Dere Street Barristers

derestreet.co.uk

Stephen Ainsley

Called to the Bar in 2001 after having previously pursued careers in merchant banking and management consultancy. Having initially practised in both crime and family, Stephen now practises solely in family law embracing all aspect of private and public law together with ancillary relief claims with frequent instructions for parents, guardians and local authorities. His previous experience as a criminal practitioner is particularly advantageous where the facts of a case may lead to dual proceedings in both family and criminal jurisdictions. Special interest in high-net-worth ancillary relief claims where his commercial experience is of significant value. Stephen is experienced in all courts including the Court of Appeal.

Kate joined Chambers after successfully completing pupillage in September 2010. Since then, Kate has developed a common law practice, providing advice and advocacy across employment, family, and civil jurisdictions. Employment: Kate acts for both claimants and respondents across the North East and throughout the country. She has experience across a range of areas including unfair dismissal, discrimination, redundancy, TUPE and breach of contract. Kate has conducted many lengthy hearings and recently successfully defended a six-day discrimination claim which included a substantial personal injury element. Kate is able to provide both high-quality advocacy at Tribunal and advice at the earlier stages of litigation including drafting pleadings and advice on settlement. Kate also takes an active part in the Dere Street employment team’s seminar programme, most recently providing a presentation on the impact of the Beecroft report and the multiple changes currently facing the employment jurisdiction. Family: Kate has substantial experience across a range of family law matters. Kate has a strong public law practice, predominantly acting for parents. She has represented parents facing allegations of non-accidental injury and has experience of challenging expert medical evidence. She is able to provide appropriate advice and representation depending on the needs of the client, and has represented parents with significant mental health needs and cognitive limitations. In private law cases, Kate acts in both Children Act disputes and domestic violence injunction matters. Kate recently appeared in the High Court in a removal from the jurisdiction matter. Kate also has a growing financial practice, representing clients at FDR and final hearing stage, as well as advising on the resolution of proceedings. Civil: Kate undertakes a variety of civil litigation for both claimants and defendants. Kate’s practice is predominantly in personal injury including road traffic accidents (including low velocity impact cases), occupier’s liability, and employer’s liability cases. She provides written advice and pleadings as well as attending court, and has experience of public inquiries. Kate is also a member of Dere Street’s specialist costs team, and is fully trained to provide representation at detailed costs assessments. This training of course can also prove invaluable in the course of substantive litigation. As a member of Dere Street ‘s specialist housing team, Kate is available to provide advice and representation in any housing matters including defective premises and landlord and tenant disputes. Kate regularly appears in the Coroner’s Court.

Susan Boothroyd

Susan practises exclusively in the field of family law. She has extensive experience of child protection work and is regularly instructed to represent local authorities, parents, other family members, children and guardians. The majority of her work is in the High Court and County Court. She deals principally with complex cases including induced and factitious illness, sexual abuse and serious non-accidental injuries. Susan also deals with private law disputes involving children and has experience of dealing with vulnerable adult cases in the Court of Protection.

Sophie specialises in employment and discrimination. She is currently not practising, but sits as a fee paid employment judge in Leeds. She has represented claimants and respondents in a wide variety of cases in all areas of employment and discrimination at tribunal and EAT level. She was a tenant at 9 St John Street Chambers, Manchester until 2001, and from 2001-05 combined practise at York chambers with lecturing in employment law at Northumbria University. From 2005-10 she worked in a solicitor’s role as a principal legal officer at the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) and as a senior enforcement lawyer at the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). At both commissions she advised on or conducted a number of notable cases, including the EOC’s judicial review of the implementation of the Equal Treatment Amendment Directive which resulted in significant amendments to the Sex Discrimination Act 1975. She conducted the only proceedings taken by the EOC under s71 SDA (application for an injunction in cases of persistent discrimination) (settled). She also worked on the EOC and EHRC’s suspended formal investigations into sexual harassment in the armed forces and the prison service and assisted with writing and editing the EOC’s legal adviser’s website.

Michael joined Chambers after a successful pupillage and has a general common law practice: crime – accepts instruction from both prosecution and defence and appears regularly in both the Magistrates Court and the Crown Court and also instructed by the probation service. Family – mixed practice in both the Magistrates Court and the County Court. Civil – deals with personal injury, contract and boundary disputes. Employment – specialises in unfair dismissal claims.

Elizabeth Callaghan

Elizabeth is a specialist family law practitioner and advocate. Elizabeth was called to the Bar in 1998 but actually began her career in family law in 1987 when she commenced employment with North Yorkshire County Council as a legal assistant in the child care department. Elizabeth has therefore over 24 years of experience in family law advocacy. During her time at the Bar, Elizabeth has been instructed on extremely complex cases and she has regularly appeared in cases in the County Court and High Court that have included issues of severe sexual abuse, severe physical abuse, fictitious illness, poisoning, death of a child, murder of a parent. She regularly appears in cases, and has to call and/or cross-examine medical witnesses and experts, including pathologists, paediatricians and radiologists. In 2010/2011, Elizabeth was led by Leading Counsel in four different public law cases that involved significant and complex issues of medical evidence, disclosure, abuse of process and capacity. Elizabeth represents a wide range of clients including local authorities, parents, grandparents, guardians and the Official Solicitor. Elizabeth has also been regularly instructed on behalf of privately paying clients in private law disputes involving contact, residence, change of surname, change of school and move from the jurisdiction. In view of her extensive local authority experience, Elizabeth has also been instructed to advise local authorities on aspects of their public law responsibilities, including judicial review and compliance with internal policies and statutory regulations. Having gained considerable experience in dealing with vulnerable clients, particularly those who are enduring distressing and stressful personal circumstances and have communication difficulties, Elizabeth welcomes instructions in cases involving forced marriages and Court of Protection. Elizabeth also has experience of presenting and defending cases in the Employment Tribunal.

Jonathan practises in Chancery, Contractual and Commercial Disputes, Court of Protection and Mental Health, Credit Hire, Motor Insurance Fraud, and Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence Areas of Emphasis ChanceryIncluding easements, rights of way, boundary disputes, adverse possession, landlord and tenant (residential and commercial). Contractual and commercial disputesConsumer and commercial contractual disputes, sale of goods, credit hire, partnership law and shareholder disputes, factoring agreements and disputes surrounding commercial agents. Court of Protection and Mental HealthInstructed in financial matters (particularly in relation to issues surrounding Enduring Powers of Attorney, Lasting Powers of Attorney and the appointment/ removal of Deputies) under The Mental Capacity Act 2005. Instructed in applications brought to displace nearest relatives under The Mental Health Act 1983.Instructed in applications for writs of habeas corpus following alleged unlawful detention under the Mental Health Act 1983, in particular issues surrounding the alleged failure to consult the Nearest Relative. Experienced in advising and representing both Applicants and Respondents in applications seeking injunctive relief against mentally incapacitated adults/children. Care home fees, PCT and Local Authority funding obligations and recoverability of fees. Credit Hire Has a niche practice in matters arising out of credit hire including mitigation and the need, impecuniosity, basic hire rates, credit repair, consumer credit arguments and common law enforceability and more recently issues surrounding the applicability of the Cancellation of Contracts made in a Consumer’s Home or Place of Work etc Regulations 2008. Motor Insurance Fraud Instructed in cases alleging staged accidents, organised fraud rings, induced ”slam on” accidents, fictitious accidents, phantom passenger claims, low velocity impacts, grossly exaggerated injuries out of proportion to the extent of the impact, alleged or suspected malingering.Advising on committal for contempt of court against dishonest claimants/witnesses and third party costs ordersInstructed to advise in conference and draft proceedings where fraud is in issue. Personal Injury and clinical negligence (including dental negligence) Instructed by both Claimants and Defendants in virtually all types of personal injury work, with particular emphasis on mid to high value claims arising from road traffic accidents, highway claims, occupiers’ liability and employers’ liability (including industrial disease claims – asbestos exposure, deafness, HAVS, dermatitis and asthma).More recently specialised in employers’ liability, fatal accident claims and those arising out of allegations of motor insurance fraud. Experienced with claims involving injuries of the utmost severity, brain damage, death and dependency. Instructed in clinical negligence cases including negligent treatment and surgery, failure to investigate, failure to diagnose, misdiagnosis, misreporting of scans, failure to obtain a patient’s consent and failure to warn of the risks of surgery / treatment. In addition he is familiar with cases involving failed sterilisations and failure to diagnose cancer as well as Dental Negligence claims. Interest in the drafting of schedules/ counter–schedules involving Ogden Tables calculations and pension loss.

Nafeesa Choudhury

Nafeesa practises exclusively in family law and has a busy practice involving Children Act, public law and complex private law proceedings. She acts for local authorities, parents and children’s guardians and Official Solicitor. Nafeesa has experience in dealing with complex medical issues within care proceedings including cases involving child fatality, serious head injury and multiple injuries to the child. She has acted for children with learning disabilities, and with issues surrounding cultural identity. Nafeesa also does Court of Protection work for both local authorities and families. Nafeesa has given lectures on a range of issues, and recently on the Forced Marriage Act and has appeared in numerous cases locally on these issues.

Matthew Collins

Matthew joined Chambers after a successful pupillage and has a general common law practice but has a particular interest in criminal law. Also undertakes civil and employment cases and is starting to develop as a member of the family team.

Stephen Constantine

Stephen practises in all major areas of criminal law. He undertakes work exclusively for the defence and has extensive experience of dealing with serious criminal offences including:- Murder of spouse Multi million pound investment fraud Murder of housemate – defendant unfit to stand trial Rape of child by step father Murder of child by baby-sitter Multi million pound drugs importation involving covert surveillance and phone tapping, involved 3 month hearing on admissibility of evidence Rape by ex-partner Murder of asylum seeker by defendant unable to speak English and with psychiatric problems Rape of child by sibling (also a child) Multiple death by dangerous driving Fraud of customers by company Conspiracy to cause criminal damage to buildings with religious significance by members of EDL Large scale football violence Keeping a brothel

Angharad Davies

Beatrice Dawson

Beatrice recently committed to practising exclusively in the field of family law due to her thriving practice and established client base. She undertakes all public and private law proceedings along with injunctive relief. Despite her relatively junior level of call, the vast majority of her work relates to public law litigation where she is regularly instructed by a number of Local Authorities, as well as acting for parents, family members and children’s guardians. Beatrice has experience in the High Court representing both local authorities and private parties in care and private law proceedings. She regularly appears in the County Court and Family Proceedings Court. Beatrice’s practice encompasses a wide range of applications involving children, including cases with allegations of serious sexual and physical abuse. She has been described by professional clients as having a sensitive yet firm manner and it has been said by both instructing solicitors and piers that her preparation is impeccable and reflected in her advocacy during court proceedings.

Tim practises in all areas of family and matrimonial law regularly appearing for local authorities, parents and children. In recent years, he has predominantly represented local authorities and parties within public law cases. Due to his pragmatic approach, thorough preparation and mature manner Tim has established a practice usually reserved to those of far senior call. He has experience of complex cases including serious non-accidental injury, Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy and sexual abuse matters and has recently conducted several serious cases falling under high cost contracts. Tim regularly supplies instructing authorities and solicitors with written and oral advice prior to the issue of proceedings and regularly conducts hearings pertaining to financial matters within family proceedings. Tim regularly appears before the Family Proceedings Court, County Court and High Court.

Dan has specialised in all aspects of personal injury and clinical negligence work for over 18 years. His nationwide practice is equally spread between Claimants and Defendants and includes the areas below. He is an Associate Editor of Charlesworth & Percy on Negligence, 13th Edition. Employers’ liability Dan has a wealth of experience in such cases including complex issues concerning the limits of statutory duties, joinder, contribution, jurisdiction and insurance issues. He is routinely instructed in cases involving British Coal, British Steel (Tata), and the Emergency Services. He is also well versed in the sensitive issues surrounding stress / bullying claims. He was successful recently in the Court of Appeal, overturning a first instance decision concerning the extent of a School’s liability. See Hammersley-Gonsalves (a child by his litigation friend T Gonsalves) v Redcar & Cleveland BC [2012] EWCA Civ 1135. Claims of maximum severity Dan regularly acts in brain injury, catastrophic spinal injury and amputation cases. He is able to provide practical advice from the very outset of a claim, through to conclusion, whether at a JSM / Mediation or in the Higher Courts. He regularly appears before the CICA. Clinical Negligence Dan has considerable experience in clinical negligence cases and has acted both for Claimants and Medical Defence Organisations. He has dealt with claims of significant misdiagnosis in a variety of areas including the failure to diagnose cancer and the consequences of the misdiagnosis of cancer. He has also dealt with numerous cases of dental negligence. Occupational Disease (including limitation) Dan is regularly instructed in all types of occupational disease cases such as HAVS, WRULD, deafness and dust diseases. Civil Fraud Dan has extensive experience in all areas of Civil Fraud primarily (but not exclusively) in relation to Road Traffic Accidents. He is highly experienced nationwide in cases involving alleged staged and induced accidents, Low Velocity Impact, bogus passengers and phantom witnesses, and exaggerated personal injury and damage. Regulatory and Licensing Dan has a substantial regulatory and disciplinary practice and further deals with all aspects of licensing (appearing on behalf of the Trade and local Councils). He has particular experience of applications concerning pubs / clubs, gaming centres / casinos, and all forms of taxi licensing.Dan attends at Inquests, the CICA and is regularly involved in cases involving the MIB. Direct Access Dan is qualified to accept instructions direct from clients under the Bar Council’s Public Access Scheme. Members of the public who seek specialist advice can come direct to him Dan further welcomes instructions from in-house law departments and clients licensed by the Bar Council to give instructions direct to barristers under the Bar Council’s Licensed Access Scheme.

John Elvidge KC

John Elvidge QC prosecutes and defends cases of the utmost gravity. Homicide: Multiple deaths; Causation issues (legal, factual and medical); Joint enterprise / secondary liability; Killing by/of children and young people; Diminished Responsibility and Loss of Control; Gross negligence manslaughter. Organised crime: Fraud against financial institutions and insurance companies; Controlled drugs and medicines: Money laundering; Sexual offences against children; Blackmail and kidnapping; Applications for trial by judge alone, by protected jury and for witness anonymity orders. Serious sexual offences: Sexual exploitation and human trafficking; Complaints against professionals; Familial abuse; Delayed complaints. Regulatory work: Professional and police disciplinary hearings; Licensing.

Catherine Fagan

Catherine is a family law practitioner who specialises in public and private law children cases, particularly care and adoption cases acting for parents, guardians and the official solicitor. She also undertakes matters involving vulnerable adults lacking capacity. Catherine is regularly instructed in cases involving serious allegations of physical and sexual abuse, serious non-accidental injuries and induced and fictitious illness. One of her many strengths is her high level of client care and empathy. Catherine also represents private clients in matters relating to contact, residence and removal from jurisdiction.

Tom is a senior junior with over 30 years experience in both family and criminal law. He established himself early on in both areas and has built up a loyal client base in criminal work where he primarily defends clients charged with all manner of allegations from the not so serious to the utmost serious offences. Tom’s experience in the Crown Court is often seen as an advantage in cases where the challenging of evidence, for example in finding of fact hearings pertaining to allegations of sexual abuse comes to the fore. Tom was one of the first barristers instructed to represent parents named in the Cleveland child abuse cases of 1987/88. Following on from this his family practice developed and these days Tom is regularly seen representing local authorities, parents and guardians in substantial care matters within the County and High court. While Tom does undertake family work within the FPC jurisdiction his family practice predominantly covers County Court care work and high-value private ancillary relief and financial provision cases. Throughout the entirety of Tom’s years at the bar he has received instructions relating to financial matters and has where appropriate and in the best interests of his client sought to resolve matters by means of offering constructive advise either in writing or conference, whether joint or otherwise. Tom’s experience does however enable him to identify those cases that are not capable of resolution without court intervention; advice in such instances is delivered punctually and with clarity ensuring the client understands proceedings and procedures from start to finish.

Andrew Finlay

Stephen Fletcher

Stephen is a highly regarded chancery, commercial and property law barrister who has practiced exclusively in civl law since he was called to the Bar. In addition to the width and depth of his experience, Stephen attaches particular importance to achieving outcomes which provide real benefit to the client. Taking into account the commercial realities involved in litigation his advice is always practical. In all cases he is committed to developing effective working relationships with both solicitors and lay clients and his regular clients note him for being always approachable and accommodating. Regarded by the Judiciary, his peers and instructing solicitors as an extremely effective advocate with a formidable attention to detail, Stephen is regularly instructed in very high value and complex matters in the Chancery Division and the specialist courts of the Queen’s Bench Division (Commercial, Mercantile, Technology & Construction) listed in both the regional High Court District Registries and in London. Stephen also appears for clients in the Court of Appeal. Chancery/Commercial Shareholder’s disputes; director’s duties; appointment and removal of directors; unfair prejudice petitions and derivative actions; valuation disputes; shareholders’ agreements; limited liability partnerships. Corporate and personal insolvency. Property including trusts. Wills, probate and Inheritance Act claims Landlord and tenant Contract disputes including building and construction. Employment Stephen focuses on County Court/High Court actions relating to:- Directors’ and senior managers’ duties (fiduciary and otherwise) Restrictive covenants Team moves Setting up in competition Springboard and other injunctions Termination of directors and director-shareholders employment

Simon Garlick

Claire successfully completed pupillage in 2005 in Liverpool, covering all disciplines where she gained substantial experience in family, criminal and civil law. Claire joined Chambers in early 2010. Within a very short period of time here at Chambers, Claire established herself with a number of local firms specialising in family law, indeed on her first day of tenancy she represented a child in care proceedings impressing both the guardian and solicitor immediately with her thorough preparation, advocacy and manner. Needless to say Claire’s family practice has gone from strength to strength culminating in her decision in October 2010 to specialise solely in family law with a particular interest in public law Children Act proceedings. Claire accepts instructions and regularly appears on behalf of a number of local authorities, parents, family members and children’s guardians. She provides written and oral advice to local authorities and private clients pertaining to all aspects of public and private law proceedings and also accepts instructions to represent applicants and respondents in all aspects of private law proceedings, including contact and residence applications.

Emma undertakes all types of work. She has a paperwork practice in personal injury.

Ruth has developed an expanding practice in general civil work with a particular bias towards personal injury litigation. She also regularly appears and advises in tort, contract and nuisance claims. She has experience of a wide variety of litigation including insolvency, housing law and landlord and tenant disputes. Ruth also has experience and accepts instructions appearing in inquests before the coroner’s court. Personal injury: Ruth has extensive experience in a broad road range of personal injury work including occupier’s liability, employer’s liability, public liability, fatal accidents, accidents involving animals and road traffic accidents (including MIB claims). She is regularly instructed by defendants in all areas of fraud in the context of road traffic personal injury claims including staged accidents, bogus passenger claims and low velocity impact collisions. She regularly acts for both claimants and defendants in fast-track and multi-track claims and is routinely involved in all stages of litigation from the provision of preliminary advice through to conclusion at trial. Credit hire: Ruth has extensive experience in all aspects of credit hire. She acts regularly for both claimants and defendants in claims ranging in value from the small claims track to the multi-track. She is very familiar with the case law involved and is experienced in arguing all issues arising out of such claims including the principles of mitigation and need, impecuniosity, common law enforceability, enforceability under the 2008 Cancellation of Contracts etc regulations, late signature issues, subrogation, ‘Copley v Lawn offers’ and spot hire rates. In addition to the depth of her court experience, Ruth is frequently consulted on credit hire matters and is able to offer pragmatic oral or written advice to both claimants and defendants to achieve an outcome which provides real benefit to the client. Contractual and commercial disputes: Ruth advises and acts in general contractual disputes arising from sale of goods, consumer credit, holidays, buildings and insurance contracts. Landlord and tenant: Ruth represents landlords and tenants in claims arising out of leases, licences and tenancies. Ruth deals with social housing issues and has experience dealing with residential and commercial possession claims, disrepair, breach of covenant, anti-social behaviour, applications for injunctive relief and committals for breach.

Victoria accepts instructions in Civil, Crime and Family Law Prior to her career at the bar Victoria volunteered for the Human Rights Charity Reprieve in the USA at a Texas Law Firm defending people facing capital punishment. Crime:Victoria prosecutes and defends in the Youth Court, Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court. Her expertise covers a spectrum of criminal offences including domestic violence, robbery, drug offences, road traffic matters and sexual offences. Victoria also acts on behalf of local authorities, the Probation Service, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA). Family:Victoria appears regularly in the Family Proceedings Court (FPC) and County Court in both public and private law matters. She had substantial experience of contact and residence disputes. Victoria represents applicants and respondents at all stages of financial remedy proceedings. Civil:Victoria advises, drafts documents and represents parties in a broad range of civil matters. Victoria is particularly keen to develop her paper-based practice. She accepts instructions on a CFA basis where appropriate. Direct Access:Victoria has been certified by the Bar Council to provide Direct Access work and is happy to receive enquiries for any type of legal advice, drafting or representation directly from members of the public via our clerks.

Sam’s practice divides into three broad specialisms: employment, personal injury and chancery/commercial. He has been on the Attorney General’s Panel of Counsel since 2007 and has been recommended for employment work by the Legal 500 every year since 2009. Employment: Sam practices in all aspects of employment law but has particular interest in the following – discrimination and victimisation; TUPE; employment litigation in the civil courts, including redundancy, wrongful dismissal and restrictive covenants. Cases before the Tribunal (in both England and Scotland) range from a few hours to several weeks. Recent cases have covered: A (rare) stand alone complaint under s80H ERA 1996 (flexible working request); race discrimination relating to a differential pay structure for foreign workers; redundancy arising out of the closure of the Government Office Network; whether NHS staff were entitled to overtime arising out of the Royal Wedding bank holiday. Sam is involved with ongoing appeals before the EAT covering: the victimisation provisions of the Equality Act 2010 (this is likely to be the first appellate authority considering victimisation under the new Act); in the TUPE context, whether a ‘transferor’ is entitled to offset against compensation it is ordered to pay the claimant an amount the claimant has received from ‘transferee’ under a COT3. Personal injury: Sam has practiced in personal injury all his professional life, for both claimants and defendants. Whilst his practice now includes claims involving catastrophic injury, he continues to be regulary instructed in cases relating to: employer and public liability claims; industrial disease; product liability. Recent cases of interest have included: a claim arising out of a ‘friendly fire’ incident in Afghanistan, invoving experts in prosthetics, employment, nursing and accommodation. A Part 20 claim against a parent for negligent supervision. In addition, Sam is now regularly instructed to act for interested parties in inquests, including deaths in custody. Chancery/commercial: over ten years of practice, Sam has gained wide experience in litigation over a range of areas. Particular areas of interest to him include: real property, including proprietary estoppel, sale of land, adverse possession, boundary/easement disputes, nuisance, restrictive covenants and Land Registry practice. Landlord and tenant, including residential (possession, disrepair, anti-social behaviour) and commercial disputes (forfeiture, dilapidations, breach of the covenant of quiet enjoyment). Wills and probate, including administration disputes, contentious probate and Inheritance Act claims. Professsional negligence, particularly against solicitors. Sam also sits as a Deputy District Judge.

Carly is a specialist Family practitioner who undertakes all areas of family work including Private Law Children Act work, Ancillary Relief and Domestic Violence work although the majority of her practice centres on Public Law Children Act work. Carly undertakes complex cases involving all forms of child abuse including serious non-accidental injury, sexual abuse and FII along with cases involving child abduction. early receives a broad range of instructions, acting for parents and family members, on behalf of children and Guardians and acts regularly for a number of local authorities. early has also been instructed on behalf of the General Medical Council and Cafcass Legal. Carly has undertaken cases involving fatal and near fatal injuries to children, and has a particular interest in those cases involving complex medical evidence. She regularly appears in cases which require her to call and/or cross-examine medical witnesses and experts, including pathologists, paediatricians and radiologists. Carly undertakes work in the Court of Protection on behalf of local authorities, primary care trusts, family members and patients through the Official Solicitor and accepts instructions to advise on related mental health issues, including Deprivation of Liberty. Carly has recently appeared as Junior Counsel, led by Janet Bazley QC, for the appellant in the Court of Appeal before Sir James Munby, McFarlane LJ and Treacy U. This was an appeal against a decision to allow expert reports in a fact finding case concerning bruising to a child with a very rare genetic condition.

Sarah Holmes-willis

Sarah has two main areas of expertise, employment and family law. This dual specialism gives her strong, versatile advocacy and negotiation skills as well as the ability to work effectively with clients across the range from public authorities and corporations to individual claimants. Sarah is experienced in all aspects of employment law acting for both claimants and respondents before the Employment Tribunals, Civil Courts and EAT. Her practice also encompasses public law and Judicial Review. She has advised public bodies regarding their statutory equality duties. Sarah is an expert family practitioner dealing in all areas of private and public law representing parents, guardians and local authorities. Sarah regularly acts in private law contact and residence disputes, particularly those that involve serious allegations of violence or abuse and require findings of fact. She is frequently instructed in public law care proceedings involving allegations of physical and sexual abuse, forensic and medical evidence and perpetrator hearings. Her immigration expertise is a great benefit in cases with an international aspect. Member of the Bar Council Equality & Diversity Committee since 2007, Sarah regularly advises the Bar Council and the BSB as to law, policy and best practice.

Rod has extensive experience and expertise in all major areas of criminal law He regularly acts on behalf of Local Authority and Government Agencies. He is also highly experienced in Court Martial cases. His main areas of expertise include Murder, Manslaughter, Rape, Informant and Undercover Cases, Drug Trafficking, Child Abuse and Serious Violent Offences, including false memory symptoms and satanic abuse. He has also dealt with Youth Justice and Public Interest immunity cases. Advocacy experience has been gained in the Crown Court, Divisional Court and Court of Appeal. Rod has always been based in the North of England both in industry and at the bar. He is also experienced in contested care matters, contact and residence proceedings. In addition Rod has conducted child care cases in the High Court and Court of Appeal. He is a Grade 4 Crown Prosecutor and is a member of the CPS Rape panel. He has recently defended “Britain’s most wanted man” in the James Allen double murder trial, and finally “Yob admits attacking women with fake phallus“

Geoff specialises in all aspects of the law relating to children, with a practice which covers the Family Proceedings Court, County Court, High Court and Appellate proceedings. His areas of work are both public and private law, dealing with child care, adoption, residence and contact, and cases with an international element such as moving abroad and abduction. Recent cases include a four-week hearing concerning abuse carried out by foster carers/adopters, and an eight-week case involving a parent with factitious illness.

Jodie James-Stadden

Jodie works with the civil team. She specialises in the following areas: civil/chancery – im particular: housing; landlord and tenant; contentious probate; and property.

Civil LawEmployment LawFamily Law

Lewis Kerr

Victoria Kilpatrick

Civil/Personal Injury Victoria has experience in a vast range of personal injury cases and has an expanding court and paper practice. Victoria has provided advice and drafted pleadings in an array of cases including complex and multiple injury cases. Victoria has appeared for Claimants in LVI cases and has a good working knowledge of the cost rules across the different and ever changing cost regimes. Victoria has experience in CICA cases including drafting intricate schedules of loss and she is familiar with the CICA appeals process. Victoria is recognised for her thorough approach to all cases both in court and on paper. Victoria also undertakes general civil work and has a particular interest in road traffic cases. She has represented families and insurance companies at Coroner’s inquests and this is an area she would like to develop. Family Victoria is experienced in both public and private law cases under the Children Act and proceedings under the Family Law Act. In public law proceedings Victoria represents all parties including Local Authorities at all stages of proceedings. Victoria has experience in representing respondents accused of inflicting sexual abuse on children. In private law proceedings Victoria represents clients from the FHDRA through to contested final hearings and has been involved in a number of complex cases including successfully representing a mother in her application to extinguish a father’s parental responsibility. Victoria also acts in contested applications for Non-Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders, including applications under s.53 FLA 1996 for the transfer of tenancy. Crime Victoria prosecutes and defends in the Crown Court, Magistrates’ Court and Youth Court in a range of criminal matters; including violence, drugs, dishonesty and driving offences. Victoria prosecutes on behalf of the CPS, National Probation Service and Electronic Monitoring Service. Victoria acts in regulatory matters including quasi-civil matters in the Magistrates’ Court such as HMRC condemnation proceedings and cash seizures. Victoria advises in private prosecutions such as those brought by Local Authorities, including advising on sentence, costs and appeal.

Seth Kitson

Crime: Rachael acts for both defence and prosecution in the Crown Court, Magistrates’ Court, and Youth Court. Rachael has experience of conducting multi-handed trials, ranging from conspiracies to affray, and private prosecutions, often dealing with matters from preliminary hearing to conclusion. Rachael delivers high quality advice and advocacy across the spectrum of criminal offences, including applications for Sexual Offences Prevention Orders, Section 78 PACE 1984 arguments to exclude evidence, and Abuse of Process arguments. Family: Rachael is instructed in Family Proceedings Court and County Court matters, representing parents and grandparents in both public and private law matters. Rachael has experience of representing parties in contested hearings involving allegations of non-accidental injury and risk of sexual harm. Rachael has appeared in High Court matters, representing young parents. Rachael has a strong private law practice, regularly representing parents in contact and residence proceedings. In addition, Rachael has successfully appeared in cases involving removal from the jurisdiction. Rachael receives instructions in ancillary relief proceedings at FDR and Final Hearings, providing advice on settlement, including maintenance cases, and advocacy. Mental health: Rachael has gained experience representing clients at Mental Health Review Tribunals, in which she is proficient in taking instructions from vulnerable and young clients. Civil: Rachael undertakes a variety of civil litigation, acting for both claimant and defendant, predominantly in road traffic accidents cases. Rachael is available to provide written advice and pleadings, as well as advocacy in contested matters. Regulatory: Rachael has experience of advising on trading standards matters, including product safety and due diligence defences. Rachael recently advised a local council on their proposed prosecution of a global company under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005, resulting in a successful prosecution.

Karen Lennon is an experienced and robust practitioner specialising in family, civil, and employment. Her family practice is extensive, covering all aspects of family law. She has handled ancillary relief claims involving complex business accounts and substantial assets, as well as a wide range of cases under Trusts of Land, TOLATA, and Schedule 1 Applications under the Children’s Act 1989. Her experience in children’s cases is similarly broad, in both the private law and public law arena. She has successfully acted in complex multiple-non-accidental injury cases, learning difficulty/mental health cases, chronic neglect cases, parental alienation cases, and removal from the jurisdiction cases. Throughout her career Miss Lennon has acted for local authorities, parents and other family members, children (through their guardian and on their own), and for the Official Solicitor. Her civil practice compliments her family practice well. Her experience encompasses trusts of land cases, boundary disputes and personal injury cases. She also continues to run an effective practice in employment law, acting for defendants and claimants alike in unfair dismissal, redundancy, and disability claims. Miss Lennon’s practice covers the whole of the North East circuit. She is well known on circuit for her ability to deal with and empathise with difficult clients, often ensuring the best outcome by calming down the client and persuading them to take sensible positions rather than antagonistic ones. Her tenacity and professional yet robust approach to cases is similarly renowned, having recently been referred to by an instructing solicitor as ‘a down-to-earth yet feisty Northern Irish woman who fights her client’s corner’.

Oliver Longstaff

Elizabeth has a reputation as a forceful advocate who relishes contested hearings. She is adept at putting clients at ease but does not shy from challenging them when necessary. Elizabeth currently practises in child work exclusively although historically has practised in all common law areas and ancillary relief. As a mother to a very young child, Elizabeth understands the pressures on the parents involved in the cases she handles, which is invaluable whether representing parents, local authorities or the children subject of the proceedings. Elizabeth has experience in all child work at all levels.

Peter Makepeace KC

Peter has practised exclusively in criminal law since 1994 and has extensive experience of defending and prosecuting in all areas of serious crime. He was appointed QC in 2016. Peter has frequently acted as leading junior in multi-counsel cases. Areas of special experience include homicide and other serious violence, fraud, serious and large-scale drug conspiracies, sexual offences, the importation and distribution of medicines, and a growing expertise in computer-related law culminated in the first prosecution for fraud of a peer to peer, BitTorrent music file sharing site. Peter has developed a particular reputation in cases requiring sensitivity of approach either through the nature of the offence or the vulnerability of witnesses, victims or the accused, etc. He is acknowledged to have an exhaustive approach to case preparation and manages his diary to ensure serious cases are afforded the proper case management they require. Peter also accepts private instructions in the field of licensing and regulatory offences.

David describes himself as a barrister, journalist, author and mediator, having been accredited by the prestigious Regent’s College School of Psychotherapy and Counselling Psychology in alternative dispute resolution skills. David’s knowledge and experience in employment and discrimination law has been gained since the early 1970s when he did his first employment law case. His practice has developed as this area of law has expanded to become one of the most important and complex areas of law. Some of David’s experience was gained as an Employment Tribunal judge. David regularly represents claimants and respondents in many areas of employment and discrimination law, including: unfair dismissal; whistle blowing; gender discrimination; race discrimination; disability discrimination; TUPE; contractual and restraint of trade cases. In addition to providing representation and advice in litigation, David has a deep understanding of operational HR issues and regularly assists police forces and others in resolving complex employment problems. David can provide advice and representation in the goods and services area of disability discrimination law, a complex area of law with serious implications for organisations that fail to comply with the legislation. In addition to his legal practice, David has extensive experience in training and lecturing and can provide a service in this area. David has been described as follows: ‘An outstanding and talented individual. He has vast experience and knowledge both within and often outside his chosen specialist field. He is an extremely good advocate with an enviable success rate. I have no hesitation in recommending him’, Alan Hall, former director, Engineering Employers’ Federation. ‘David’s tactical awareness is second to none and includes his knowledge of pre-dismissal advice, litigation support as well as his exceptional Tribunal advocacy skills. He is a proven heavyweight, who carefully, subtly and deftly addresses a case from start to finish.

Charles was born in Sunderland. He began his legal career when he was admitted as a solicitor in January 1984. After a brief spell working for the newly formed CPS, he joined a well-known solicitor’s practice in the North East and was an equity partner for 16 years and a member of the children panel. Charles transferred to the Bar in 2002 and with over 27 years experience in all aspects of litigation and advocacy, he now specialises in family law and Court of Protection work. His clients include local authorities throughout the Northern region as well as parents, extended family members, interveners and guardians. Within the family law field, Charles specialises in care and adoption, including cases of very significant harm (emotional, physical and sexual), private law residence and contact disputes, divorce and ancillary relief. He also has a keen interest in cases involving the removal of children from the jurisdiction. Charles has experience of advocacy at all levels including the High Court and Court of Appeal. Charles has also provided lectures to solicitors on areas of child law and ancillary relief for CPD purposes.

Frazer Mcdermott

Frazer joined the Bar in 2004 having spent 16 successful years as a solicitor, advocate and family mediator practising both in the south of England and the north east. His practice was predominantly family work and he came to the Bar with specialisms in child care, high value ancillary relief work and international child abduction. He was for a number of years a member of the Law Society Children Panel and while a solicitor, he set up a local family mediation service. Since joining chambers he has built up a busy practice of care and matrimonial finance work and has regularly been instructed by a large number of local authorities, solicitors and guardians. He is generally regarded as a safe pair of hands and as someone with a high level of client care and empathy. He is instructed by the Official Solicitor. He appears frequently in the High Court and County Court dealing with care and adoption work. He has often appeared in the Court of Appeal. He was described by Munby J in a multi-handed care case of significant complexity as ‘one of a team of highly dedicated professionals’ and as ‘skilled dedicated and caring’. He has dealt with cases involving complex medical issues, infants with multiple injuries as well as death, and regularly represents parents with mental health problems. He deals with all areas of matrimonial finance cases. He has dealt extensively with high-value ancillary relief work and cases involving companies and family assets. Frazer accepts instructions in all aspects of family work from across the North of England.

Christopher McKee

Christopher joined Chambers in October 2014 upon successful completion of pupillage. He has developed a busy common law practice and accepts instructions in all of Chambers’ practice areas. Before coming to the Bar, Christopher assisted various pro bono initiatives (Law Centre NI, Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ), NSPCC Young Witness Service and Victim Support NI). Working with The PILS (Public Interest Litigation Support) Project he authored a policy paper entitled “Pro Bono Costs Orders in Northern Ireland: A Vision for the Future” a document currently being considered by the Stormont Assembly. Crime: Christopher prosecutes and defends in the Youth Court, Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court. His expertise covers a spectrum of criminal offences including theft, fraud, violent crime and sexual assault. Christopher also acts on behalf of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA). Civil: Christopher accepts instructions in a broad range of civil matters. He has a particular interest in commercial disputes, insolvency, chancery law and costs. Christopher is particularly keen to develop his paper-based practice.Family: Christopher appears regularly in the Family Proceedings Court (FPC) and County Court in both public and private law matters. He also represents applicants and respondents at all stages of financial remedy proceedings. Landlord and Tenant: Christopher represents landlords and tenants in litigation arising out of leases, licences and tenancy agreements. Christopher has experience in dealing with social housing issues, possession claims, anti-social behaviour allegations and applications for injunctive relief.

Claire Middleton

Appeared in the High Court acting for a child in care proceedings with Court of Protection proceedings running in tandem due to the mother’s brain injury. Appeared in the High Court on behalf of the Local Authority in complex sexual abuse matter in which a young child made disclosures against a minor (intervening through the official solicitor) of sexual activity with her, when forensic evidence implicated an adult family member against whom no disclosures had been made. Appeared in the High Court for a child (directly) who was applying for contact to his father in prison. The Local Authority opposed the application and raised an argument as to the competency of the child to act without a guardian. Appeared in the High Court for the local authority seeking an interim care order and assessments of a child with apparent global delays in his cognitive ability, speech and language and who has little contact with adults outside his immediate family. Appeared in the High Court for the Local Authority as junior counsel in a case concerning the injuries found to an infant upon his death. Highly complex medical evidence involving ten medical experts from five different disciplines.

Mandy has practised in family law since 1988, joining chambers in 2005 as a specialist family practitioner. Between 1988 and 2005 she commenced her career at a prominent solicitors firm whereupon she became a partner specialising in all areas of family law. Mandy achieved children’s panel accreditation. Mandy accepts instructions from local authorities, parents and children’s guardians in child care work. She appears before courts of all levels however she predominantly these days appears before the County and High Courts. Mandy regularly advises local authorities and private clients in relation to procedural and legal issues. Since joining Chambers, Mandy is regularly instructed in cases with demanding and difficult clients both in care and private law family cases, including removal from the jurisdiction. Mandy accepts instructions in ancillary relief cases particularly high-value matters involving multiple businesses and foreign elements. Mandy has a flourishing financial practice which has benefited from her previous experience and qualifications in both finance and accounting.

Philip undertakes a wide range of work in the areas of civil, criminal and family law. In civil law, Philip has experience of carrying out hearings in personal injury, road traffic, credit hire, contract law, bailment and insolvency law. Philip specialises in employment law and has represented both claimants and respondents at multi-day hearings around the country. In criminal law, Philip carries out both prosecution (Crown Prosecution Service and Probation Service) and defence work in both the Crown Court and the Magistrates’ Courts. In family law, Philip undertakes matrimonial cases.

Brooke Morrison

Brooke was called to the bar in 2016 and has recently successfully completed a common law pupillage at Dere Street under the supervision of Stephen Thornton. Before commencing pupillage, Brooke worked as a County Court Advocate representing clients in a variety of civil applications, including infant approvals, CCMCs and small claims trials. Prior to this, whilst completing the BPTC, Brooke was a regular volunteer for the Personal Support Unit in Leeds where she assisted clients in a wide range of legal proceedings. Brooke accepts work in all areas of Chambers’ practice and has a particular interest in criminal law.

Pauline Moulder

Pauline is recommended by Chambers UK as a leading senior junior in children work, and this year she is also quoted in Legal 500 as ‘extremely competent’. Although she accepts instructions in all aspects of children work (as well as Court of Protection work, forced marriage and honour based violence and divorce), her specialisation is in public law, particularly the more complex cases. She has a depth of experience and knowledge in those cases which involve, eg, an infant death in the family, difficult and conflicting medical evidence, induced/fabricated illness and children with complex needs. Renowned for her ability to master her brief and to think quickly and imaginatively, Pauline is a skilled communicator who gives sensible and pragmatic advice. Her advocacy skills are best summed up by a senior circuit judge who described Pauline’s cross examination is a complex public law matter as ‘the best cross examination I have ever heard in a family case’. Her written documents are excellent. Pauline has a wide-ranging practice, acting for local authorities, parents and family members, children, children’s guardians and the Official Solicitor. She is regularly instructed to provide written and oral advice to local authorities and other parties in complex care matters and to advise private clients in residence and contact matters. While Pauline’s practice predominantly focuses on cases in the High Court and the county court, she accepts instructions for matters in the FPC. Significant Cases undertaken in 2012: case involving historic fabricated and induced illness and poisoning. High Court. 20 days. Separate fact finding and welfare hearings. Acted for local authority. The mother, against whom the historic allegations were made – and denied – was represented by leading counsel (Mr William Lowe QC) and junior Counsel. [LA v L/B]. Case involving inter-familial and generational sexual abuse (as well as physical and emotional abuse and neglect). High Court. 15 days. Acted for local authority. Four respondents (excluding children) and four interveners. [LA v C/J]. Case involving infant death. Acted for the father. High Court. 15 days. Led by Ms Janet Bazley QC. Complex medical evidence from nine experts. [LA v H/C]. Case involving infant death where child had a genetic disorder which, it was alleged, caused/contributed to the death. Acted for the mother. High Court. 20 days. Extremely complicated medical evidence from eight experts. Led by Ms Janet Bazley QC. [LA v P]. Case involving allegations of inflicted injury where child had pre-existing condition to the area of inflicted injury. High Court. 20 days. Conflicting medical evidence re-causation and timing of injuries. Acting for two of possible five perpetrators. [LA v D]. Case involving baby with ‘marks’ to body. Acting for mother. High Court. 20 days. Conflicting medical evidence, bruising/rare blood condition. Following findings of inflicted injury, father made admissions to mother and his position set out in writing to the court. Father then refused to take any further part in the proceedings. Application to set aside findings so far as they affected mother as a perpetrator as in respect of failure to protect. Complex as mother had been untruthful in several material aspects in her oral evidence. [LA v S]. Presently acting for the local authority as senior junior leading a junior in a matter where the mother and the father are each represented by a silk and a junior. Very complex history of allegations, sexualised behaviour by children, disclosures and allegations that children have been ‘coached’ by word and actions. [LA v S].

Adam joined Chambers as a tenant in 2009 after successful completion of a broad common-law pupillage consisting of criminal, family and civil practice. Adam has developed considerable experience in representing both employees (including trade unions) and employers in tribunals across England, Wales and Scotland and the Employment Appeal Tribunal. He also undertakes advisory work and alternative forms of dispute resolution. Particular areas of experience include discrimination, unfair dismissal, whistle blowing, TUPE, working time, and redundancy. Adam has a wide practice in civil law including claimant and defence work, both in court and through a busy paper practice – providing pleadings and advice on liability, evidence and quantum. His civil practice predominantly covers contract, RTA, credit hire and personal injury, including employers’ liability and occupiers’ liability. Adam represents both landlords and tenants in possession proceedings, with particular experience in anti-social behaviour. Adam also undertakes criminal work, prosecutes and defends in both Magistrates and Crown Courts, where he regularly appears in appeals against conviction and sentence. In the family courts, Adam has experience of private family law and injunctions.

Harvey was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand and attended at Auckland University before coming to the UK to study law. Upon completing his qualifications, Harvey spent some time as an agent advocate in the County Courts around the North East. Harvey has been practicing at the Bar in the North East since 2004 and has built a significant and specialist practice in care and private law children work. He is regularly instructed by local authorities, family members and guardians and is frequently involved in matters involving serious non-accidental injury, chronic neglect and sexual abuse. He is experienced in matters requiring in-depth and complicated examination and cross examination, particularly of medical experts. While known as an effective advocate, Harvey maintains a reputation for exceptional client care. Harvey appears in the Family Proceedings Court, County Court and High Court on a daily basis. He also has experience in the Divisional Court (Queen’s Bench Division) and Court of Appeal.

Lorraine Mustard

Lorraine mainly defends on a wide range of criminal cases in the Crown Court; however she has conducted prosecutions on behalf of the RSPCA and the North Eastern Inshore Fishery and Conservation Authority (previously North Eastern Sea Fisheries Committee) and the Crown Prosecution Service. Lorraine has been instructed by the defence in cases of murder, serious sexual offences, high-profile conspiracy to steal, conspiracy to blackmail, robbery, child cruelty, drugs offences, offences concerning dangerous dogs, offences of violence, and all manner of offences committed by juveniles. Lorraine has also appeared in the Court of Appeal.

Robert Newcombe

Robert Newcombe is a member of the Criminal Bar Association and the UK Environmental Law Association. He acts as leading counsel in complex criminal trials, such as money laundering. He has successfully defended clients charged with attempted murder at the Central Criminal Court. He has also been lead by QCs in successfully defending a number of clients on murder charges at the Central Criminal Court and elsewhere. Robert also represents parties at inquests. In 2011 Robert represented a client in the UK’s first multi-million pound Cyberfraud case (conspiracy to defraud), where the Zeus Trojan virus had been utilised by a sophisticated criminal syndicate to assist in removing funds from internet-accessible bank accounts. Robert often acts for clients charged with grave offences involving firearms and drugs (supply and importation). He has extensive experience in representing vulnerable clients (often charged with rape, where the complainants are themselves often vulnerable). He also regularly acts for businesses, landowners and other individuals charged with environmental and planning law offences. These include: breach of planning enforcement notices (prosecutions and injunctions and appeals) and waste and pollution cases. He advises on Environment Agency civil sanctions; and remediation of sites. Robert also acts in confiscation proceedings and appears in the Court of Appeal. He has presented lectures to practitioners on a wide range of subjects for CPD. Recent lectures include: ‘Firearms Law and Case Management’ and ‘Defending Environmental Prosecutions’ and ‘Enforcement Proceedings under Part 8 of the Enterprise Act 2000’. Robert enjoys mastering the detail of forensic expert reports including DNA, pathology, financial, computing and other scientific evidence, and excels in presenting such complex evidence to juries.

Benjamin Nolan KC

Described in Chambers 500 as “A well-known Circuit Heavyweight in Serious Crime,” Ben has a wealth of experience in top-level Crime. During his 20 years in silk he has led in over a hundred murder cases many of them gangland killings involving ballistic evidence both in the UK and in other Commonwealth jurisdictions. Of particular interest are cases with an international co-operation element such as extradition and the use of evidence obtained abroad pursuant to Letters of Request and The Crime (International Co-operation) Act 2003 and its statutory predecessors. Ben has considerable experience in drugs smuggling cases involving massive importations into the UK and the alleged inducing of drug trafficking offences overseas. He is considered to be a skilled cross examiner of expert witnesses, particularly medical experts and his skills have been deployed in alleged child killing cases (the so-called shaken baby syndrome) and in trials involving psychiatric issues. Ben has been invited to review the medico-legal element of reference works on forensic psychiatry. In his fraud practice Ben has developed a particular interest in food-safety frauds and is instructed to advise on the regulatory aspects of food safety and the enforcement of food safety standards. In this respect, in particular, his practice crosses over from crime to regulatory and civil litigation, particularly in product liability cases. He also undertakes personal injury claims involving catastrophic injuries and complex medical issues. Ben also practises from chambers in Leeds, Manchester and London. Criminal law: during his twenty four years in Silk, Ben has prosecuted and defended in a number of high profile criminal cases. He has now led in over one hundred murder cases, many of them gangland shootings. He also has considerable expertise in food safety scandal cases. Ben is on the approved Serious Fraud Office Panel of Queen’s Counsel. Personal injury: Ben regularly advises and appears for claimants in catastrophic injury civil claims where damages run to millions of pounds, including clinical negligence and product liability cases. He represented Paul Mosley, who was convicted with his co-accused, Mick Philpott and Mairead Philpott, of six counts of manslaughter, each count representing the death of a child. The children died as a direct result of a fire deliberately set by all three defendants. The victims of the fire were the children of Mick and Mairead Philpott.

Crispin is once again recommended this year in Chambers UK as a leading family law specialist. He has an increasing emphasis on high value financial and property matters. He concentrates on complex care work in the High Court and particularly on difficult financial cases arising from divorce, separation of cohabiting partners and civil partners. He has a very strong background in dealing with intractable residence and contact disputes and acting for the children in public law cases. He also has a developing case load in the Court of Protection. He is heavily in demand as a lecturer at seminars and training events in which he has been described as ‘charismatic and a good teacher’. Particular interests: high-value ancillary relief; property disputes between cohabitees; financial applications under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989; child care (especially involving complex issues of fact and disputed medical evidence in cases of infant mortality, factitious illness, fractures and brain injury); collaborative law; intractable contact disputes; civil partnership; Court of Protection; disputed wills under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependent’s) Act 1975; contested probate.

Kieran practises in Criminal, Family and Regulatory LawKieran has a healthy mixed practice in Criminal, Family and Regulatory Law and appears in Courts and tribunals throughout the North East of England.Criminal LawDefending and Prosecution across the wide spectrum of criminal law including, amongst others, offences of homicide and serious violence, rape, large scale drug conspiracies, arson and firearms.Family LawKieran receives instructions in all aspects of children work including public and private law cases.Regulatory LawKieran has experience within Regulatory Law and was part of the Bloody Sunday Inquiry. He undertakes instructions on matters relating to Parole Board hearings, matters involving the treatment of prisoners and advising, drafting and representing clients within Judicial Proceedings.

Ravinder Randhawa

Ravi has been a specialist family practitioner since 2000 representing local authorities, parents and guardians within the public law arena together with private law work. Areas of expertise are as follows: care and discharge of care orders and special guardianship; adoption and placement orders; non-accidental injury cases, including infant skull fractures, poisoning and imposed upper airway obstruction; fabricated and induced illnesses; permanent removal from the jurisdiction and internal relocation cases; Hague Convention cases; forced marriage cases; ancillary relief.

Civil LawFamily Law

James specialises in Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence. He regularly represents both Claimants and Defendants. James has experience of presenting cases at many levels including in the Court of Appeal and has experience gleaned from continuous practice at the Bar since 1992 involving such varied matters as Fast-track Trials, Road Traffic Cases involving Fraud, Employers’ Liability, Public Liability, Cases involving Local Authorities, civil and criminal jury trials, Police Discipline, Inquests, Planning Enquiries and Taxi and Liquor Licensing. He has over 15 years experience of deafness/ HAVS claims. He gets on well with clients and is very approachable.

David Robinson-young

David practises mainly in employment and discrimination matters in which he acts for both claimants and respondents. He has advised both large and small employers as well as trade unions providing representation as well as initial advice. He regularly appears in Employment Tribunals nationwide including Scotland and the Employment Appeals Tribunal. David has also provided representation for individual employees in internal disciplinary proceedings. David has been certified by the Bar Council to accept instructions under the Direct Access to the Bar scheme and will happily offer advice in this respect if the circumstances of the case allow.

Stuart has been in practice at the Bar in Newcastle for over five years, having been offered pupillage in 2005 and then called in 2006. In that time he has developed a strong family law practice – that includes frequent multiple day public law and care work representing local authorities, children’s guardians and family members – which comprises the vast majority of his work, although he maintains small criminal and civil law practices. He has a considered and measured manner in conference, negotiation and court which frequently proves very popular with clients, especially within sensitive family law proceedings. He has experience undertaking high-profile work representing high profile clients, including conduct of Crown Court matters for an extremely well-known Premier League footballer, as well as securing two of only eight ‘post 3am’ drinking licences in the whole of the North of England for a high-profile leisure company. Family law practice: the vast majority of Stuart’s practice comprises public and private family law work. He has a wide range of public law experience in both the county court and the family proceedings court. This includes care work in multiple-day contested matters for the local authority and guardian, as well as parents, interveners and other family members. He also has a wide experience in private law, many involving lengthy contested hearings in contact and residence matters, Re: L hearings, as well as contested applications for injunctions (non-molestation/occupation orders and specific issue injunctions (including change of name)) as well as applications for committal. He also has experience drafting for and conducting various appeal hearings in higher courts on such matters. Crime and civil law practices: Stuart has experience dealing with high-profile clients in high profile hearings (such as conducting criminal Crown Court hearings for an extremely well-known Premiership footballer). He has enjoyed success in his burgeoning licensing practice. He accepts both defence and prosecution briefs in the Crown and Magistrates Court. He has experience of defence work in the Crown Court including organised fraud and assault matters has worked over 150 days prosecuting cases for the CPS (full days lists), Probation Services, HMRC and G4S as an agent. Stuart has a wide experience of civil law hearings – particularly small claims and fast track hearings (including credit hire matters). He has also had conduct of various fast track cases, inquests, infant approvals, bankruptcy hearings and bank charges matters, as well as drafting opinions on a range of civil law matters, including insolvency and personal injury issues. Criminal defence: Stuart has a wide experience of Criminal Law in both the Crown Court and the Magistrates Court. He has conducted defence work in the Crown Court including organised fraud and assault matters, as well as numerous multiple day hearings in the Magistrates Court on issues as wide ranging as serious assaults, large-scale theft, carrying offensive weapons, licensing violations and various driving offences. Criminal prosecution: Stuart has worked over 150 days prosecuting cases for the CPS, Probation Services, HMRC and G4S as an agent and this experience has given him a good working knowledge of their procedure and a balanced view of criminal proceedings generally, helping to represent in the most effective way the interests of whichever client he is instructed by on any given case. Civil law: Stuart has a wide experience of civil law hearings – particularly small claims and fast track hearings including credit hire matters – having undertaken many hearings for both claimant and defendant parties. He is familiar with the specific case law from the high courts regarding impecuniosity, spot hire rates and consumer credit arguments. He also has wide experience of Road Traffic Accident cases and claims for non payment by small businesses at both small claim and fast track hearings. Stuart has also had conduct of various fast track cases, inquests, infant approvals, bankruptcy hearings and bank charges matters, as well as drafting opinions on a range of civil law matters, including insolvency and personal injury issues.

Family law: the majority of David’s instructions relate to care proceedings. He receives instructions from several local authorities while also acting regularly for family members and children’s guardians. David has acted in many cases involving complex and conflicting medical evidence including factitious and induced illness, poisoning, shaken baby syndrome, sexual and all forms of physical abuse. David also accepts instructions in ancillary relief proceedings including in recent years a number of high-value cases and cases involving offshore trusts. Court of Protection: David has established a practice acting for both local authorities and family members. David appears regularly in the High Court and County Court and has made several appearances in the Court of Appeal. He has often advised local authorities upon points of law and procedural issues.

Laurie joined Dere Street in 2012 and brings with her a wealth of experience in the legal field gained in a variety of different roles, making Laurie the accomplished and experienced lawyer and advocate she is today Personal Injury Laurie has a busy practice advising and representing both claimants and defendants in all matters relating to personal injury, encompassing road traffic accidents, employers’ liability and public liability. Laurie also regularly delivers CPD accredited training in these areas. She is noted for her robust presentation of her client’s case, together with her friendly and approachable manner with lay clients and professional clients alike. Laurie’s legal career began in 2003 as a personal injury clerk for a large North East law firm with a strong trade union background. That position led onto a role with a local authority involving the investigation of accidents and illnesses caused at work and defending claims made by employees, giving Laurie a particular interest in this area. Laurie qualified as a solicitor in 2007 and continued her work in personal injury, now providing representation for claimants in the full range of personal injury claims.Having previously qualified as a solicitor and practised as such puts Laurie in the position of understanding the expectations and demands of her professional clients. Laurie is also in the advantageous position of having gained almost equal experience in both claimant and defendant work, ensuring a balanced approach and giving her a valuable insight into ‘what the other side is thinking’. Crime Laurie completed pupillage with the Crown Prosecution Service in 2008. For large portions of her time with the CPS Laurie appeared in Magistrates courts on a daily basis conducting back to back trials and gaining a wealth of trial advocacy experience. She also undertook extensive in-house training in amongst other things, disclosure, drafting indictments and witness handling. She developed an expertise in youth justice and cases involving young witnesses, and domestic violence. Since leaving the CPS in 2012 Laurie has in a short space of time developed a busy Crown Court practice. She prosecutes and defends a range of serious offences in the Crown Court. Laurie is regarded for her pro-active approach to case management and the relationships which she forges with instructing solicitors, CPS reviewing lawyers and the police. She is diligent and reliable in providing the written advice and applications which accompany her court appearances. Laurie’s ability and regard is demonstrated not least by the fact that whilst not yet a member of the RASSO panel Laurie has been entrusted to prosecute a number of cases in the youth court involving young persons charged with serious sexual offences (see below). Immigration Laurie has an in depth knowledge of the law and procedure relating to immigration, asylum, leave to remain, deportation and entry clearance. Laurie regularly travels to immigration centres around the country and has successfully represented clients at both First and Upper Tier Immigration Appeals. Regulatory Having previously worked for the Crown Prosecution Service Laurie brings her experience and training on the Code for Crown Prosecutors into her regulatory work, providing thorough and balanced advice on the merits of undertaking regulatory prosecutions. Laurie was also previously employed by a large North East local authority, working closely with their health and safety team to investigate accidents at work, ensure compliance with reporting obligations, and prevent re-occurrence, giving her a particular interest in this area. Laurie also accepts instructions in all matters relating to housing. Direct Access Laurie has been certified by the Bar Council to provide Direct Access work and is delighted to receive enquiries for any type of legal advice, drafting or representation directly from members of the public via our clerks.

Anthony enjoyed a 20-year career in the Civil Service before coming to the Bar in 2002. He has a range of experience in multi-track, fast-track and small-claim cases involving all aspects of road traffic, personal injury, and credit hire for claimant and defendant. Has undertaken advocacy work for several large local public transport companies, and regularly appears for parties (claimant and defendant) in credit hire disputes. He has a particular interest in defending credit hire claims. He has an interest in all aspects of Freedom of Information, and has experience of the Information Appeal Tribunal. Having experience of the Social Security and Child Support Appeal Tribunal, he will advise and appear in relation to any facet of this work. He has experience and will advise on quantum and liability in personal injury, in particular in relation to children and approval matters (especially regarding Counsel’s fees for attendance the latter). He also has an interest in landlord-tenant disputes and has appeared in a variety of these cases and in Anti-Social Behaviour Injunction applications and associated work, in addition to other similar work (eg waste disposal, parking disputes, neighbour disputes). He also has experience of Magistrates Court work for and in respect of several government agencies, the DWP, HMRC, the Probation Service, North Eastern Sea Fisheries Agency, the FSA and most recently the Civil Aviation Authority.

Family – public law: Jennie specialises in all aspects of public law work, regularly appearing in both County Court and High Court matters. Experienced in representing the local authority, parents (both directly and through the Official Solicitor), extended family, intervenors and children’s guardians. Takes a particular interest in representing vulnerable adults. Experienced in Court of Protection matters. Family – private law: experienced in both the County Court and High Court representing parents, extended family and Rule 9.5 guardians. Covers all private law applications at all stages. Regularly appears in cases involving allegations of domestic violence and sexual and physical abuse. Recently concluded a High Court matter involving complex foreign domicile and jurisdictional issues. Matrimonial finance and cohabitation disputes: conducts all stages of ancillary relief proceedings in both the County Court and the High Court representing both publicly and privately-funded clients. Has experience of high-net-worth cases, analysis of business accounts and agricultural/farming issues. High Court cases have included foreign domicile and jurisdictional issues, freezing/Mareva injunctions and hidden assets. Regularly advises and represents in TOLATA claims and claims under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989. Employment: experienced in all aspects of discrimination and unfair dismissal representing both claimants and respondents. Also regularly involved in cases involving breach of contract, TUPE, whistle blowing, working time regulations and the minimum wage. Experienced in representing both appellants and respondents in the EAT.

Angus Taylor

Stephen Thornton

Stephen was pupil to the late Robert Terry in 2003. He has an excellent grounding in criminal, family and civil litigation. As junior counsel in crime, Stephen regulary defends and prosecutes in equal measure in the Crown Court. He is regularly instructed in a broad range of cases; including affray, arson, fraud, firearms offences, GBH/intent and perverting the course of justice. He also has experience of Magistrates’ Courts, Court Martial’s and Parole Board adjudications. Stephen is a grade 3 CPS Panel approved advocate. In family proceedings Stephen’s strengths lay in his deft understanding of clients needs and his experience provides a particular advantage in dealing with clients from a wide spectrum. Stephen has represented Local Authorities as well as respondents and guardians. Stephen has had particular experience with respondents who lack the mental capacity to litigate and working closely with the official solicitor.

Helen Towers

In employment, Henry regularly appears in Tribunals throughout the north-eastern circuit and beyond, representing employers and employees in equal measures. In the recent past, he has been instructed in lengthy and complex cases of sexual orientation, disability discrimination, harassment on the ground of racial discrimination, dismissal on the ground of trade union activity, TUPE and whistleblowing. In civil, Henry is experienced in all aspects of personal injury law, including allegations of fraud in RTA’s and cases of low velocity impact. Henry recently had the honour of being appointed to the Attorney General’s Panel of Counsel and regularly represents the Government in Court and Tribunals.

Stephen Twist has been in practice as a barrister since 1979, in London, York and Newcastle upon Tyne. He has undertaken high-profile fraud cases at the Central Criminal Court, and has assisted the Parliamentary Information Technology Committee (1982), the Institute of Internal Auditors, and the National Computing Centre on computer fraud and security. He now divides his time between litigation in several specialist fields, including all aspects of family law, and particularly on the interface between public authorities and claimants, statutory regulation, and working as arbitrator and mediator. He is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, an accredited commercial mediator with CEDR, a panel mediator with CIArb and formerly Mediation UK, and a member of the Dispute Resolution Group at Dere Street Chambers. For the General Council of the Bar he piloted the first two BarDIRECT schemes, giving direct access for the legal services of the Bar to corporate and institutional clients. He is a former member of the Bar Council Public Access Committee. Stephen has practised as a barrister from York Chambers, twin centre chambers in York and Newcastle since 1988. Stephen is listed in Debrett’s People of Today 2011 and distinction listing in Legal500.com. Professional area: Barrister: litigation, arbitration and mediation. Practice area: administrative law, professional regulation, employment, family. Services: legal advice, services as independent arbitrator and mediator, representation in the English courts. Specialist areas of practice: arbitration, mediation and ADR practice.

Prior to commencing pupillage in September 2010, Shona spent three years working as a freelance advocate and received regular instructions from solicitors to attend county court throughout the North East in a wide variety of civil matters. Shona successfully completed a general common law pupillage under the supervision of James Brown, Andrew Walker and Michelle Temple, from September 2010 to September 2011 when she was elected as a tenant in Chambers. During her first six months she gained extensive experience across a wide range of chambers’ disciplines including, family, crime, civil, commercial chancery and employment. In her second six months of pupillage Shona developed a busy practice covering all aspects of Chambers’ work. Family law: to date Shona has gained a wide range of experience in both public and private law cases and has frequently had conduct of contested one day and multi-day matters in both the County Court and Family Proceedings Court. This has included representation of the local authority and guardian as well as representation of parents and interveners. Shona has also frequently been instructed in a variety of private law matters including contested contact and residence applications and contested injunction applications (non-molestation, occupation and specific issue injunctions).

Lindsay Webster

Lindsay has been practicing at the Bar in the North East since completion of her pupillage and has since become a specialist family practitioner who has successfully built her practice in public law and Private Law Children Act work, adoptions and injunctions. She is currently instructed by solicitors across the North East on behalf of both applicants and respondents in public and private law proceedings including local authorities, parents, extended family members, the Official Solicitor and on behalf of children’s guardians through CAFCASS legal, NYAS and in cases where it is necessary to appoint a guardian ad litem. She has attracted a reputation for her excellent client care. Lindsay now regularly represents parties at a range of hearings in the Family Proceedings Court, County Court and the High Court including fact-finding and final hearings in cases where issues have included significant emotional and physical harm, sexual abuse, removal from the jurisdiction, and in cases where there are serious allegations of non-accidental injury, fictitious illness and death of a child. Lindsay takes instructions in respect of applications brought under the Forced Marriage Protection legislation. She has experience of appellate work and has appeared at the Principal Registry of the Family Division and at the Court of Appeal in respect of care proceedings. Prior to practising as a barrister and upon completion of her education, Lindsay worked in the courts on behalf of a Newcastle firm of solicitors in all aspects of family and criminal law.

Timothy Wigglesworth

Timothy was admitted as a solicitor in 1999 and practiced in general company and commercial matters, principally acting in the sale and purchase of companies and businesses, and in banking and finance matters. Since transferring to the Bar in 2007, Timothy has developed a general Chancery practice and undertakes work in the County Court and High Courts in the following areas: bankruptcy and insolvency – acting for both creditors and debtors in individual and corporate debt issues; defending bankruptcy petitions and setting aside statutory demands; advising on petitions seeking bankruptcy or insolvency; dealing with costs issues on applications by trustees in bankruptcy; advising on the distribution of a bankrupt’s estate, and insolvent estates. Boundary and property ownership disputes – advising and representing clients on a broad range of freehold and leasehold property issues and claims, including co-ownership under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996; the enforcement of mortgages and charges; disputes as to easements and rights of way and their creation and extent; adverse possession of property and claims of limitation; party wall disputes; and disputes as to the location of boundaries.

Paul was called to the Bar in 2001 after following a career as a chartered quantity surveyor in the construction industry for 16 years. Consequently Paul’s main interests and specialist areas of practice involve construction and property. He regularly advises on, drafts statements of case and appears in court in all manner of property-related matters including construction contracts, boundary disputes, trespass, nuisance, rights of way and adverse possession. Having a detailed knowledge of the construction industry from the inside out has proved to be very useful and advantageous to Paul’s clients particularly in cases involving technically complex construction, contractual and quasi-contractual issues. As well as his construction and property practice Paul has a general common law and chancery practice with a particular emphasis on the following areas of specialism: landlord and tenant, both commercial and residential; cohabitation disputes involving the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act; Inheritance Act; professional negligence, particularly concerning professionals within construction; personal injury. In addition to his substantive practice areas Paul also has a very well-established practice in costs disputes and appears regularly in detailed assessment hearings on behalf of both claimants and defendants.

James Willoughby

After graduating, James pursued a career in investment banks in London working for UBS Warburg, Goldman Sachs and the Bank of New York before turning towards the legal profession. His practice encompasses advocacy, drafting and advisory specialising in the financial aspects of family separation and divorce. Family: divorce and matrimonial finance, Schedule 1 Children Act 1989 applications. Also applications in relation to divorce and children matters arising in connection with family breakdown and divorce. Civil: cohabitation, constructive trusts, Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 matters, costs and general civil work.

Sarah is a family law specialist, experienced in all aspects of complex public law cases. She represents local authorities, parents, extended family and children’s guardians. In the private law field, she has many years of experience in the full range of disputes concerning residence, contact and related family issues.Sarah has represented parties in the Court of Protection and has undertaken additional training in this area. She originally qualified as a solicitor and was admitted to the Roll in 1985. She transferred to the Bar in 1994. In 2006 she took a break from legal practice to complete her training and clinical practice as a psychotherapist, returning to the Bar in 2010. She has a particular interest in representing vulnerable adults and has long experience of work with troubled families.