4-5 Gray's Inn Square > London, England > Set Profile
4-5 Gray's Inn Square Offices
4-5 Gray's Inn Square
LONDON
WC1R 5AH
England
4-5 Gray's Inn Square > The Legal 500 Rankings
London Bar > Social housing Tier 1
4-5 Gray’s Inn Square is highly regarded for its ‘strength and depth of knowledge in social housing law’, fielding a team of practitioners considered as ‘leaders in their field when it comes to homelessness law’. Recent instructions include Toby Vanhegan leading Stephanie Lovegrove for the claimant in Minott v Cambridge City Council, in which the Court of Appeal determined that the passage of six months living in the local authority’s area constituted a ‘new fact’ which needed to be considered when deciding on the appellant’s repeat homelessness application. Elsewhere in chambers, Annette Cafferkey appeared for the defendant council in R (Elkundi, Ross, Cali Ahmed & Al Shameri) v Birmingham City Council, concerning if a council’s statutory duty to provide temporary accommodation to homeless persons had to be performed immediately – a question which previously the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal have disagreed on. The decision has been appealed to the Court of Appeal.Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘4-5 Gray’s Inn Square is a very efficient chambers with a large number of skilled barristers.’
‘I’ve found this chambers to be fantastic. It is always helpful, approachable and adaptable. I’ve never had an issue in relation to counsel’s availability. I have used quite a few counsel and have been very impressed with them all.’
‘I specifically chose this particular set of chambers for its strength and depth of knowledge in social housing law. It specialises in housing law, so I felt comforted in the knowledge that if one practitioner hadn’t been available, there were numerous other housing law experts who could step in.’
‘I have always found these chambers to be extremely helpful and professional. They have always found us counsel, sometimes at very short notice. They are very prompt in responding to emails and in providing quotes for counsel’s fees. It has always been a pleasure dealing with them.’
‘The set as a whole is a leader in its field when it comes to homelessness law.’
Clerks
‘The clerks are excellent. David Penson, Stephen Somerville and Emily Martin are highly efficient, approachable and fair. They have offered additional support in terms of admin assistance on occasion that they were certainly not obligated to do.’
London Bar > Local government (including rating law) Tier 2
Vivienne Sedgley is one of the ‘excellent selection of barristers dealing with local government law‘ at 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square. Another is ‘market leader on electoral law‘ Timothy Straker KC, whose local government practice complements his elections practice. He recently led an important Supreme Court case, acting for the City of London in City of London v Various Leaseholders of Great Arthur House, an appeal regarding who is responsible for funding the replacement of cladding in blocks of flats in Corporation of London near the Barbican. This is an example of the many cases dealing with the role of local authorities in providing state benefits and the related human rights arguments.Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘4-5 Grays Inn Square have an excellent selection of barristers dealing with local government law at all levels.’
‘Good all round strength in depth.’
Clerking
‘The clerks at 4-5 Grays Inn Square and friendly, approachable and, most importantly, understand the needs of local government lawyers.’
‘Very helpful clerks who have offered us great support particularly over the last few years.’
‘The clerks at 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square are helpful and willing to assist at short notice , often arranging conferences with counsel at very short notice.’
Work highlights
Dispute resolution > Mediators Tier 2
Colin Manning
– 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square
4-5 Gray’s Inn Square's Colin Manning 'understands how to deal with different personalities, and how to manage the emotional and personal perspectives on a dispute, while keeping the legal and financial aspects firmly in mind'. An accredited mediator since 1997, Manning mediates a broad range of commercial disputes, in relation to contracts, professional negligence, partnerships, company law, shareholder conflicts, construction, property, trusts, probate and international trade.Stephen Barker – 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square
4-5 Gray’s Inn Square's Stephen Barker is an independent commercial mediator, who practises jointly through CEDR Chambers. Barker's mediation experience includes commercial contracts, international distribution agreements, professional negligence, shareholder and partnership disputes, property rights, and corporate transactions (among others).Patrick Taylor – 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square
4-5 Gray’s Inn Square's Patrick Taylor is 'one of the best mediators I have worked with. He always sees the bigger picture; and even when the parties are entrenched in their positions, he finds a way through the impasse - a top-quality mediator'. A CEDR-accredited mediator since 2001, Taylor is experienced in mediating disputes involving construction, property, agriculture and shipping, along with professional negligence, company law, commercial matters, partnerships, and wills and trusts.London Bar > Elections Tier 2
In the area of election law, 4-5 Gray's Inn Square ‘offers strength in depth‘ in both contentious and non contentious work. Many barristers are retained by returning officers at local elections and at general elections. Having ‘established a recognised practice in election law‘ Vivienne Sedgley was retained to advise returning officers at the Greater London Authority for the May 2021 elections. Timothy Straker KC recently acted for the London Borough of Newham against campaigners who attempted to replace its elected mayor system with a council leader and cabinet structure.Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘A wide range of work which enables individual practices to draw on broad experience; a high level of collegiality.’
‘One of very few chambers with a depth of experience in election law.’
Clerking
‘The clerk’s room is knowledgeable and approachable.’
‘The clerks are always helpful and accommodating. Stephen Sommerville provides an excellent service to clients.’
London Bar > Administrative law and human rights Tier 4
4-5 Gray’s Inn Square is a noteworthy set in this space, and houses Vivienne Sedgley who has worked extensively for public bodies, including the local government, Government Legal Department, and HMRC. Notable cases for Sedgley include successfully representing the London Borough of Newham in R (Democracy Newham Limited) v LB Newham, a case relating to novel point of law under emergency coronavirus legislation, in which campaigners attempted to unseat the Mayor by forcing a referendum on an alternative governance model without that position.Rising stars
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘4-5 Grays Inn Square is a solid set who can be relied upon; regardless of the matter one can be guaranteed to receive the same level of excellence across the board.’
‘The set comprises of many counsel (including leading Counsel) in the area of administrative law and human rights practice.’
Clerking
‘The clerks’ room is reflective of the ethos of the chambers; being both skilled and trustworthy.’
‘The clerks are always so helpful and in particular Emily Martin and Stephen Somerville both of whom have gone over and above to assist when we have an urgent case.’
‘The clerks at 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square are fantastic. They are very friendly, personable, polite and easy to get along with. They are also very efficient and organised.’
London Bar > Planning
Leading Juniors
Midland Circuit > Social housing
London Bar > Property litigation
London Bar > Inquests and inquiries
Regional Bar > Midland Circuit > Social housing
4-5 Gray's Inn Square > Set Profile
Commercial and Chancery: Our barristers offer specialist advice and advocacy across Commercial and Chancery areas of practice and industry sectors – from contract-commercial disputes, to company law, insolvency, intellectual property and trusts. Chambers offers expertise in the areas of media and IP, commercial debt recovery, employment law, and international commercial practice. Members appear in courts and tribunals in England and Wales and in overseas jurisdictions, acting for both domestic and foreign clients, including individuals, corporations, and public bodies.
Planning and environment: Our planning barristers specialise in the processes of planning applications for the development, construction or change of use of a building or buildings; compulsory purchase orders (CPO); and s106 agreements. Our members are experts in contentious judicial reviews, inquiries and appeals; and non-contentious planning and CPO strategies relating to development projects and urban regeneration schemes. Our members also undertake large infrastructure schemes.
Regulatory and disciplinary: Our regulatory and disciplinary team has the expertise and experience to provide specialist advice and representation in all areas of regulatory and disciplinary law including financial services, public safety, environmental, tax, licensing, the medical professions, lawyers, accountants, architects, police, clergy and sports.
Members of chambers regularly appear for regulators and defendants in front of a wide range of tribunals and other professional bodies and sit as tribunal members.
In the sports arena members have particular expertise in disciplinary proceedings brought by various governing bodies, including doping and misconduct cases, and regulatory matters involving selection, funding, safeguarding, licensing, sponsorship and FA Rule K arbitrations.
Public and administrative: Our barristers cover judicial reviews, statutory appeals, inquiries, disciplinary proceedings and non-contentious advice on the powers of administrative functions of central and local government and other public and regulatory bodies. 4-5 barristers work on a whole spectrum of local government activities, including planning, environmental, education, community care, highways, housing, health, compulsory purchase, public procurement, freedom of information, rating, licensing and elections, issues relating to local government powers, structure and finance.
Housing and property: Our barristers are noted experts in housing, landlord/tenant and residential and commercial property disputes; many are recommended in the legal directories and engage in wider policy work for government, MPs, pressure/trade groups and devolved governments. We cover everything from possession proceedings to leasehold enfranchisement; HMO and other licensing and homelessness; housing procurement to restrictive covenants.
International Arbitration: Our International Arbitration Group comprises barristers and affiliated lawyers from around the world. Among our number are some of the foremost practitioners in the field. The Group’s members have participated, both as counsel and as arbitrators, in commercial arbitrations under the rules of every major arbitral institution, as well as in ad hoc (non-institutional) and investment treaty claims, and before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
On the commercial side, 4-5 practitioners have acted for claimants and respondents at every stage, and in every posture, of disputes, from advice drafting arbitration clauses to bringing or defending challenges or enforcement proceedings in connection with arbitral awards. Our investment treaty arbitration experience is similarly extensive; our members act for both investors and host states. Members with experience as neutrals likewise have been appointed, and served as Chair, in virtually every variety of international dispute.
Our collective arbitration experience, unsurprisingly, covers many sectors: oil and gas, non-petroleum extractive industries, renewables, agriculture, intellectual property, financial services, insurance and reinsurance, shipping, corporate transactions, construction projects, and e-commerce.
Mediations: 4-5 mediators are pleased to provide a full and easy-to-use online mediation service. While it will not be possible for the foreseeable and uncertain future to conduct traditional face-to-face mediations, that does not mean that mediations cannot continue to take place. 4-5 mediators are able to deliver our mediation services via Zoom or other suitable platforms, with all the key features of the usual mediation format, while avoiding unnecessary risk, as well as the need for travel and accommodation. As and when face to face mediation becomes possible and safe, 4-5 mediators will resume the traditional mediation process or some hybrid version, as required by the parties.
The 4-5 Mediation Group is a specialist mediation provider which brings commercial reality and common sense to the mediation process. Our mediators help parties find a resolution to their dispute by establishing a relaxed rapport with clients and lawyers alike. They are approachable, responsive and able to identify key issues quickly by analysing complicated law and facts. Our mediators include some of the most experienced mediators at the Bar and are commended by the leading directories and commentators.
Inquiries and Inquests: 4-5 has a high level of expertise in relation to inquests and public inquiries. Our members have acted in a number of high-profile inquests and inquiries at all levels, right up to chairing inquiries. Members have experience acting for bereaved families and interested persons in inquests, and understand the differing needs and levels of care required in representation of all participants. Our members have acted in inquests at all levels – from short inquests into the death of an individual right up to some of the highest profile inquests of the last two decades.
We also currently have members of Chambers acting in some of the highest profile public inquiries of recent times, both for core participants and as Counsel to the Inquiry. The work undertaken by members of chambers spans the entire range of preparation and advocacy – from research and analysis at the earliest stages right through to drafting and oral advocacy at the hearings stages. Members of Chambers are well aware of the unique challenges presented by inquests and public inquiries and are dedicated to ensuring that their work is of the highest standard.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Clerk | Emily Martin | emartin@4-5.co.uk | |
| Members of Chambers | STRAKER KC, Timothy (1977) | ||
| Members of Chambers | HUNJAN KC, Satinder (1984) | ||
| Members of Chambers | PRICE, Richard OBE KC (1969) | ||
| Members of Chambers | SAPSFORD KC, Philip (1974) | ||
| Members of Chambers | BRIDGEMAN SC, James (1989) | ||
| Members of Chambers | SINGER KC, Andrew (1990) | ||
| Members of Chambers | MANNING, Colin (1970) | ||
| Members of Chambers | JEFFERIS, Michael (1976) | ||
| Members of Chambers | LAMBERT, Jane (1977) | ||
| Members of Chambers | DAVEY, Toby (1977) | ||
| Members of Chambers | BARRETT, John (1982) | ||
| Members of Chambers | RANDLE, Simon (1982) | ||
| Members of Chambers | DIAS, Sappho (1982) | ||
| Members of Chambers | STEPHENS, Michael (1983) | ||
| Members of Chambers | BAKER, Christoper (1984) | ||
| Members of Chambers | POWELL, Jonathan (1984) | ||
| Members of Chambers | CLARKE, Gerard (1986) | ||
| Members of Chambers | ROSE, Jonathan (1986) | ||
| Members of Chambers | SHARMA, Kishore (1986) | ||
| Members of Chambers | FOSTER, Charles (1988) | ||
| Members of Chambers | MANNING, Jonathan (1989) | ||
| Members of Chambers | COLVILLE, Iain (1989) | ||
| Members of Chambers | OKOYA, William (1989) | ||
| Members of Chambers | BARKER, Stephen (1989) | ||
| Members of Chambers | PEACOCK, Ian (1990) | ||
| Members of Chambers | DYMOND, Andrew (1991) | ||
| Members of Chambers | CAFFERKEY, Annette (1994) | ||
| Members of Chambers | VANHEGAN, Toby (1996) | ||
| Members of Chambers | TAYLOR, Patrick (1996) | ||
| Members of Chambers | QURESHI, Tanveer (2000) | ||
| Members of Chambers | AGNIHOTRI, Naveen (2001) | ||
| Members of Chambers | BELOFF, Rupert (2001) | ||
| Members of Chambers | LOVEGROVE, Stephanie (2004) | ||
| Members of Chambers | MCATEER, Helen (2008) | ||
| Members of Chambers | SEAL, Philippa (2008) | ||
| Members of Chambers | PANAYI, Christian (2009) | ||
| Members of Chambers | LARKIN, Christopher ( 2010) | ||
| Members of Chambers | PANDIT, Nikesh (2010) | ||
| Members of Chambers | ROBINS, Anneli (2011) | ||
| Members of Chambers | SEDGLEY, Vivienne (2011) | ||
| Members of Chambers | JONES, Selena ( 2011) | ||
| Members of Chambers | ZANG, Clara (2012) | ||
| Members of Chambers | OMAR, Ayesha (2012) | ||
| Members of Chambers | FORD, Olivia (2013) | ||
| Members of Chambers | SHEPHARD, Max (2013) | ||
| Members of Chambers | IMAM, Rayan (2013) | ||
| Members of Chambers | MURRAY, Rea (2015) | ||
| Members of Chambers | FRANCIS, Thomas (2015) | ||
| Members of Chambers | COLVILE, Raoul (2016) | ||
| Members of Chambers | DORFMAN MOHAJER, Rosalee (2015) | ||
| Members of Chambers | SARAN, Iulia-Claudia (2016) | ||
| Members of Chambers | DHANOA, Amrit (2016) | ||
| Members of Chambers | GARDINER, Hannah (2016) | ||
| Members of Chambers | HASSANALLY, Salmaan (2017) | ||
| Members of Chambers | LINES, Katie (2018) | ||
| Members of Chambers | KENNY KC, Caroline (2010)* | ||
| Members of Chambers | STUTZER, Dr Hansjörg* | ||
| Members of Chambers | COHEN, Paul H (2011)* | ||
| Members of Chambers | CHRISTIE, Iain (1989)** | ||
| Members of Chambers | HOFFMAN, David (1997)** |
Barrister Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
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 | Arran Dowling Hussey | Arran is an experienced barrister, adjudicator, arbitrator and mediator. He is called… | View Profile |
 | Naveen Agnihotri | Naveen provides strategic legal advice to those operating in the commercial, banking… | View Profile |
 | Fabjola Aruci | Fabjola is currently completing her pupillage at 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square under… | View Profile |
 | Christopher Baker | After becoming established at the Bar in a wide range of litigation… | View Profile |
 | Julie Ball | Julie has a broad practice across Chambers’ areas of work, in particular, employment… | View Profile |
 | Stephen Barker | Stephen Barker is an independent commercial mediator. He is a CMC Registered… | View Profile |
 | John Barrett | John has practiced at the Planning and Environmental Bar since 1983. He… | View Profile |
 | Rupert Beloff | Rupert is a specialist in electoral law. He advises returning officers,… | View Profile |
 | James Bridgeman SC | James Bridgeman SC is a practicing Barrister, Chartered Arbitrator and certified mediator.… | View Profile |
 | Kevin Brown | Kevin joined 4-5 as a tenant in March 2022 following completion of… | View Profile |
 | Annette Cafferkey | Annette started out in practice in 1995 and for five years had… | View Profile |
 | Edwin Cameron | View Profile | |
 | Glenn Campbell | Glenn’s core practice is based upon litigation and arbitration involving:- Professional Negligence… | View Profile |
 | Guido Carducci | International Tenant and Arbitrator 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square (London) Law Professor (Paris),… | View Profile |
 | Iain Christie | I became a full-time mediator because I passionately believe in the benefit… | View Profile |
 | Gerard Clarke | Gerard Clarke is a widely experienced dispute resolution lawyer and advocate with… | View Profile |
 | Paul Cohen | Paul Cohen is among the world’s foremost international arbitration practitioners. He is… | View Profile |
 | Raoul Colvile | Raoul has a broad based dispute resolution practice and significant experience of… | View Profile |
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| Iain Colville | Since joining chambers in 1997, having previously worked in local government since… | View Profile |
 | Charlotte Crocombe | Charlotte is a junior barrister specialising in public and criminal law. She… | View Profile |
 | Toby Davey | Commissioner for Foreign jurisdictions Assistant Boundary Commissioner (BCE) Legal Assessor for British… | View Profile |
 | Amrit Kaur Dhanoa | Amrit has a diverse practice with a particular focus on commercial litigation… | View Profile |
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| Sappho Dias | Sappho is an experienced advocate, who has practised both Criminal and Civil… | View Profile |
 | James Doyle | James is an extremely experienced barrister whose practice focuses on the areas… | View Profile |
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| Andrew Dymond | Specialises in housing, landlord and tenant and local government law. Reported cases:… | View Profile |
 | Katharine Elliot | Katharine joined 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square as a third-six pupil in 2017,… | View Profile |
 | Prof Mark Engleman | Mark Engelman is a leading junior barrister specialising in intellectual property law,… | View Profile |
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| Gordon Exall | Gordon qualified and practised as a solicitor before being called to the… | View Profile |
 | Damian Falkowski | View Profile | |
 | Olivia Ford | Olivia has a general housing and property law practice. She also has… | View Profile |
 | Charles Foster | Charles Foster is a specialist in regulatory, medical and public law. He… | View Profile |
 | Thomas Francis | Thomas has a broad civil practice, encompassing public, commercial, professional discipline, and… | View Profile |
 | Hannah Gardiner | Hannah became a member of 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square in October 2018… | View Profile |
 | Salmaan Hassanally | Salmaan specialises in property and commercial law, as well as local government… | View Profile |
 | Annabel Heath | Annabel was called to the Bar in 2010 and subsequently qualified as… | View Profile |
 | David Hoffman | David specialises in business and property work, primarily on the Northern Circuit.… | View Profile |
 | Satinder Hunjan KC | Satinder’s practice focuses on commercial litigation, insurance, private and manufacturing liability (including… | View Profile |
 | Rayan Imam | Rayan specialises in property litigation with a particular focus on leasehold disputes… | View Profile |
 | Michael Jefferies | Michael is an experienced advocate with a very wide field of practice.… | View Profile |
 | Selena Jones | Selena accepts instructions in all areas of Chambers’ practice and has a… | View Profile |
 | Jayesh Jotangia | Jayesh is a cross-qualified Solicitor Advocate and Barrister with rights to conduct… | View Profile |
 | Caroline Kenny KC | Caroline Kenny KC practices in commercial law, with expertise in trade practices,… | View Profile |
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| Caroline Kenny KC | Caroline Kenny KC practices in commercial law, with expertise in trade practices,… | View Profile |
 | Jane Lambert | I am a barrister practising intellectual property, technology, media, entertainment and competition… | View Profile |
 | Christopher Larkin | Admitted to the Roll 2010, High Court Advocate 2011 and Called to… | View Profile |
 | Sarah Lewis | Sarah joined chambers as a third-six pupil having been in practice for… | View Profile |
 | Katie Lines | View Profile | |
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| Stephanie Lovegrove | Stephanie was called to the Bar in 2004. She is a highly… | View Profile |
 | Colin Manning | Colin has been a barrister for over 40 years and has wide… | View Profile |
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| Jonathan Manning | Examples of recent work: 1) Manchester CC v Pinnock [2010] UKSC 45;… | View Profile |
 | Elisabeth Mason | A leading social entrepreneur, philanthropic executive and international lawyer, Elisabeth Mason is… | View Profile |
 | Helen McAteer | Helen accepts instructions for claimants and defendants in commercial, chancery, public law,… | View Profile |
 | John McCafferty | Specialises in housing, local government and public law. He was a junior… | View Profile |
 | Rosalee Mohajer | Rosalee joined 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square as a Third Six Pupil in… | View Profile |
 | Rea Murray | Rea practises public and property law, specialising in housing. She has particular… | View Profile |
 | Ramya Nagesh | Ramya joined 4-5 Grays Inn Square in March 2022 after over nine… | View Profile |
 | Elizabeth Nicholls | Elizabeth has a broad chancery, commercial, business and property practice, including Local… | View Profile |
 | William Okoya | Formerly a senior legal officer for a local authority and legal manager… | View Profile |
 | Ayesha Omar | Ayesha specialises in property law. Her practice encompasses all areas of real… | View Profile |
 | Christian Panayi | Christian’s practice spans commercial and chancery work with expertise in contractual disputes,… | View Profile |
 | Nikesh Pandit | Nikesh focuses on regulatory and disciplinary law and has a particular interest… | View Profile |
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| Ian Peacock | Ian specialises in housing, property and public law. He is recognised as… | View Profile |
 | Bill Perry | Bill has practised in (re)insurance since the 1980s. He has wide experience,… | View Profile |
 | Jacqueline Perry KC | Jacqueline Perry is dual qualified (UK and California Bar) with expertise spanning… | View Profile |
 | Jonathan Powell | Jonathan specialises in Planning, Environmental and Property Law. Member of the Planning… | View Profile |
 | Richard Price OBE KC | Richard has extensive experience as an advocate and adviser in commercial litigation.… | View Profile |
 | Tanveer Qureshi | Tanveer’s practice focuses on matters involving allegations of health and safety, regulatory… | View Profile |
 | Simon Randle | Simon specialises at the Planning and Environmental Bar, which has brought him… | View Profile |
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| Simon Randle | Simon specialises at the Planning and Environmental Bar, which has brought him… | View Profile |
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| Anneli Robins | Anneli is described as “fantastic on her feet”, “absolutely brilliant”, and “an… | View Profile |
 | Jonathan Rose | Jonathan has significant specialised experience of civil fraud and criminal defence he… | View Profile |
 | Imogen Sadler | Imogen is a junior barrister with a particular specialism in public law.… | View Profile |
 | Philip Sapsford KC | Although living in Switzerland, Philip’s practice has an international dimension. This includes the… | View Profile |
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| Philip Sapsford KC | Although living in Switzerland, Philip’s practice has an international dimension. This includes the… | View Profile |
 | Peter Saville | Peter joined 4-5 as a Third-Six following the completion of his pupillage… | View Profile |
 | Philippa Seal | Philippa has a property and general commercial practice with particular expertise in… | View Profile |
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| Vivienne Sedgley | Vivienne is a leading junior with a wide-ranging public law practice. She previously… | View Profile |
 | Kishore Sharma | Kish has nearly 30 years’ experience of handling and representing clients’ interests… | View Profile |
 | Max Shephard | Max is regularly instructed in employment, regulatory, sports, and commercial cases. He… | View Profile |
 | Vida Simpeh | Vida accepts instructions in all areas of Chambers’ expertise and has a… | View Profile |
 | Andrew Singer KC | Andrew practices exclusively in the field of construction and associated professional negligence… | View Profile |
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| Andrew Singer KC | Andrew practices exclusively in the field of construction and associated professional negligence… | View Profile |
 | Michael Stephens | Michael is an experienced senior junior who has conducted a broad common… | View Profile |
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| Timothy Straker KC | Joint Head of Chambers 2002-2015, Head of Chambers 2015 to present. Member… | View Profile |
 | Hansjorg Stutzer | Thouvenin Rechtsanwälte, Zurich, Switzerland, Founding Partner | View Profile |
 | Patrick Taylor | Accredited & Registered Mediator – CEDR 2001. Since accreditation Patrick has been… | View Profile |
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| Toby Vanhegan | Toby practises in the area of public law specialising in housing and… | View Profile |
 | Rowena Wisniewska | Rowena specialises in Financial Services Law and Regulation and has around 10… | View Profile |
 | Clara Zang | Clara accepts instructions in all areas of Chambers’ practice and has particular… | View Profile |
 | Iulia saran | Since completing pupillage in chambers in September 2020, Iulia focused on developing… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
:Notable Cases
May 2023
Council leader is found not guilty in electoral malpractice trial.
4-5 Gray’s Inn Square’s Tanveer Qureshi, instructed by Mandip Kumar of Precedence Law, achieved a Not Guilty verdict in a week-long trial involving allegations of electoral malpractice. A jury took less than 3 hours to find elected councillor and leader of council not guilty of corruption in an election.
Russell Bowden, a Labour party councillor and leader of Warrington Borough Council was charged with an offence contrary to Section 65A of the Representation of Peoples Act 1982.It was alleged Mr Bowden had deliberately lied on his nomination form by stating a false address in order to portray himself as a local man in the 2021 local elections.
Throughout the proceedings, Tanveer argued that there was no legal definition of home address and the CPS’s understanding of home address, namely a place limited to where one lives and sleeps was wrong. One month before the trial started, the CPS finally conceded they had applied the wrong legal test but pressed on with the case suggesting there was still overwhelming evidence that Mr Bowden had lied. But the jury took less than three hours to clear Mr Bowden.
Commenting on the case, Mr Bowden said:
“I have always had a clear conscience in relation to these unfounded allegations, but today’s outcome enables my name and reputation to remain intact. It has been stressful and deeply upsetting for my family to have this hanging over me for almost two years. I would like to thank my legal team, my barrister Tanveer Qureshi of 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square and my solicitor Mandip Kumar of Precedence Law who have supported me throughout this case along with my family, friends and many well-wishers.
Tanveer Qureshi commented:
Th courts have routinely grappled with the legal definition of a home address, a home address need not be limited to a place where one is routinely living and sleeping each night. This case reinforces the fact that just because a person has temporarily moved out of their permanent home address, it does not deprive them of using that address for the purposes of electoral procedures. A great deal of public expense could have been avoided if the crown properly considered the question of home address rather than proceeding on the basis it could only refer to a place where one habitually resides.
ENDS
Notes:
Tanveer Qureshi is a Barrister at 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square who specialises in representing clients involved with allegations of malpractice, health and safety, regulatory breaches, fraud, along with other misconduct by individuals, companies, directors, financial professionals and corporate entities.
Mandip Kumar is a Solicitor Advocate and Director of Precedence Law. He specialises in representing professional clients subject to criminal and professional regulatory proceedings.
- Social housing
Top Tier Set Rankings
- Regional Bar > Midland Circuit > Social housing