Year of Call: 1989
Inn of Court: Lincoln’s Inn
Professional Qualifications
Lincoln’s Inn advocacy and ethics trainer since 2004
Called to the Bar in 1989 by Lincoln’s Inn
Admitted a solicitor in 1988
Law Society’s Finals in 1987
Common Professional Examination in 1986
Practice description
Property and Common Law Litigation
As a solicitor, I was involved in property and common law litigation. I spent several months working on a constructive trust/tracing claim. I was also involved in acting for solicitors and other professionals in partnership disputes and professional conduct issues.
I have developed a practice in solicitors’ negligence claims, partnership disputes and conduct issues. This has branched out into other professions, including accountants, financial advisers, surveyors and clinical professions. I also do solicitors’ costs cases.
I continue to be regularly instructed in contract-based litigation. This includes sale of business agreements, shareholders’ agreements, franchises, insurance, banking and construction. I also advise on and draft terms and conditions.
Assset Recovery
I do asset recovery cases, including tracing and constructive trust claims. This involves a range of remedies from summary judgment on debts to freezing injunctions. I have also been involved in applying for and resisting committal for breach of freezing injunctions.
Property Law and Property Disputes
Having had a background in property law at Gamlens (including 12 months in the property department), I have regularly been instructed in property litigation, particularly real property disputes over boundaries, easements and adverse possession. I also do landlord and tenant, mortgage and joint ownership of property litigation.
Employment Tribunals
I am regularly instructed in employment tribunal cases and have taken and resisted appeals in the EAT. These cases usually concern unfair dismissal and/or discrimination. I also advise employers on general employment issues, including equal pay and the Working Time Regulations. I have obtained and resisted injunctive relief on restrictive covenants in an employment context.
Publications
Sole contributor to Atkins’ Court Forms, Trespass to Goods and Conversion, 2006
Joint contributor to Atkins’ Court Forms, Landlord and Tenant, 2005 (and forthcoming 2009 edition)
Author, Delay in Legal Proceedings, Longman, 1994
Lectures & podcasts
Lecture on “Liquidated Damages clauses” for CLT conference on Recovery of Financial Losses in Litigation, 1st February 2008
Lecture on “Tactics on Disclosure and Requests for Information” for CLT conference on Evidence, Disclosure and Privilege in Civil and Commercial Disputes, 29th February 2008
“Damages Workshop” for CLT conference on Motor Vehicle Sale and Supply Claims and Disputes, 14th March 2008
Lectures on “Developing a Trial Strategy” and “Handling Live Witnesses” for CLT conference on Aspects of Civil Advocacy on 31st March 2008
Lecture on “Limitation update” for CLT Professional Negligence Update conference to be held on 13th March 2009
Podcast on “Are bank charges unfair?” for CPDcast.com
Podcast on “A practical guide to disclosure in litigation” for CPDcast.com
Education
1984 to 1986 College of Law, Lancaster Gate
1980 to 1984 University of Edinburgh, Politics MA, class 2i
1979 to 1980 Gap year working and travelling in France, Greece and Israel
1974 to 1979 Sherborne School, Dorset
1969 to 1974 Headfort School, Kells, Co Meath, Republic of Ireland
Interests
Seido karate, running, sport, history, politics, museums.