Clifford Johnston & Co

Chris Furbey

Partner | Residential Property and Private Client Chris Furbey is a Partner at Clifford Johnston & Co, with over 16 years' post-qualification experience and extensive expertise in residential conveyancing and private client matters. Chris plays a central role in the management and strategic development of the firm, alongside his responsibility for supervising its conveyancing department, Clifford Johnston & Co's largest and one of its most established practice areas. Residential Property and Conveyancing Chris has handled thousands of property transactions throughout his career, advising individuals, investors and businesses on a broad spectrum of residential property matters, from straightforward freehold sales and purchases to complex leasehold transactions, multi-unit properties, high-value residential acquisitions and substantial land transactions. He combines detailed technical knowledge with a pragmatic, commercially aware approach, focusing on anticipating potential complications, resolving issues efficiently and ensuring transactions progress smoothly. Chris has developed a substantial and loyal client base, with many clients returning to instruct him on successive transactions. He also receives regular referrals from estate agents, mortgage brokers and other property professionals, reflecting his established reputation for responsiveness, attention to detail and reliable service. Alongside his own caseload, Chris provides leadership and supervision to the wider conveyancing team, promoting consistently high standards of technical work, efficiency and client care. Private Client Chris advises individuals and families on a range of private client matters, including wills, estate administration, lasting powers of attorney, asset management and inheritance tax planning. His experience extends to advising executors and trustees on the administration of estates and assisting clients with the protection and management of their assets. He adopts a practical and considered approach, providing clear advice tailored to each client's circumstances and long-term objectives. Leadership and Client Relationships Alongside his legal practice, Chris is actively involved in the management and development of Clifford Johnston & Co, helping to maintain high professional standards and supporting the continued growth of the firm's conveyancing department. A defining feature of his practice is the strength of his longstanding client and professional relationships. His emphasis on clear communication, attention to detail and efficient case management has resulted in a substantial volume of repeat instructions and referrals. Chris combines extensive transactional experience, strong technical expertise and a practical, client-focused approach, making him a key figure in the leadership and continued development of Clifford Johnston & Co's conveyancing practice.

Horup Khan

Partner | Residential and Commercial Property Horup Khan is a Partner at Clifford Johnston & Co, with over 10 years' post-qualification experience specialising exclusively in residential and commercial property law. Horup plays a key role in the firm's property department, advising individuals, investors, landlords, tenants and businesses on a wide range of transactions. He combines extensive technical expertise with a pragmatic, commercially focused approach, providing clear, strategic advice and practical solutions to complex property matters. Residential Property and Conveyancing Horup has substantial experience in residential conveyancing, advising on freehold and leasehold sales and purchases, new-build developments, shared ownership schemes, unregistered land, remortgages and investment property transactions. A significant part of his practice involves advising property investors and companies on buy-to-let acquisitions, property portfolios, refinancing and related transactions. He is particularly experienced in identifying and resolving title defects, complex ownership arrangements and other legal issues that can arise during property transactions, ensuring that clients receive practical advice and that matters progress efficiently. Horup has developed a loyal and established client base, with many clients returning to instruct him on successive transactions. He also receives regular referrals from estate agents, mortgage brokers and financial advisers, reflecting his reputation for attention to detail, responsiveness and dedication to client service. Commercial Property Horup has extensive experience advising landlords, tenants, investors and businesses on commercial property transactions, including the acquisition and disposal of commercial premises, the granting and renewal of leases, business acquisitions and commercial property financing. His practice includes negotiating lease terms, advising on landlord and tenant obligations, commercial refinancing and resolving property-related issues that arise during business transactions. He regularly acts in matters requiring detailed negotiation, commercial judgement and the ability to balance legal risk against a client's wider business objectives. Horup is particularly valued for his ability to simplify complex legal issues and provide commercially realistic solutions, enabling clients to make informed decisions without unnecessary legal complexity. Notable Transactions Community Property Acquisition and Restrictive Covenants Advised on the acquisition of a former local authority building for conversion into a mosque. The transaction involved negotiating the removal of restrictive covenants with the local council, enabling the property to be used as a place of worship and securing a successful outcome for the client and wider community. Commercial Lease — Major Automotive Manufacturer Represented a commercial landlord in negotiating and granting a new lease to a major automotive manufacturer. The transaction required detailed commercial negotiations to protect the landlord's interests while securing terms appropriate to the property's commercial value and the tenant's requirements. Complex Auction Acquisition and Commercial Finance Acted for clients acquiring a property at auction where defects in the legal title presented significant obstacles to completion and financing. Working within a 14-day completion deadline, Horup successfully negotiated with trustees in bankruptcy to resolve the title issues and arranged the legal requirements for commercial financing, enabling the transaction to complete within the required timeframe. Client Relationships and Approach Horup has established longstanding relationships with private clients, landlords, investors and business owners who regularly return to him for advice on their property interests. He is known for his meticulous attention to detail, practical problem-solving abilities and commitment to delivering commercially effective outcomes. His approachable manner and ability to explain complex property matters clearly have also contributed to strong professional relationships with estate agents, financial advisers and other property professionals. Fluent in Bengali and Urdu, Horup is able to advise clients in their preferred language, helping to ensure clear communication and a thorough understanding of their legal and commercial options. Horup combines specialist property expertise, commercial awareness and a solutions-focused approach, making him a key member of Clifford Johnston & Co's residential and commercial property practice.

Elizabeth Syddall

Partner | Serious Crime, Terrorism Defence and Professional Discipline Elizabeth Syddall is a Partner at Clifford Johnston & Co and an experienced criminal defence and professional discipline solicitor, specialising in serious and complex criminal investigations, terrorism-related offences, homicide, organised crime and regulatory proceedings. Elizabeth has developed particular expertise in defending individuals facing allegations under terrorism legislation, including the preparation of terrorist acts, suspected involvement in terrorist activity and complex counter-terrorism investigations. Her experience encompasses high-profile and sensitive cases involving national security concerns, extensive digital evidence, online radicalisation and vulnerable defendants. As an accredited duty solicitor, Elizabeth provides strategic advice and representation at every stage of the criminal justice process, from initial police investigation and interview through to Crown Court proceedings and post-conviction matters. Terrorism and National Security Investigations Elizabeth has considerable experience representing clients investigated or prosecuted for some of the most serious offences under terrorism legislation. Her work has included complex prosecutions under section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006, investigations arising from major terrorist incidents, and allegations involving extremist organisations, online communications and the suspected possession or importation of materials intended for terrorist purposes. These cases frequently involve substantial volumes of digital and forensic evidence, complex questions of criminal intent and significant public and media scrutiny. Elizabeth adopts a meticulous, evidence-led approach, challenging the prosecution's interpretation of material and ensuring that allegations are assessed against the precise legal requirements of the offences charged. She has particular experience representing young and vulnerable defendants, including individuals with mental health conditions or neurodevelopmental disorders, where questions of capacity, susceptibility to influence and online radicalisation require careful consideration. Her terrorism defence work has secured significant outcomes, including acquittals following contested Crown Court trials and investigations concluded without prosecution. Serious and Organised Crime Alongside her terrorism practice, Elizabeth represents clients nationwide in serious and complex criminal proceedings, including murder, manslaughter, serious violence, sexual offences, large-scale drug conspiracies, organised crime and high-value money laundering. She has acted in multi-defendant prosecutions involving organised criminal groups, complex financial investigations and cases requiring detailed examination of extensive evidential material. Elizabeth has particular experience defending clients charged with homicide and serious violent offences, including cases involving defendants with significant psychiatric conditions. Her approach combines thorough preparation, sound tactical judgement and determined representation, with particular emphasis on identifying evidential weaknesses and developing an effective defence strategy. Professional Discipline and Regulatory Law Elizabeth also represents professionals facing disciplinary investigations, allegations of misconduct and fitness-to-practise proceedings that may place their careers, professional registration and reputations at risk. Her regulatory experience includes proceedings involving the Teaching Regulation Agency, General Dental Council, Health and Care Professions Council, and Nursing and Midwifery Council. Her combined expertise in criminal defence and professional regulation is particularly valuable where allegations give rise to parallel criminal and disciplinary proceedings, requiring careful coordination of the client's legal and professional interests. Notable Cases Terrorism — Acquittal Following Crown Court Trial Represented a 19-year-old defendant charged with preparation of terrorist acts contrary to section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. The prosecution relied on extensive online communications, ideological material and physical evidence. Following a lengthy trial at Manchester Crown Court, the defendant was acquitted of the section 5 offence. Counter-Terrorism Investigation — No Further Action Represented an individual arrested as part of a major counter-terrorism investigation following a fatal terrorist attack in Greater Manchester. The investigation examined allegations of potential involvement arising from the client's association with another individual. The matter concluded with no further action. Terrorism — Vulnerable Young Defendant Represented a young defendant charged with preparing terrorist acts following alleged online involvement with a proscribed extreme-right-wing organisation. The case involved complex issues of autism, vulnerability, online radicalisation and potential grooming by older extremists. Following a Crown Court trial in which the jury could not reach a verdict, the prosecution elected not to pursue a retrial on the section 5 allegation. Counter-Terrorism — Suspected Importation of Radioactive Material Represented a businessman arrested following the discovery of uranium in materials imported during legitimate commercial activities. The investigation concerned suspicions that radioactive material had been imported for terrorist purposes. Following representations and investigation, no criminal proceedings were brought and the matter concluded with no further action. Approach Elizabeth is known for her determined approach to criminal defence, meticulous preparation and ability to manage complex, sensitive and evidentially demanding cases. She is particularly committed to ensuring that individuals facing serious allegations receive robust, independent representation, regardless of the nature of the accusations or the public attention surrounding the proceedings. Her experience across terrorism, serious organised crime and professional discipline enables her to provide strategic, practical advice in matters where a client's liberty, livelihood and reputation may be at stake. Elizabeth combines specialist expertise in serious criminal defence with a rigorous approach to complex evidence and a commitment to protecting her clients' rights and interests at every stage of proceedings.