol.35, issue 2 p.1-15. Broadhurst, K., Holt, K., Kelly, N. and Doherty, P. (2013) Coventry and Warwickshire Pre-proceedings Pilot, Interim Report. Cafcass. Holt, K. and Kelly, N. (2013) Rhetoric and reality surrounding care proceedings- family justice under strain. Journal of Social Welfare and Family Law. Vol 34. Issue 2 p.155-166. Holt, K.E. (2013) Territory Skirmishes with DIY Advocacy in the Family Courts: a Dickensian misadventure. Journal of Family Law, Vol 36 No 6, p.1123-1131 Holt, K.E. and Broadhurst, K. (2012) Involving the Family Court Advisor in Pre-proceedings Practice -Initial lessons from the Coventry and Warwickshire Pilot, Family Law Week. http://www.familylawweek.co.uk/site.aspx?i=ed97110 Featherstone, B., Broadhurst, K. and Holt, K.E. (2012) Thinking systemically, thinking political: Building strong partnerships with families in the context of rising inequality? British Journal of Social Work 42, 4, p. 618-633. 16. Broadhurst, K.; Holt, K.E. and Doherty, P. (2012) Accomplishing parental engagement in child protection practice? A qualitative analysis of parent-professional interaction in pre-proceedings work under the Public Law Outline, Qualitative Social Work First published online 30 June 2011 DOI: 10.1177/1473325011401471 11, 5, p. 517-534. 17 Holt, K and Kelly, N. (2011) Evaluating in-house training programmes for Safeguarding Practice. Bradford Safeguarding Children Board. Broadhurst, K. and Holt, K.E. (2010) Partnership and the limits of procedure: prospects for relationships between parents and professionals under the Public Law Outline, Child and Family Social Work Vol 15, Issue 1, 97-106.First published online 23 September 200 DOI: 10.iii/j.1365-2206.209_00648 x Vol 15 Issue 1, p 97-106.
Public Law Private Law Financial Remedy Removal from the Jurisdiction Adoption (including foreign adoption) FMPO and FGMPO Proceeds involving fabricated and induced illness Public Law Kossar regularly represents parents, CAFCASS and Local Authorities in all courts including the High Court. She has experience of acting in cases involving profoundly serious allegations against parties involving fact finding and consequential applications. She has been instructed as a junior to and appears against Leading Counsel. Kossar has a wealth of experience in dealing with parents who lack capacity and dealing with vulnerable adults and for those from ethnic backgrounds. Kossar has sound judgment and the ability to analyse and distil complex and often sensitive issues. Private Law Kossar is regularly instructed in complex private law children disputes (domestic and international), intractable contact cases and has significant experience of being instructed on behalf of the child in rule 16.4 cases. Her experience includes applications for Leave to remove from the jurisdiction to both Hague and non-Hague Convention countries. Kossar has a clear and sympathetic approach to clients and is known to be very approachable, personable and pragmatic. Financial Remedy Kossar accepts instructions in matrimonial finance including financial remedy applications, TOLATA and cohabitation disputes. She has a particular interest in family property cases involving third party assets and disputes over the ownership of property. She is happy to give advice prior to the issue of proceedings to advise on the best approach in cases to try and reduce costs. Kossar is experienced in dealing with clients whose first language is not English and can speak conversational Urdu and Punjabi. PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS Family Law Bar Association North Eastern Circuit Association of Asian Lawyers The Honourable Society of Inner Temple Winner of the 2016 Asian Business Connections award (professional category) LECTURES & SEMINARS Kossar has delivered lectures and seminars to Resolution, Local Authority Solicitors and Social Workers on recent Court of Appeal decisions. EDUCATION University of Northumbria - Bar Vocational Course (Very Competent) University of Teesside LLB (Hons) 2:1 Registered General Nurse Central Newcastle High School PUBLIC ACCESS Kossar is qualified to accept instructions directly from family law clients in both children law and matrimonial finance matters. Any such requests should be directed to her clerks in the first instance.
Laura is a dedicated criminal practitioner who has spent 10 years working within criminal litigation. Laura enjoys a busy Crown Court practice as both a led junior and junior alone. She is regularly instructed in relation to complex and serious cases, including murder, serious violence, modern slavery, large scale drug conspiracies, fraud and sexual offending. Laura has extensive trial advocacy experience in cases involving vulnerable and child witnesses, complex medical and financial expert evidence, intricate legal arguments and novel points of law. Prior to being called to the Bar, Laura qualified as a solicitor advocate defending cases against the Crown Prosecution Service, National Crime Agency, HMRC, RSPCA and the Environment Agency. Laura also gained experience of regulatory crime, having prosecuted Housing Act, environmental, trading standards and food hygiene offences as well as confiscation proceedings, on behalf of a prominent London local authority. Laura has experience of liquor licensing, including appeal proceedings. Appellate Laura has a broad experience of appellate work, including appeals against conviction and sentence and Judicial Review proceedings. Laura has a special interest in Judicial Review of decisions not to prosecute, specifically in relation to allegations of stalking and hate crime and decisions to prosecute juveniles, vulnerable persons and victims of trafficking. Violent & Organised Crime Laura has gained significant experience as both a led junior and junior alone in cases relating to violent and organised crime. She is regularly instructed in cases including murder, serious violence, modern slavery, large scale drug conspiracies, fraud and sexual offending. Fraud & Proceeds of Crime Laura has developed an in-depth knowledge of the law and procedure relating to fraud and money laundering offences, as well as confiscation proceedings, restraint and cash forfeiture. She is an active member of the Proceeds of Crime Lawyers Association, the Female Fraud Forum and the Young Fraud Lawyers Association. Sexual Offences Laura has experience of defending allegations of sexual offending. She also has experience of challenging the imposition of various associated court orders – such as sexual harm prevention orders and restraining orders. MEMBERSHIPS Criminal Bar Association Constitutional and Administrative Law Association (ALBA) Proceeds of Crime Lawyers Association Female Fraud Forum Young Fraud Lawyers Association Middle Temple Young Barristers Association EDUCATION Northumbria University – LPC – Distinction Northumbria University – Law LLB Hons ADDITIONAL INFORMATION In 2013 Laura was admitted to the Roll of Solicitors. Laura is authorised to accept cases on a direct access basis. Laura is authorised to represent persons interviewed by the police under caution. In her spare time Laura enjoys attending pop up theatre events and restaurants.
EXPERTISE Lesley has practised in the field of child protection work for over 20 years, dealing with complex care cases. Lesley acts on behalf of Local Authorities, parents, children, Guardians and other family members. She has extensive experience of dealing with all aspects of public and private law, family proceedings, Children Act proceedings, domestic violence. Lesley also deals with matrimonial finance matters. MEMBERSHIPS Family Law Bar Assocation EDUCATION LLB Newcastle University
Prior to beginning his career as a barrister, Lewis spent over a year at a leading firm specialising in contract negotiation. This involved work spanning the European and Asia-Pacific offices of a global investment bank. As a result, Lewis became adept in paperless and remote working. He carries this expertise into his family practice and confidently employs technology to assist his clients, which has been especially useful during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lewis has also volunteered at the PSU charity (now known as Support Through Court), where he provided practical and empathetic assistance to litigants in person who were often navigating the family court for the first time and without the assistance of a lawyer. He brings this client focused approach to his practice at the Bar. During his studies, Lewis was heavily involved in mooting, appearing at several national and international competitions including the KK Luthra Memorial Moot Court hosted by the University of New Delhi, India in 2017. Lewis maintains a keen interest in legal academia following a period as a freelance lecturer for BPP Law School. EXPERTISE Public Children Law Lewis acts for Local Authorities, parents, extended family members and children, with experience ranging from urgent hearings to multi-day trials. He regularly deals with cases involving chronic neglect, substance abuse, domestic abuse, non-accidental injury and poor mental health. He has experience with cases involving interim removal, adoption, short/long-term fostering, and special guardianship. Private Children Law Lewis acts for parents, extended family members and children and is often instructed in relation to fact finding hearings involving alleged domestic abuse. He has experience with matters involving applications for child arrangements, prohibited steps, specific issue and family assistance orders. Financial Remedy Lewis has experience representing clients from the FDA to the Final Hearing and is keen to expand his financial remedy practice. MEMBERSHIPS Family Law Bar Association The Honourable Society of Inner Temple EDUCATION & AWARDS M Law Exempting BPTC, University of Northumbria, First Class Honours (2017) Marshall Hall Pupillage Award, Honourable Society of Inner Temple (2019) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION • Outside of his legal practice, Lewis enjoys trail running and playing guitar.
Family Children(Public and Private Law) Domestic violence/forced marriage cases Vulnerable adults Margaret’s thriving family law practice is a reflection of her commitment to her clients. Margaret has significant expertise in public law work and private law disputes; particularly those with a medical dimension including ‘shaking’ injuries; sexual abuse; surrogacy, circumcision and factitious illness. She has extensive experience and expertise in representing vulnerable adults. Mental Health & Vulnerable Adults Margaret practises in all aspects of mental health law and has particular expertise in Section 29 Mental Health Act 1983 applications. She has acted on behalf of local authorities; applicants and respondents. Court of protection Margaret has a particular interest in litigation under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 including Section 16 deputyship and complex Welfare issues. Recent cases have included preliminary declarations as to litigation capacity; welfare declarations as to residence; contact and care packages; Declarations as to medical treatment (including contraceptive treatment) and capacity to consent for sexual relations (including ‘fluctuating capacity’). Margaret acts for a wide range of litigants in this sphere including local authorities; health authorities; litigation friends (including IMCA’s) and family members. EDUCATION Newcastle upon Tyne School of Nursing (R.G.N Certificate) Nottingham Trent University LLB 2:1 Kings College University London MA Medical Law and Ethics Inns of Court Bar Vocational course. CAREER PROFILE 1997 - Present practising Barrister 1994 - NHS Customer Relations Manager 1993 - Action against Medical Accidents Caseworker 1989 - Registered General Nurse
Marian is committed to publicly funded work and her practice covers a range of inter-related areas of public law, immigration and housing law. Her core areas of immigration practice are asylum, economic and student migration (PBS system), free movement of EEA nationals and British nationality. Marian’s housing practice focuses on tenant issues including possession proceedings and disrepair, to anti-social behaviour injunctions, homelessness, and unlawful evictions. Immigration Marian practises in the Administrative Court, the Immigration and Asylum Chambers of the First-tier Tribunal and the Upper Tribunal, the Administrative Appeals Chamber of the Upper Tribunal, the Court of Appeal (Civil Division). Her practice covers the full spectrum of immigration law. Marian acts for individuals and institutions in relation to matters arising for economic migrants (Tiers 1, 2 and 5) including immigration sponsorship and license requirements. Marian also advises universities and individuals with information on Tier 1 and Tier 4 applications and regularly accepts instructions in these areas. In relation to Tier 4 visas, she advises and acts for individuals and also for schools, and colleges in relation to sponsor licenses (issue, suspension and revocation matters). Marian also advises in relation to historic Commonwealth based claims and contemporary issues concerning the automatic acquisition of citizenship, naturalisation and registration, as well as deprivation and loss of British nationality. She also regularly advises on the conflict of nationality laws for people with multiple nationality and the free movement of those with dual nationality under EU law. Marian also acts in domestic violence and asylum cases for law centres and other publically funded bodies and has particular experience in cases involving trafficking and child exploitation. Her experience spans family reunion and other child matters including particular experience in deportation when there are extant family and social care proceedings and the procedural protections afforded by article 8 ECHR. Marian also acts regularly in spousal visa and dependent relative applications. Marian is regularly instructed in conducting challenges to deportation and has been instructed in a number of successful appeals featuring serious assault and drug and sexual offences. Marian also has particular experience in cases involving exclusions from the Refugee convention and exclusion on national security grounds. Housing Marian has a busy County Court practice which includes advising and representing tenants at all stages of possession proceedings (including mortgage repossessions) from first appearance through to trial, warrant suspensions and appeals against possession orders. Marian has a particular interest in homelessness work. She is regularly instructed in homelessness appeals (including s204A appeals) and is happy to advise and act in homelessness-related judicial review proceedings, on an urgent basis where necessary.In addition, Marian frequently acts in cases involving disrepair, unlawful eviction, tenancy deposits, Anti-Social Behaviour Injunctions and committal proceedings. She is also able to advise on the legality of allocation schemes and public challenges to allocation decisions. Judicial Review Marian has an extensive public law practice both housing and immigration mostly challenging the decisions of central government and local authorities. She is accustomed to working to tight deadlines, particularly in the context of the detained fast track and urgent judicial review challenges to removal directions or deportation arrangements; and has persuaded High Court judges on the telephone, and on paper, to stop enforcement action. Within her housing practice, she has also drafted and made urgent homelessness applications. Marian also has experience representing prisoners in judicial review claims against prison governors in particular concerning contact rights with children. Family Law Marian accepts instructions in family cases with a special interest in matrimonial finance/ancillary relief. Marian’s experience in immigration makes her well placed to act in forced marriage and honour based violence cases. She is also able to draw upon this experience in aspects of private family law including contact disputes and domestic violence. Marian is a member of the Family Law Bar Association Coroners’ Inquests Marian is experienced in coronial law and represents bereaved families at inquests into the deaths of family members, in particular those involving state culpability. Marian has experience of Coroners’ inquest proceedings raising Article 2 issues and the obligations on the state of providing the requisite standard of care and the liaisons between emergency services resulting in numerous rule 28 recommendations. Most notably Marian represented the father of Summer Rogers-Ratcliffe who was killed by blunt head trauma by one of two possible perpetrators. She assisted the family in obtaining a conclusion of unlawful killing which she then used to assist in challenging the decision of the CPS not to prosecute. MEMBERSHIPS Bar Human Rights Committee FLBA EDUCATION & AWARDS BVC (graduated with a mark of outstanding) Inner Temple Otto Rix Prize (pupillage award) Inner Temple Joseph Priestly scholarship Erasmus scholar at the International Criminal Court LLM Northumbria University (awarded scholarship from Northumbria) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Having been called to the Bar, Marian was awarded a scholarship by Northumbria University to work within a legal clinic and undertake a research LLM into International Criminal Law. She was then awarded a Joseph Priestly scholarship by the Inner Temple to work within the Centre for Human Rights Education, Advice and Assistance in Blantyre, Malawi, representing prisoners and advising them of their rights. Following this, she worked at the International Criminal Court in the Hague within the Office of the Prosecutor, as an Erasmus scholar, and later as a Direct Assistant to the Prosecutor. She was involved in the prosecution of Thomas Lubanga, looking at the use of bone and dental records in determining the age of child soldiers. On her return to the UK, she worked as a project co-ordinator for Amicus a charity providing representation for prisoners on death-row within the US.
Matthew currently accepts instructions in criminal matters. Before starting becoming a Barrister, Matthew was a manager at Santander bank. He also volunteered for a legal charity where he regularly represented clients in the First-tier Tribunal. EDUCATION Bar Professional Training Course, Northumbria University (Outstanding) Bachelor of Laws, University College London (2:1) Whitley Bay High School and Sixth Form AWARDS The Trinity Chambers Prize for the best performance on the BPTC The Park Lane Plowden Chambers Prize for the best advocate on the BPTC Baron Dr Ver Heyden de Lancey Prize, Middle Temple Certificate of Honour, Middle Temple First Place – Richard Murtagh Memorial Moot, Middle Temple First Place – National rounds of the Telders International Moot Court Competition MEMBERSHIPS Criminal Bar Association
Morgan has been a member of Trinity Chambers since 2013 and his practice is focused on three areas: Commercial, Employment and Matrimonial Finance. In 2018 he was appointed to the Attorney General's Regional Panel of Counsel for the Government Legal Department. Commercial & Chancery Morgan is a member of the Business and Property group in Chambers and his practice includes all aspects of Commercial Litigation with an emphasis on: Contractual Disputes Consumer Credit Construction Disputes Data Protection Insolvency (Corporate and Individual) Sale of Goods Professional Negligence Partnership Disputes. Morgan is regularly instructed in Trust of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (TOLATA) claims; Landlord and Tenant Disputes in a commercial and residential context; and Boundary Disputes.He has advised on injunctive relief and has successfully negotiated a settlement in allotment disputes. In addition, he has appeared on behalf of Landlords in respect of non-payment of non-domestic rates and licensing regulations under the Housing Act including those with a criminal element.He was recently led Mr. Simon Goldberg at an international arbitration hearing regarding a commercial dispute on medical supplies. Morgan regularly appears in the High Court and County Court on a range of matters including applications, appeals and multi-day hearings. Employment Morgan is a member of Trinity's Employment Group and accepts instructions from Claimants and Respondents in all aspects of Employment Law. He is happy to draft pleadings and provide written advice in a range of matters. He is regularly instructed in multi-day hearings in all areas of employment. He is happy to draft pleadings and provide written advice in a range of matters. He is currently involved in a range of cases from acting for the Claimant in a case with multiple defendants concerning TUPE to representing the Respondent in a multi-day discrimination case. Matrimonial Finance Morgan accepts all instructions in this area of work, whether first appointment, negotiation/mediation/FDR or final hearing. From his Commercial and Employment practice, Morgan has experience of businesses, partnerships, trusts and pensions as well as representing clients in all forms of ADR. Housing Law Morgan is a member of the Housing Group in Chambers and his practice covers all aspects of housing law including landlord & tenant disputes, anti-social behaviour, unlawful evictions and disrepair claims. He has appeared in closure order appeals; injunction applications and committal hearings. Morgan also has experience of dealing with Housing matters with a criminal and regulatory involvement, including offences relating to improvement notices and houses in multiple occupation. Costs Morgan is a member of the Costs Group. He is regularly instructed to deal with costs budgeting in Costs and Case Management Conferences(CCMC's) as well as arguments in detailed assessments and has appeared in the Senior Courts Costs Office. LECTURES & SEMINARS Morgan regularly provides CPD accredited seminars and training to solicitors and other professionals all aspects of Commercial, Employment and Matrimonial Finance law. He recently delivered a seminar for MBL on housing disrepair and spoke at Trinity’s Property Law Update Seminar in 2019 on the subject of Japanese Knotweed. APPOINTMENTS Attorney General's Regional C Panel of Counsel (2018) EDUCATION & AWARDS 2006-2010 - LLB (Hons) Bar Exempting, Northumbria University– 1st Class (Hons) 2010 - Lincoln’s Inn Buchanan Award for outstanding results on exempting degree 2008-2010- Represented Northumbria at the English Speaking Union Moot and Thomas A. Finlay Moot Court Intervarsity 2009 – School of Law’s contribution roll for outstanding contribution to the law school ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Morgan is authorised to accept instructions under the Bar Public Access scheme. Expertise Business & Commercial Litigation Costs Employment Family - Finance & Property Social Housing Inheritance, Probate & Trusts Property Consumer Law & Professional Negligence Inquests
Family & Matrimonial Finance Natasha has extensive experience representing Local Authorities, parents, extended family members, children’s Guardians in all tiers of the Family Court. Natasha is instructed to conduct finding of fact hearings including allegations of neglect, violence, factitious illness and emotional harm. Natasha was led recently in a three week finding of fact hearing concerning allegations of sexual abuse of six children. Natasha is sought out for her skills to communicate with and put at ease nervous and sensitive clients. Natasha undertakes private law work on behalf of parents and other family members involving residence, contact and parental responsibility disputes. Natasha has extensive experience in domestic violence cases including injunctions, occupation orders, forced marriage, honour violence and committals. Natasha also deals with ancillary relief and matrimonial finance cases, accepting instructions from first appointments through to final hearings, maintenance pending suit applications, freezing order applications etc. In addition, Natasha is instructed in proceedings relating to co-ownership of property under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (ToLATA). Natasha has experience in appearing against litigants in person acknowledging a need to be fair but firm. Equestrian Law Natasha has a keen interest in horses and Equestrian Law and has developed a website dedicated to equestrian law – www.equestrianlawyer.co.uk Natasha covers all aspects of equestrian law including breach of contract, professional negligence, regulatory work, tribunal representation, personal injury etc Natasha is a keen equestrian competing regularly at British Show jumping competitions.
Family Law Public Law Children - Nicholas is regularly instructed in complex care proceedings. He has a particular interest in cases involving disputed medical evidence (including suspicious death, factitious and induced illness, shaking and sexual abuse), jurisdictional and international issues, cultural/religious issues, human rights issues, and interfaces between the Family Court and the Court of Protection. Private Law Children - Nicholas represents family members across the spectrum of private law disputes and has a particular interest in relocation cases. Medical Treatment and ‘End of Life’ - Nicholas provides advice and representation, often at short notice, for NHS Trusts, local authorities and family members where the treatment plan for a child or vulnerable adult is in dispute. Forced Marriage - Nicholas provides advice and representation, again often at short notice, for local authorities and family members in cases involving alleged forced marriage. Matrimonial Finance - Nicholas has a particular interest in cases involving high net worth and/or hidden assets. Safeguarding and Policy - Nicholas is regularly instructed by local authorities and other public authorities to advise on safeguarding and policy issues in connection with the discharge of responsibilities towards children and vulnerable adults. Recent instructions have involved serious case reviews, safeguarding adult reviews and financial support for family carers. Court of Protection Court of Protection - Nicholas represents vulnerable adults (by litigation friends including the Official Solicitor), local authorities and family members. He has a particular interest in cases where the Court of Protection jurisdiction overlaps with the care or forced marriage jurisdictions. In September 2015, Nicholas chaired the Court of Protection Practitioners Association (CoPPA) annual national conference in Leeds. APPOINTMENTS Queen's Counsel 2015 Authorised to sit as a Judge of the High Court under s.9(1) Senior Courts Act 1981 (2019) Family Court Recorder 2016 Bar Standards Board Professional Conduct Committee 2014 MEMBERSHIPS Family Law Bar Association North Eastern Circuit LECTURES & SEMINARS Nicholas regularly gives seminars for lawyers and safeguarding professionals. Recent topics have included ‘Re W and Nothing Else Will Do', ‘Jurisdiction Issues in Public Law, Private Law and Financial Remedy Cases', ‘The Perils of Social Media in Family Cases’, ‘Concurrent Care and Court of Protection Proceedings’ and 'The Care Act 2014 - Welfare and Safeguarding'. EDUCATION 1992 University College London, LLB (Hons) 1993 Inns of Court School of Law ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Born and educated in Newcastle, Nicholas moved to London to read law and attend Bar School. He undertook pupillage and practised in specialist family law chambers in London before moving back to Newcastle in 1996 to join Trinity Chambers. Nicholas was the elected Head of Trinity Chambers' Family Group between 2009 and 2020.
EXPERTISE Town & Country Planning Agricultural Law Chancery Law Administrative and Public Law Planning Appeals s.78 Appeal against planning decisions s.77 Secretary of State recovered jurisdiction s.97 Revocation & Modification orders s.174 Appeal against Enforcement notices s.215 Proper maintenance of land notices Local Plan Examinations Other Areas s.106 drafting legal agreements Injunctions and interim remedies s.210 Injunction for breach of Tree Preservation Order Breach of advertisement regulations – prosecute and defend Breach of condition on planning permissions – prosecute and defend Chancery Lands Tribunal matters Property disputes including boundaries, easements and restrictive covenants Village Greens Registration, upgrading and modification of public rights Nicola has worked as a Chartered Town Planner for 12 years in local government and the private sector before being called to the Bar in 1999. She has an extensive practice in Town & Country Planning, compulsory purchase and related local government and administrative law, acting in public inquiries and the courts. Nicola has advised and appears for a wide range of Local Authorities, developers and private clients on various projects including house building, mixed use regeneration, renewables, conservation and listed buildings. She also advises all parties in criminal cases arising from planning breaches. Nicola specialises in rights of way, village greens and commons law; acting for all parties at highway inquiries and in applications to modify definitive maps, applications to register village greens and applications to the relevant Minister under s.194 of the Law of Property Act 1925. MEMBERSHIPS Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute Chartered Town Planner United Kingdom Environmental Law Association Planning and Environmental Bar Association Agricultural Law Association LECTURES & SEMINARS Nicola regularly talks at seminars to private clients and local authorities on planning issues including renewable energy environmental protection. She also delivers bespoke in-house training for local authority officers and members. Nicola is a Bar Council accredited lecturer and has lectured in planning practice at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne and Durham University and to the Local Government Association on village greens and commons and Freedom of Information. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Prior to becoming a barrister, Nicola worked in local government, as a team manager in a multi disciplinary consultancy and subsequently ran her own planning consultancy.
Family A former tenant of a leading family law Chambers on the Western Circuit, Nicola practices in all areas of family law. She is frequently instructed in private law children proceedings and regularly represents parties in proceedings under Part IV of the Family Law Act 1996. Nicola also represents Local Authorities, parents and children at all stages of public law proceedings. Nicola provides practical and pragmatic advice in all cases and prides herself on her down to earth and approachable manner with both lay and professional clients. Private Law Children Nicola is regularly instructed to appear at all stages on behalf of applicants and respondents, children’s guardians and children with separate representation in private law proceedings. She has experience in dealing with cases concerning rape, sexual abuse (including of a minor), mental health, domestic abuse/violence, internal relocation and parental alienation (which include applications for changes of residency). Nicola is experienced in dealing with internal relocation cases, acting for both those seeking to relocate and those seeking to prevent such a move. She has also acted in cases involving international relocation and jurisdictional issues. Public Law Children Nicola frequently appears on behalf of Local Authorities, parents and children in public law proceedings. She is instructed at all stages of proceedings from interim hearings to multi-day final hearings. Nicola has experience of representing vulnerable adults, including those with severe learning disabilities and those assessed as needing the assistance of an intermediary. Injunctions Nicola routinely represents both applicants and respondents at all stages of injunctive relief proceedings under Part IV of the Family Law Act 1996. MEMBERSHIPS North Eastern Circuit Western Circuit The Honourable Society of Middle Temple PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATION Public Access Qualified ADR Group Accredited Civil & Commercial Mediator Bar Professional Training Course, BPP Leeds LLB (Hons), University of Leeds ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Nicola is a keen sportswoman, having previously represented Lincolnshire at hockey. She enjoys playing netball socially and is learning to play tennis.
Prior to pupillage, Parissa worked with vulnerable victims of crime providing advocacy, support and advice to those in crisis. Parissa led various projects based within local authorities, housing associations, the NHS and Police. She has a strong understanding of the practices of public bodies. Parissa is a Fellow of the Legal Education Foundation's Justice First Fellowship programme, a scheme supporting advocates committed to public interest and social justice issues. Parissa accepts instructions under the Direct Access Scheme. Housing In her previous career, Parissa worked alongside local neighbourhood policing teams, social housing providers and local authority enforcement agencies to develop strategies around local housing and neighbourhood issues. This practical knowledge enables her to quickly understand the competing needs often at play in her cases, and argue persuasively on behalf of her clients. Parissa has acted in all aspects of landlord and tenant and social housing litigation, including possession, homelessness, allocations, anti-social behaviour, tenancy deposits, unlawful eviction, disrepair and housing conditions, tenancy fraud, succession and assignment. She is a regular legal contributor to Lime Legal’s weekly Housing Law updates Immigration Parissa’s practice covers the full spectrum of immigration law. She is regularly instructed to appear in the first tier and upper tribunals to deal with asylum, humanitarian protection, Article 8 human rights and British nationality matters. She has also acted in deportations and bail hearings, both on a paid and pro-bono basis. Parissa is especially able in assisting vulnerable individuals, including victims of torture and trafficking and individuals with serious mental health problems, and ensuring her advice is provided in the most clear and sympathetic way possible. Public Law & Judicial Review Parissa is developing a broad public law practice. In addition to her experience in housing and immigration matters, Parissa has acted and advised upon several discrimination claims including alleged breaches of the Equality Act 2010. Parissa’s practice covers social welfare, community care, environmental law, inquests and prison law. Her experience in working within public bodies means she is particularly proficient in understanding the opposing interests at play in decision making and is committed to ensuring fundamental rights are not overridden. Court of Protection & Mental Health Parissa accepts instructions in all areas of court of protection and mental health work before the FTT and Court of Protection. She has acted on behalf of both protected parties and applicant trusts and authorities. Parissa’s broad practice and experience mean she is able to understand and offer holistic advice in court of protection matters, as they often overlap with other areas within her expertise. Public Law Children Parissa’s practice is focussed upon cases which have some cross over with other areas of her public law and immigration practice. She has experience in dealing with female genital mutilation, deprivation of liberties and those cases with an international element. Parissa has acted in multi-day trials including those involving non-accidental injuries. She is skilled at working with parents who have particular vulnerabilities, including mental health issues and issues with substance misuse. Private Law & Injunctions Parissa has experience in all aspects of this work, and particularly those cases involving domestic abuse. This has included findings of fact with allegations of serious sexual abuse. MEMBERSHIPS Just Fair Trustee North East Legal Support Trust Board Member Advocate Pro Bono Barrister JUSTICE Bar Human Rights Committee Young Legal Aid Lawyers Lincoln’s Inn Housing Law Weekly Contributor Environmental Law Review Editorial Team EDUCATION Newcastle University Law LLB (hons) University of Edinburgh Global Crime, Justice and Security MSC (hons) BPP University BPTC BPP University LLM Professional Legal Practice ADR ODR Accredited Civil & Commercial Mediator
Patience accepts instructions in a wide range of Family, Civil, Personal Injury (including small claims, infant approvals and stage 3’s), Employment and Housing matters. Patience has a wide range of commercial and legal experience, having worked in a variety of banks, a ‘Big 4’ accounting firm and a leading oil and gas servicing company. During her studies on the BPTC, Patience volunteered at Support Through Court (formerly known as the PSU), where she provided practical assistance and support to litigants in person. Following the completion of the BPTC, Patience worked as a County Court Advocate. EDUCATION & AWARDS Bar Professional Training Course, Northumbria University (Very Competent) 2017 - 2018 LLM in Bar Professional Training, Northumbria University (Distinction) 2017 - 2018 LLB (Hons), University of Hertfordshire (First Class) 2012 - 2015 Dean’s Award Scholarship: Northumbria Law School MEMBERSHIPS The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple Family Law Bar Association Patience acts as a mentor for BME Legal, Bridging the Bar and Bar Practice Course students at Northumbria University.
Paul is a busy and versatile member of our Business and Property team. He has developed a following as a promising junior barrister as a result of his sharp and pragmatic approach to his work. Paul can provide CPD-accredited seminars to solicitors and professionals and has most recently spoken in our latest Junior Litigators Toolkit talk. Business & Property Paul acts in and advises on all aspects of Business and Property work. He regularly appears in the County Court and High Court in fast track and multi-track cases and has appellate experience. His practice also involves drafting statements of case, application notices and witness statements. Paul often deals with costs budgeting at CCMCs and appears in a wide range of application hearings. Given his Employment practice, Paul deals with cases with an element of Employment law such as restraint of trade and overpaid wages claims. Employment Paul accepts instructions from claimants and respondents in all aspects of Employment, including wrongful and unfair dismissal, discrimination and TUPE claims. He frequently appears in multi-day trials and is happy to draft pleadings and witness statements and to provide written advice. Paul draws on his Business and Property practice when dealing with discrimination and breach of contract claims in the civil jurisdiction. Insolvency Paul is regularly instructed in a wide range of matters of individual and corporate insolvency for both creditors and debtors. He often deals with winding up and bankruptcy petitions, applications to annul bankruptcies and applications to set aside statutory demands. Paul can advise on all aspects of insolvency, having recently advised on an ultimately successful application to make a distribution to unsecured creditors in the course of an administration. MEMBERSHIPS The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple North Eastern Circuit Commercial Bar Association (NECCBA) Employment Law Bar Association (ELBA) Junior Lawyers Division (JLD) Government Legal Department Junior Junior Scheme EDUCATION LLB Hons (2:1) Durham University – 2014-2017 BPTC (Very Competent) Northumbria University – 2017-2018 AWARDS Harmsworth Scholarship – The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple Dean's Award Scholarship – Northumbria Law School Chrystal Macmillan Prize – The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Paul is qualified to receive instructions direct from businesses, professionals and members of the public in appropriate cases.
Peter specialises in disrepair, acting for public and private landlords, and leading the fight against the blight of opportunistic CFA disrepair claims sweeping the country. As well as fighting dozens of disrepair trials each year, he is an expert at defences, applications to strike-out cases and/or experts, allocation hearings, adverse & wasted costs orders, injunctions, trials, appeals, etc. Peter has always worked solely in housing and anti-social behaviour matters. He spent his working life before coming to the bar in housing, one way or another – as voluntary campaigner, research assistant to Government regeneration studies, local authority housing & regeneration manager, and as national research manager for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Peter enjoys speaking at housing law conferences, doing national and local, in-house training (court skills, latest legislation, disrepair, etc), and is a confident mediator (CEDR). His advice, drafting, and other written work is quick, accurate, and effective in person, on paper, and in court. He is always accessible to clients, welcomes clients’ direct queries and requests, and is happy to give formal or informal frank, pragmatic and tactical advice from before a case is started and while it develops. He is happy to travel, and accept instructions throughout the North-West, North-East, Yorkshire, East Midlands, Lincolnshire, North Wales and, if asked, well beyond. As well as excelling on substantive law, he is also good on points of civil procedure, evidence, costs, and other aspects of running and winning cases, effectively and economically, getting costs (including wasted costs) against opponents wherever justified. Housing Law Residential Possession Peter deals with all aspects of Residential Possession, including: All residential tenancies or licences Discretionary and mandatory grounds Tenancy fraud Trespassers Public Law Defences, including Human Rights/Proportionality & Equality Act Cases involving tenants lacking mental capacity Hoarding Tenancy breach Disrepair Peter deals with all aspects of disrepair, acting on behalf of social landlords (and, albeit less frequently, private sector tenants and landlords) and lessees/lessors, including: Strong, thorough, quick, and effective defences to claims and counterclaims, with quick, reliable advice on merits and quantum Strike-outs (of remedies, experts and cases), allocations, injunctions & and other tactical defence responses Experienced at fighting on paper and in court for public landlords against CFA and other claims-handler cases The new Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 Anti-Social Behaviour All aspects of the 2014 Act, Parts 1 to 6, including everything to do with injunctions & committals, absolute grounds, Premises Closure orders (houses, flats, legal high shops, brothels, hostels, hotels, etc) Gang Injunctions Protection from Harassment Act 1977 Statutory Nuisance (EPA 1990) prosecutions Additional Areas Injunctions & Committals in relation to tenancy breach (eg, access for repairs, works, gas, electric, hoarding) HMO and selective licensing prosecutions and appeals Unlawful Eviction (for landlord or tenant), including emergency injunctions Right to Buy Vexatious Litigants and other persistent nuisances Succession Leases & Forfeiture, incl applying/opposing relief from forfeiture Mediation Unfair Tenancy Terms and the Consumer Rights Act 2015 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Peter can accept instructions directly from non-solicitors, through Direct Access. He advises public landlords on tenancy agreements, particularly in relation to unfair tenancy terms. member of Middle Temple Scholarships and Awards Committee member of Lord Neuberger’s Entry to the Bar Committee (Bar Council) member of Derek Woods QC’s Review of Pupillage Committee (Bar Standards Board) received two major Middle Temple scholarships and passed the Bar Vocational Course with “Outstanding” (Manchester, 2003)
Crime Rachel is a criminal law specialist. She has established a very busy and varied Crown Court practice through her reputation for ‘going the extra mile’ in both her preparation and presentation of cases. Solicitors remark at her ability to empathise with clients and maintain a firm focus on seeking to achieve best outcomes. On a daily basis she deals with challenging, difficult and heavyweight cases. Areas of expertise include: Fraud Sexual Offences Conspiracies Violence Arson Proceeds of Crime (POCA) Road Traffic Offences Rachel has enjoyed considerable success across the full spectrum of Road Traffic cases from death by dangerous driving to speeding. She has developed a particular expertise in challenging Section 172 Notices, together with the loss of driving and taxi licences. Regulatory Rachel has experience of prosecuting and defending in relation to trading standards matters and benefit fraud prosecutions. She is also interested in agricultural related regulatory matters. Rachel has provided training lectures to Local Authority Regulatory Departments. In regulatory prosecutions, she is briefed by Defendants, Local Authorities and the Royal Mail. Private Law Children Rachel is instructed in private law children cases. Deploying her extensive Crown Court advocacy and in particular cross-examination skills and experience, Rachel deals with children contact and residence disputes, as well as contested injunctions and issues involving domestic abuse. She deals with Fact Finding Hearings and is experienced in working with complex witness evidence including evidence from psychologists and psychiatrists. She has an excellent "bedside manner" and is experienced in dealing with vulnerable witnesses and clients. Public Law Children Rachel accepts instructions in child care proceedings, again calling on her extensive Crown Court advocacy experience and from dealing with experts, vulnerable witnesses and clients. Matrimonial Finance & Divorce Rachel is experienced in dealing with matrimonial finance/ancillary relief disputes including applications relating to maintenance, child support and property. Rachel has dealt with cases involving business valuations and pension arrangements. APPOINTMENTS Grade 3 Prosecutor CPS Pupil Supervisor Associate Lecturer at Northumbria University MEMBERSHIPS North Eastern Circuit Criminal Bar Association LECTURES & SEMINARS Rachel has delivered seminars to clients including Local Authorities on benefits prosecutions, hearsay, bad character and proceeds of crime. EDUCATION LLB (Hons) Northumbria University PUBLIC ACCESS Rachel is qualified to receive instructions direct from businesses, professionals and members of the public. Any such requests should be directed to her clerks in the first instance.
Family & Child Care Rebecca undertakes work in all aspects of Children Law and acts for Local Authorities, parents and Guardians, alongside other interested parties in both public and private law proceedings and on behalf of the Official Solicitor. Rebecca accepts instructions in injunction and committal applications and has experience of Forced Marriage Protection Orders. She has acted in Fact Finding hearings relating to serious sexual, physical and emotional abuse in both Care and Private Law Proceedings. She has acted in applications for leave to remove from the jurisdiction. Her immigration practice means she is well-placed to advise on family cases raising immigration issues and she can provide written advice on these issues on request, for use in care/private law proceedings. Rebecca has appeared and been led in complex High Court care proceedings involving issues of private fostering arrangements. She has experience of acting for parties with disabilities and those with complex mental health issues. Recent cases include: Complex care proceedings lasting 3 weeks with a Fact Finding element involving issues of Forced Marriage, Honour Based Violence and cultural issues. An 11-day Fact Finding hearing in care proceedings involving significant domestic violence and sexual abuse allegations. Acting for a first time Mother in a case involving significant non-accidental injuries resulting in no findings of perpetration against her. High Court proceedings representing a Mother resisting an application to remove her child to live with his Father in Kurdistan, Iraq. Acting for parents and Local Authorities in cases involving parents with significant learning disabilities and mental health issues. Immigration Rebecca undertakes work across the full field of immigration and asylum law and has experience in respect of asylum, human rights, PBS, EEA and entry clearance appeals. She has conducted appeals in respect of deportation and applications for bail. Having previously worked as a senior caseworker in a not-for-profit immigration organization, she has developed client care skills that make her particularly suitable for cases of a sensitive nature. She has recent experience of dealing with victims of trafficking, those at risk of torture, victims of domestic violence and sexual violence and those with mental health issues, including where there are issues as to capacity. Her complimentary practice in family law and mental health make her particularly suited to cases raising these issues, including understanding the impact of on-going family proceedings on immigration applications and appeals. Recent cases include issues as to statelessness and cross-examination of Home Office experts as to fingerprint evidence. She has a growing interest in assisting businesses with immigration issues. Mental Health & Court of Protection Rebecca deals with cases involving vulnerable adults and teenagers in the Court of Protection including issues relating to capacity, welfare, deprivation of liberty, deputyship and contact. MEMBERSHIPS Family Law Bar Association Association of Lawyers for Children EDUCATION & AWARDS University of Warwick LLB (Hons) Nottingham Law School BVC Lord Denning Scholarship (Lincoln's Inn) Hardwicke Scholar (Lincoln's Inn)
Business & Property Litigation Richard is a busy member of Trinity’s Business & Property Group, regularly appearing in the High Court and County Court on matters from multi-day cases to applications as well as having appellate experience at up to Court of Appeal level. Richard is recognised in the national directories for his business & property work. He represents clients from individuals to large corporates and has been on the Attorney General’s Panel of Counsel for many years; now on the Regional A Panel. Richard’s practice covers: Commercial All forms of commercial and consumer disputes, sale of goods, restraint of trade, commercial fraud, company and partnership law, directors' duties (including disqualification), shareholder disputes, professional negligence and financial mis-selling. Insolvency Richard regularly deals with insolvency matters covering all aspects of corporate and personal insolvency. He deals with bankruptcies, voluntary arrangements, administrations, liquidations and all forms of petitions and applications. Contentious Probate Richard is regularly instructed in probate and trust matters including Inheritance Act claims. Property Richard accepts instructions in all areas of landlord and tenant; residential, commercial and agricultural. His property work includes housing disputes, easements, rights of way, boundary disputes and restrictive covenants. Employment "His knowledge of the law and excellent cross-examination technique marks him out as one of the leading employment barristers" Legal 500 2021. Richard is well recognised for his employment expertise and is regularly instructed for multi-day hearings in all areas of employment and discrimination law. He regularly acts for individuals, unions, NHS Trusts, local authorities and companies. He has appellate experience in the Employment Appeal Tribunal and the Court of Appeal. His practice includes restraint of trade, discrimination, equal pay, whistleblowing, TUPE, unfair and wrongful dismissal and breach of contract. Richard is recognised for his employment work in the national directories as well as having been appointed as Regional A Panel Counsel on the Attorney General’s Panel. Sports Richard’s practice covers sports law across various sports from football, rugby and boxing to show jumping and he is experienced in appearing before regulatory sports bodies in arbitrations as well as being a panel member of the FA NationalAnti-Discrimination Chairman’s Panel and a RFU Disciplinary Officer. Mediation Richard is an ADR Group Accredited Civil and Commercial Mediator. His mediation practice covers all of the areas in which he accepts work as a barrister. Trinity Chambers has facilities to undertake mediations. APPOINTMENTS Attorney General's Regional Panel A of Counsel Football Association’s National Panel of Chairmen for Anti-Discrimination Cases RFU Disciplinary Officer Association of International Accountants Complaints Reviewer Equality & Human Rights Commission Preferred Panel of Counsel 2010 - 2014 ADR Group Accredited Civil and Commercial Mediator Falkland Islands Approved Lawyer List MEMBERSHIPS Employment Lawyers Association R3 – The Association of Business Recovery Professionals Industrial Law Society North Eastern Circuit Commercial Bar Association LECTURES & SEMINARS Richard regularly provides CPD accredited seminars and training, including for MBL Seminars. EDUCATION & AWARDS BA (Hons) Law with French, University of Newcastle Wolfson Scholar, Lincoln’s Inn Certificat d’Études Juridiques en France, Université Nancy II ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Richard regularly acts across the country and has appeared in cases from Aberdeen to Southampton. He has experience of acting against self-represented litigants in Courts and Tribunals on substantive hearings and appeals. Fluent in French, partially qualified in French Law. Trustee of Stroke North East.
Barrister specialising in crime, licensing, regulatory and disciplinary law, and agriculture. Crime: has prosecuted and defended serious sexual offences, murders, kidnap, money laundering and fraud. She has a reputation for handling cases that involve particularly vulnerable individuals (witnesses or defendants) either because of their age or their ability. Regulatory offences: has appeared on behalf of local authorities and defended in regulatory prosecutions, for example health and safety (North Tyneside Council v PMS International Group PLC – toy safety (lead in paint on imported toys), Durham County Council v Northumbrian Water Ltd – duties of street undertakers), food safety (North Tyneside Council v Asda (foreign bodies in bread), salmonella poisoning in restaurants), trading standards (animal welfare, fallen stock and cattle database regulations, Trade Marks Act infringements, Trade Description Act infringements, Enterprise Act, Tree Preservation Order infringements); and disciplinary proceedings (appointed as a Legal Assessor to the General Medical Council and regularly advises panels who sit to consider the conduct of doctors; regularly appears for the ‘appropriate authority’ in police disciplinary proceedings. Has advised both Durham and Northumbria Chief Constables in Reviews of decisions).
Shada accepts instructions in all areas criminal law, housing, licensing and regulatory cases. Shada consistently demonstrates an ability to digest large volumes of material and has a keen eye for detail. She is comfortably able to cut through factually complex cases and, through her very personable nature, has a natural ability to build a rapport quickly with clients. Before commencing pupillage, Shada worked, for two years at a company specialising in derivative contract negotiations for large financial institutions. Prior to taking that position Shada worked as a County Court Advocate, where she appeared in a variety of hearings before the District Bench, including contested small claims. She also has valuable experience working with vulnerable adults from her time volunteering as an Appropriate Adult through Mind, a mental health charity. Crime Shada prosecutes and defends in all aspects of criminal cases in the Magistrates’ Court, Youth Court, Crown Court and High Court. Her experience includes: Securing an acquittal for a client charged with careless driving at work. It was alleged that Shada’s client had hit an elderly gentleman with her works vehicle while he crossed the road. The complaint required medical attention. An Independent witness gave evidence for the Prosecution Securing an acquittal a client charged with careless driving at work. Shada’s client was in driving a large goods vehicle which had a gross permissible weight of 32kg which had reversed over a colleague causing life changing injuries. The case involved expert evidence Exceptional hardship and special reasons arguments in driving disqualification case Assault emergency worker cases Affray Committals for Magistrates’ Court to the Crown Court for sentence: possession of class A drugs with intent to supply, section 20 grievous bodily harm, Actual bodily harm.Notably, Shada secured a suspended possession order for her client charged with two counts of possession with intent of Class A drugs, amount in possession valued at £3480 and one count of possession with intent to supply class B of £1,100, further details here Freezing and Forfeiture Orders, including appeals Appeals to the Crown Court against conviction and sentence Committal in the High Court for Contempt of Court. Shada secured her client a financial penalty Housing Shada’s practice covers all aspects of housing litigation. She has gained considerable experience in anti-social behaviour injunctions in both the County Court and Youth Court. Her experience includes: Successfully represented the Claimant in proving to the criminal standard that the Defendant had breached the anti-social behaviour injunction on eight occasions Licensing & Regulatory Shada accepts instructions in licensing and regulatory cases. Recently, Shada obtained a closure order in respect of a gym in Hartlepool which claimed it was remaining open in peaceful protest against the Coronavirus Regulations. Coroner's Inquests Shada has a keen interest in Inquests. She recently represented a motorcyclist involved in a road traffic collision with a cyclist who lost his life, further details here. Direct Access Shada is authorised to accept instructions under the Bar direct public access scheme. PUBLICATIONS Contributor to the Quarterly Comment by Trinity Chambers in the Environmental Law Review Anti-Social Behaviour Injunctions (ASBIs): A New Practitioners Perspective published in The Barrister Magazine, Hilary Term 2021 Case Summary of R (London Borough of Islington) v Arun Bajaj [2020] EWCA Crim 1111, published in Lime Legal’s Housing Law Week APPOINTMENTS CPS Prosecutor, Level 1 MEMBERSHIPS The Honourable Society of Middle Temple Young Legal Aid Lawyers Advocate, a pro bono charity of the Bar EDUCATION LLB (Hons) European Legal Studies (Upper 2:1) Kent University, including a year studying at The University of Bergen, Norway – 2012-2016 BPTC (Very Competent) Northumbria University 2016-2017 Shada acts as a mentor for BPTC students at Northumbria University. Shada is also a regular contributor to Chambers' programme of webinars and events:Trinity Criminal Law Webinar - Youth Court : Practicalities & Opportunities For more information follow Shada on LinkedIn.
Crime Shaun’s practice is firmly based in defence work. He has been involved in many high profile cases including internet grooming, conspiracy to commit robberies, wide ranging drug cases and offences of violence. Shaun's defence experience covers all aspects of serious crime including: Murder Manslaughter Conspiracy Sexual Offences Historic Sex Abuse Public Disorder Dishonesty Indecency Motor Offences Fraud Money Laundering Proceeds of Crime Internet Crime Firearms Shaun was defence junior counsel in the “Croydon Road murders”, a case involving the murder of two Chinese students. Over the years Shaun has acted for the defence as a leading junior in sex abuse cases, robberies and drug related criminal proceedings. Shaun Routledge has developed a substantial reputation as a “fighter” and enjoys an excellent working relationship with both professional and lay clients alike. Regulatory Shaun has also prosecuted and defended in regulatory proceedings, including Police disciplinary hearings , Trading Standards and counterfeit goods. Shaun has also dealt with Marine Regulation prosecutions. Shaun has dealt with all aspects of licensing applications and appeals, he has particular experience of firearms licensing matters. LECTURES & SEMINARS Shaun is a frequent contributor to Trinity Chambers’ programme of lectures and seminars. He has given lectures on the Dangerous Offenders Provisions and other updates on criminal practice. EDUCATION LLB Liverpool.
Business & Property Litigation "A formidable opponent." "His approach to, knowledge of, and experience in complex matters is absolutely terrific." Chancery, Chambers & Partners 2020. Simon is head of Chambers’ Business and Property team and is well established as one of the region’s leading commercial litigators. He regularly appears in the Chancery and Queen’s Bench divisions of the High Court, and in arbitrations, often with an international dimension. Simon is one of only a handful of local practitioners to be recognised nationally by the professional directories as a leading barrister in Business and Property work, where his intellectual ability and willingness to fight his clients’ corner is regularly praised. He was a member of the Attorney General’s Regional Panel of Counsel between 2007 and 2018, which has given him the opportunity to advise and represent central government departments in cases of complexity and sensitivity. Simon’s principle areas of practice include: • Contractual disputes• Commercial fraud• Directors’ duties (including director’s disqualification proceedings)• Shareholder disputes• Contentious probate (including 1975 Act claims)• Partnership• Landlord & tenant (commercial and residential)• Insolvency (corporate and personal)• Professional negligence Employment "He has a perfect advocacy style that judges find attractive." Employment, Legal 500 2021. Simon is usually instructed to advise and represent clients in employment disputes involving issues of significant factual or legal complexity and/or which are high value. Simon appears across the UK in the Employment Tribunal, the EAT and the High Court, often against Silks. He advises and represents employers and employees, and has over a number of years developed a particular expertise in employment litigation in the High Court. His principal practice areas include: • Post termination restrictions• Discrimination• Equal pay• Whistleblowing• Trade Union rights• Unfair dismissal• Wrongful dismissal and breach of contract• Post termination restrictions• TUPE APPOINTMENTS Recorder Crime, Civil & Chancery (since 2018)Attorney General’s Regional Panel of Counsel (2007 - 2018)Chair of the Association of International Accountants Disciplinary Appeals Committee (since 2020) MEMBERSHIPS North Eastern Circuit Commercial Bar Association Chancery Bar Association Employment Law Bar Association Employment Law Association Bar Pro Bono Unit LECTURES & SEMINARS Regularly lectures to students, solicitors and other professionals on all aspects of Business and Property litigation and employment law. EDUCATION & AWARDS • BA in Jurisprudence: Trinity College, Oxford• Queen Mother’s Scholar, Harmsworth Scholar and Exhibitioner, Middle Temple ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Lives in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne. Educated RGS Newcastle. Authorised to accept instructions under the Bar public access scheme.
Family Child Care Domestic Abuse Mental Health & Court of Protection Costs Stephen has 18 years experience as a solicitor prior to converting to the Bar, working predominantly in the North East. Stephen’s primary area of interest and expertise is in Family law. He acts in public law cases for local authorities, individuals and on behalf of children. He is a former member of the Law Society Children Panel. Stephen deals with all aspects of private children law and has regularly appeared in the Family Proceedings Court, the County Court and the District Registry. Such matters often involved issues of sexual abuse, domestic violence, mental health, non accidental injury and or vulnerable individuals including the Court of Protection. His practice includes both securing and contesting injunctions as against individuals and assets. EDUCATION LLB (Hons) Newcastle Polytechnic
SPECIALISMS Family Law Public and Private Law Forced Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation(FGM) Vulnerable Adults Proceedings with a Foreign Element including allegations of human trafficking Proceedings involving Fabricated and Induced Illness Proceedings involving serious injury, including infant death and complex expert evidence Proceedings involving Young Adolescents Cases involving Sexual exploitation of Vulnerable Adults and Children Family proceedings concerning parents who have undergone gender re-assignment Family Sue has practised in the field of family law exclusively for approximately 25 years during which time she has built up a high profile practice. Experienced in carrying a heavy caseload and instructed to act on behalf of most local authorities in the region in respect of care proceedings brought across all tiers of the Family, she also regularly acts for vulnerable adults and adolescents, Guardians and parents in respect of proceedings concerning their welfare and that of their children. She has a wealth of experience in conducting proceedings involving non-English speaking ethnic minorities of differing cultures, and where the jurisdiction of the court is subject to challenge. She also has vast experience in representing vulnerable adults and children where mental illness/disability features including involvement of the Court of Protection. Her cases regularly involve allegations of serious non accidental injury, domestic abuse including rape and sexual abuse of children. She is experienced in preparing legal argument in respect of proceedings in the Court of Appeal, applications for special measures including children giving evidence, and in circumstances where it is argued that sensitive information ought not be disclosed into the proceedings. Sue sits as a Recorder in the Family Court trying both Public and Private Law Proceedings and in the Crown Court, and has recently been appointed as a fee paid judge of the First Tier Tribunal Health Education and Social Care Chamber authorised to hear cases concerning restricted patients. CASES Instructed on behalf of the children's Guardian in a case involving the death of an infant in a trial lasting four weeks and involving complex medical expert opinion, Sue's insistence that a particular expert be called to give oral evidence enabled the judge to conclude that the mother had been responsible for the death. Represented a father in a case of fabricated and induced illness. Split hearing lasting a total of six weeks; after a fact-finding hearing persuaded the local authority to abandon any findings against the father and subsequently successfully argued for the return of the child to his care despite initial opposition from the local authority and the children's Guardian. Represented a mother who, jointly with the father faced an allegation of causing injury to their infant son. Successfully argued for the return of the child to the mother in the face of opposition from the local authority, the expert and the children's Guardian. Represented local authority in care proceedings concerning a Slovakian child living with family members in Newcastle, allegations of scapegoating, abusive treatment and neglect, jurisdictional issues and complex factual evidence. Represented a Mother, the ex partner of a violent and dangerous criminal, and who was at risk of serious violence and intimidation throughout proceedings. Level or risk required the protection of the identity of professionals and witnesses. Represented local authority, in care proceedings Care Plan foster care. Child, a teenager who wished to return home. Advised and assisted with the formulation of a phased rehabilitation package; enabling the child to buy in to the care plan. Social workers reported they were impressed at their representation which was very child focused. Represented local authority in secure accommodation application concerning of young adolescent who had been subject to child sexual exploitation and part of a high profile police investigation. Trial judge approved the Local Authority Plan for a short order backed by exit plan, despite determined opposition from Police, commenting subsequently that this one of the most impressive examples advocacy by local authority counsel. Represented local authority in respect of care proceedings concerning a severely disabled and non-verbal child believed to be a victim of sexual assault. Independent expert report cast doubt on the original findings, balanced the potential risk of harm against the undoubted emotional damage of removal; Upon instructions successfully argued that continuing family placement subject to very robust protection plan correct outcome despite opposition from the Guardian.
Family Ancillary Relief Children Public and Private Law Family Law Arbitration (including Children Scheme) Public Interest Immunity Disclosure Mental Health Mental Capacity Court of Protection Care Homes Education Safeguarding Regulatory Timothy is a recognised expert in high value ancillary and financial relief cases, especially those involving companies, partnerships, farms, “hidden wealth” and insolvency. He is a member of the Institute of Family Law Arbitrators (IFLA) Panel and as a Family Dispute Resolution Facilitator and Arbitrator is qualified to conduct family law arbitrations and make orders under the IFLA rules, including in matrimonial finance and Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 proceedings. He is also qualified to undertake arbitrations under the Children Scheme. For further details visit Family & Children Arbitration. Timothy has extensive experience of dealing with Local Authority Public law Children cases. He is regularly instructed in relation to Court of Protection matters relating to vulnerable adults. He also deals with issues relating to care home fees. Timothy is frequently instructed by Local Authorities in relation to safeguarding issues. He has also Chaired Independent Services Case Reviews. APPOINTMENTS Deputy District Judge 2000 Appointed by the Department of Energy and Climate Change to hear Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC) Appeals 2012 Institute of Family Law Arbitrators (IFLA) Panel 2013 - Family Dispute Resolution Facilitator and Arbitrator, including under the Children Scheme MEMBERSHIPS Family Law Bar Association Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Resolution (Affiliate) Bar Pro Bono Unit LECTURES & SEMINARS Timothy is a prolific deliverer of seminars and in-house events to local solicitors, local Law Societies and Local Authorities. He has given seminars relating to ancillary relief, public law children proceedings, public interest immunity disclosure and the Vetting and Barring Scheme. EDUCATION LLB Newcastle upon Tyne ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Timothy is interested in Italy, sport, especially Rugby Union, theatre and literature. In support of various children's and cancer charities and Help for Heroes, Timothy has completed 27 Great North Runs, the most recent in 2018 raising funds for the Stroke Association and Stroke North East. In 2013 Timothy also completed the "Tough Mudder" in Yorkshire.
Housing Law Tom’s well established practice covers all areas of social housing litigation and landlord and tenant disputes. He regularly writes articles and gives seminars and lectures on all aspects of housing law and is called upon to advise social landlords including local authorities, on matters of policy including homelessness, allocation and registration of social housing providers. His many years’ experience, clarity of advice and pragmatic approach is brought to bear in his particular areas of expertise. Areas of expertise: Anti-social behaviour possession cases and injunctions Bringing and defending claims in housing cases where the tenant lacks capacity, including community care assessment and provision Claims arising out of the Human Rights Act and Equality Act Claims concerning unlawful eviction Claims for possession and demotion Commercial landlord and tenant disputes Disputes over the right to buy and succession claims Disrepair claims relating to residential premises Public law challenges concerning homelessness and allocation of housing, public law defences to possession claims, s. 204 appeals to the county court and applications for judicial review Service charge disputes and housing regulation maters before the Property Chamber of the First Tier Tribunal PUBLICATIONS All proportionality defences are equal, but some are more equal than others - Ackerman-Livingstone v Aster Communities Ltd [2015] UKSC 15 Magic beans for that cow? - Scott v Southern Pacific Mortgages [2014] UKSC 52 Teather’s Tether - Will the Tenancies (Reform) Bill be a sticker? Assistant Editor: "Tolley’s claims to the Possession of Land" (5th Edn 2000-2003) MEMBERSHIPS Administrative Law Bar Association Yorkshire Housing law Practitioners’Association LECTURES & SEMINARS Tom regularly lectures on housing law subjects and is known for his relaxed and amusing style of presentation. Tom is also happy to provide bespoke training to housing providers on areas of particular concern, recently including defending claims for disrepair. Please contact the clerks for further details. EDUCATION Inns of Court School of Law LLB (Hons) Bristol University ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Tom is a liveryman of the Salters’ Company, ECB level 2 cricket coach and an active writer, director and actor.
Crime Tony has, since 2003, developed a strong criminal practice and appears regularly in Courts across the North East and beyond. Tony receives instructions in cases across the full spectrum of serious criminal cases. He has considerable experience of public interest immunity (PII) disclosure issues arising from serious sexual offences. He receives regular instructions in cases involving serious violence, robbery, murder, firearms, dishonesty, fraud, historic sexual abuse and drugs conspiracies as well as road traffic and other offences in the Magistrates' Court. He is well regarded among solicitors for the high level of client and witness care that he provides and has particular strengths when it comes to the representation of the more demanding clients and those with complex needs. He has developed a reputation for his approachability and the way he puts even the most anxious of lay client and witness at ease. Tony is always more than happy to provide written advice on evidence and sentence as well as the prompt and very full drafting of all documents for use at, or prior to and following trial. Regulatory Tony has undertaken work in local Magistrates' and Crown Courts in the areas of: Environmental Protection RSPCA and animal welfare Marine Management Local authority (trading standards, benefit fraud, planning contraventions, RIPA and taxi licensing) Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order cases Ionising Radiation Regulations Motor Offences Tony is regularly instructed in relation to motor offences . He deals with all aspects of road traffic offences including death by dangerous driving, drink driving, speeding, excess alcohol, totting up offences, driving whilst disqualified and “road rage” offences. He has a particular interest in "loophole" cases. Legal Professional Privilege Tony is also instructed to provide on-site advice to police forces and the NHS in this complex and ever-developing area of law. He has advised in complex charity frauds, large-scale money laundering offences as well as suspicious deaths and murder. Issues of legal professional privilege often arise, sometimes at very short notice, during the course of an investigation, long before any formal charge is laid. Ensuring compliance with issues of privilege preserves the integrity of an investigation and can prevent problems arising later in court, sometimes leading to the collapse of a case at huge cost. APPOINTMENTS CPS Grade 3 Prosecutor Associate Lecturer Northumbria University Northumbria Local Criminal Justice Board Member and Bar Representative MEMBERSHIPS North Eastern Circuit Criminal Bar Association Chartered Institute of Linguists Association of Regulatory and Disciplinary Lawyers EDUCATION BA(Hons) French and Spanish Licence-ès-Lettres in Applied Modern Languages PGDL and BVC ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Tony is an Associate Lecturer at Northumbria University and is an accredited advocacy teacher by the Advocacy Training Council. Prior to his appointment Tony has, for several years, conducted advocacy workshops with Bar students at Northumbria University and delivers lectures on “Interpreting within the Justice System” to Postgraduate students of Bilateral Interpreting at Newcastle University. Prior to becoming a barrister Tony worked as a freelance interpreter, with particular involvement in Asylum and Immigration matters and speaks French to Court standard. PUBLIC ACCESS Tony is qualified to receive instructions direct from businesses, professionals and members of the public. Any such requests should be directed to his clerks in the first instance.
Housing Vilma is a recognised specialist in Housing Law in the North East and across the North, with a client base that includes most major housing associations and local authorities. She also acts for tenants and private landlords in housing related matters. Vilma’s housing practice is varied including: possession claims Anti-Social Behaviour injunctions against both adults and minors Closure Orders succession claims right to buy homelessness allocation unlawful eviction disrepair tenancy fraud assignment committals In relation to possession claims, Vilma has a particular specialism in cases involving discrimination under the Equality Act 2010, public law defences (including human rights) and capacity issues. In addition to this, Vilma has extensive experience in dealing with matters in the First-Tier Tribunal in relation to appeals against Civil Penalty Notices, Improvement and Prohibition Notices, and other enforcement measures under the Housing Act 2004 and the Housing and Planning Act 2016. She also deals with claims arising out of the Land Compensation Act 1973. Where housing matters give rise to judicial review challenges or appeals to the Administrative Court, Vilma has been able to provide her clients with representation in these areas too. Business & Property Vilma regularly appears in the Business and Property Courts in the North East dealing with the following: contractual disputes business tenancies landlord and tenant (commercial and residential) covenants and easements rights of way boundary disputes nuisance trespass real property matters Personal Injury Vilma’s personal injury practice is solely centered on high-value multi-track cases arising out of road traffic accidents, accidents at work, public and occupier’s liability. She also specialises in industrial injuries and fatal accidents. She acts equally for Claimants and Defendants and is happy to accept work on a CFA basis. Over the years, Vilma has gained a wealth of experience in dealing with complex medical conditions including fibromyalgia, chronic regional pain syndrome, spinal and brain injuries, as well as injuries arising out of asbestos exposure. Vilma regularly advises in conference with clients on the best settlement proposals, deals with medical experts and complex causation issues, as well as drafting clear and concise Schedules of Loss, and ultimately provides representation at Court. Vilma also has experience in dealing with CICA claims. APPOINTMENTS 2021 - appointed as a Deputy District Judge on the North Eastern Circuit. 2019 - appointed to the First-Tier Tribunal as a Fee-paid Tribunal Judge, deployed to the Social Entitlement Chamber. LECTURES & SEMINARS Vilma regularly lectures to solicitors and other professionals on all aspects of her practise areas. She provides, on request, tailored in-house seminars. Most recently, she provided a local authority team with bespoke training on the First-Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) hearing of appeals concerning Improvement Notices and Civil Penalty Notices. EDUCATION & AWARDS University of Leeds LLB Law Mars-Jones Award, Gray’s Inn Start Cunningham Macaskie KC Award, Gray’s Inn Prince of Wales Scholarship, Gray’s Inn ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Vilma is Direct Access registered and happy to accept instructions from the public.
Civil Will is instructed by both claimants and defendants in a wide range of personal injury cases. He has dealt with road traffic, employers’ and occupiers’ liability claims, increasingly at the level of fast track and above. He has considerable experience of credit hire, low velocity impact, and issues arising out of portal claims. He represents interested parties at inquests and claimants in criminal injuries claims. Drawing on his experience in dealing with road traffic cases in the civil courts, Will maintains a niche practice in appearing for defendants charged with motor offences in the both the Magistrates’ and Crown Courts. He deals with all charges including dangerous and careless driving, speeding, driving whilst impaired through drink or drugs, and section 172 notices. He is often called upon to make exceptional hardship and special reasons arguments. Business Will's practice encompasses a broad spectrum of business-related work. He has dealt with multi-day corporate disputes including consumer and commercial contracts, Sale of Goods Act claims, theft of business information, breach of covenants, and injunctions. His work extends to both corporate and personal insolvency, possession matters, and he has experience of consumer credit including PPI claims. Outside of work in the civil courts, Will is also instructed in cases in other forums, such as in the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal, and the Health, Education and Social Care Chamber. Costs Will is instructed in costs and litigation funding cases. He appears for both paying and receiving parties at detailed costs hearings. He has developed proficiency in the recent civil justice reforms and is often instructed to argue discrete costs points, for example within portal claims, on costs budgeting and provisional assessments. CASES Nigel Frank International Limited v Peter Byrne (2012) Appeared for the successful claimants in this five day case involving breaches of employment contract, restrictive covenant, and duty of confidence. R v Michael Mount (2012) [Independent Newspaper Report] Appeared for the appellant in this case, widely reported in national newspapers as ‘Peterlee police torture’. The appellant’s conviction was overturned on appeal. International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia Prosecutor v Haradinaj, Balaj and Brahimaj (Judgement 2008; Partial Retrial 2011-2012)As part of the prosecution team at the first trial.Proseuctor v Popović et al. (The “Srebrenica Seven”) (Judgement 2010; Appeal Ongoing) As part of the defence teams of Ljubomir Borovčanin at trial, and for Milan Gvero on appeal.