Selborne Chambers

A founder member of Selborne Chambers, Stephen is a barrister, mediator and arbitrator. His main practice areas are contentious trusts and probate (he is an ACTAPS registered contentious trust and probate specialist), property, professional negligence and commercial disputes. Stephen has been an accredited mediator for 21 years. He is a member of both CEDR’s commercial and contentious trust and probate mediation panels. He is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and is also on CEDR’s panel of arbitrators.

A graduate in Linguistic and International Studies, (comprising Russian, Swedish and Law), Stephen initially followed a business career, working for international trading companies in Hong Kong and South Africa. Approachable, calm, down-to-earth and good at building rapport with clients, Stephen brings his business experience and human relations skills to disputes, giving advice that is commercial, accessible and practical. Recent cases include: Ania v Ania 7/4/22 concerning the alleged breach of fiduciary duty by administrators of an estate; Travis Perkins Trading Company Limited v Bhambra 17/1/22 concerning a guarantee; Re Wales 17/7/20 concerning the interpretation of the words “such all of my nephew’s and niece’s children” in a will; and Goldhill Finance Limited v Berry 26/10/18 regarding a mortgagee’s common law rights to take possession.

1977: call – Gray’s Inn

1978 to 1981: working in commerce

1982-1983: pupillage with Michael Burton

Conversational French, Russian and Swedish.

Chancery Bar, Property Bar and Commercial Bar Associations

Minchenden Grammar, London N.14; Surrey University (BSc (Hons)); King’s College, London (postgraduate certificate in Sports Law); CIArb (Dip. Arb)

Stephen enjoys acting. He has appeared in productions at the Tricycle, Bridewell and Hampton Hill Theatres. He practices Kundalini yoga, meditation and Pilates.