Abigail Cheetham
Call 2019
“Abigail comes highly recommended over and above her level of call.”
EXPERTISE
Abigail specialises in social housing, employment, inquests, human rights, Court of Protection, business and property and personal injury litigation. Abigail completed pupillage under the supervision of James McHugh and Tom Tyson.
Social Housing
Abigail accepts instructions in all social housing matters. Abigail is regularly instructed to draft pleadings and to provide advice in landlord and tenant disputes. Abigail has secured numerous possession orders for landlords, resisting Equality Act 2010 and Human Rights Act 1998 defences, she has particular experience in the following matters:
- Allocation hearings
- Interim applications
- Housing disrepair trials
- Possession trials
- Subsidence
- Anti-Social Behaviour
Employment
Abigail is keen to continue to develop her practice within employment litigation. Abigail regularly provides informal and formal advice on employment law matters, including advice on settlement. Abigail has experience within the following claims:
- Unfair dismissal
- Constructive dismissal
- Redundancy
- Detriment
- Unlawful deduction of wages
- Equality Act 2010 claims
Inquests & Human Rights
Abigail is experienced in representing families within multi day inquests involving a jury, including investigations relating to Article 2 of the Human Rights Act 1998. Abigail has experience in inquests arising from deaths in custody and whilst the deceased was sectioned under the Mental Health Act 1983.
Business & Property
Abigail has a diverse business and property practice and is keen to expand her practice within these areas. Abigail has experience within the following:
- Breach of contract
- Sale of goods claims/defences
- Registration of company charges
- Professional negligence
- Misrepresentation
- TOLATA
- Contentious probate
- Interim applications
- Easement disputes
- Trespass
Personal Injury
Prior to commencing pupillage, Abigail worked as a paralegal, supporting in cases brought by individuals who had suffered catastrophic injuries. Abigail is now developing her practice within Small Claims and Fast Track trials. Abigail accepts instructions to act on behalf of Claimants and Defendants, in addition to preparing pleadings and advices.
EDUCATION
- BPP University, BPTC (Very Competent)
- The University of Manchester, Bachelor of Laws (LLB) (First Class Honours)
AWARDS
- The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple, Sir Robert Micklethwait Major Scholarship (2018)
- BPP University, Advocacy Scholarship (2018)
- The University of Manchester, Year Prize in Family Law (2018)
MEMBERSHIPS
- Government Legal Department Junior Junior Scheme
- Newcastle Junior Lawyers Division Representative
- The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Abigail has contributed to the Housing Law Weekly during pupillage. Prior to commencing pupillage at Trinity Chambers, Abigail worked as a paralegal at a law firm ranked within both Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. Within her role, she assisted with catastrophic injury litigation. Abigail previously gained experience working as a court agent for a national advocacy services provider in disciplinary hearings at the General Medical Council. For more information follow Abigail on LinkedIn.
- Steer v. Stormsure Ltd [2021] EWCA Civ 887, Abigail assisted James McHugh acting for the Respondent in the Court of Appeal. The Respondent successfully defended the Claimant's claim to extend the right to apply for interim relief within Equality Act 2010 dismissals.
- Abigail represented the family of a minor who became deceased whilst sectioned under the Mental Health Act 1983. After an extensive jury questionnaire was completed, the jury returned a narrative conclusion to outline numerous failings of the facility in the implementation of care for the minor, which contributed to her death.
- Abigail represented a family following a death in custody due to a delay in obtaining medical treatment. The jury returned conclusions relating to missed opportunities across all potential findings. Following submissions from interested parties, the Coroner made a Prevention of Future Deaths Report, pursuant to regulation 28. The regulation 28 report for this matter may be reviewed at: https://www.judiciary.uk/publications/thomas-moffett-prevention-of-future-deaths-report/
- Successfully represented Claimants to obtain damages and interest within claims arising from the Consumer Credit Act 1974.
Steve Walker
Lead Civil Clerk
Steve joined Trinity Chambers in 2018 as Civil Clerk. He has worked in the legal industry for over 20 years, initially as a Litigation Executive at a number of firms in Manchester and then, from 2004, as a Clerk at leading sets in Manchester, London and Newcastle. Having worked as a litigator for many years prior to becoming a clerk, Steve is acutely aware of the pressures Chambers’ clients work under and goes out of his way to ensure the service they get from Chambers goes beyond that of our competitors.
As well as day to day management of the civil diary Steve is heavily involved in business development and client relationship management for the Civil Team. He is always more than happy to discuss with clients how Chambers, Members of Chambers and the Clerks might tailor the service we offer to best suit your needs.
Legal 500 2022
'Steve Walker is excellent. He takes the time to understand the problem and works around the clock to ensure expectations are met.'
Chambers & Partners 2022
'Steve Walker is responsive and very helpful.' 'Steve Walker is very hard-working and does a good job looking after the barristers.' 'Steve Walker is very proactive, easy to talk to and will sort things out if we need any help.'
Josh Stewart-Tilling
Lead Employment Clerk & Civil Clerk
Josh joined Trinity in 2020 as a Clerk on the Civil team after working for 5 years in business management. The transferable skills gained have enabled him to make this change in career and given him the chance to revert back to his university degree in Philosophy and Theology.
Within the Civil clerking, Josh heads up the clerking of the Employment Law team.
Outside of Chambers Josh enjoys playing football and following his beloved Newcastle United where he has had a season ticket since he was a young boy. He also enjoys playing music as part of a band, predominantly playing drums but plays piano and sax as well.
Paul McNab
Civil & Criminal Silks' Clerk (Leeds)
Paul joined Trinity Chambers in March 2020 following the closure of Zenith Chambers.
Paul has a wealth of experience in the legal profession having commenced his career in the late 80's and qualified as a legal executive in the early 90's whilst working for one of the countries largest criminal law firms dealing with serious criminal cases before moving to Number One Fountain Court in Birmingham as the Senior Clerk. Following the merger of Number One with St Philips Chambers in 2002 Paul became the Senior Criminal Clerk looking after what was then the largest criminal team in the country at the time.
Paul took almost a decade away from clerking during which he was the Chief Executive of an International Law firm specialising in domestic and international public law and human rights law adding a range of business and management skills to his CV before returning to the Bar in 2017 as the Senior Civil Clerk at Zenith Chambers in Leeds.
Away from chambers Paul can be found packing down in the second row although he has been on the verge of "retirement" from club rugby for the last three seasons but as a former club captain it's difficult to let go. When Paul does hang his boots up he plans to start learning to play the guitar again. When not playing rugby Paul is a season ticket holder at Wasps RFC and religiously follows Ireland Rugby home and away where possible where he enjoys the occasional "sociable pint"!
Chambers & Partners 2022
'Paul McNab is an excellent clerk. He's responsive, reliable and personable.'
Aimee Bloxham
Civil Clerk
Aimee joined Trinity in 2021 as a Junior Clerk within the Civil team, after 1 year of working as a litigation paralegal in a well-regarded, Newcastle based law firm. Here she developed an eye for detail and great organisational skills, moreover she gained a sound understanding of court procedures and litigation paperwork.
Aimee achieved a first-class BA (Honours) degree in Children and Young People from Newcastle College University Centre in 2019. She completed a dissertation on the advantages and challenges of standardised testing in primary schools and comparatively researched the difference between testing in both Year 2 and Year 6. While studying for her BA degree, Aimee worked in a nursery for 2 years where she was able to enhance her communication skills and teamworking abilities.
Outside of chambers Aimee enjoys walking her dog along the beach, socialising with friends, and travelling
Fiona Bullock
Direct Access Clerk
Fiona joined Trinity Chambers in 2007 after an established career in some of Scotland's top hotels and restaurants.
After gaining a BA in Hotel Catering and Management, Fiona progressed with her Food and Beverage Management career and on moving to the North East, she became one half of a North Yorkshire restaurant.
Fiona is Chambers Direct Access clerk and has found that her previous education and experience has stood her in good stead being in a client focused role.
Outside Chambers Fiona and her Labrador Olly volunteer with Wag & Co North East Friendship Dogs.
Chris Gibbin
Clerk (Middlesbrough)
Chris had over 9 years experience as a Senior Clerk in a barristers chambers in Middlesbrough before joining Trinity Chambers. Prior to that Chris worked in the Lord Chancellors Department, now HM Courts and Tribunals Service, at Teesside Combined Court Centre for over 10 years. During that time Chris covered most areas but the majority of his experience was gained in dealing with Criminal and Family Law matters. Chris’ latter years in the LCD were spent in the Listing Office at Teesside Crown Court where he developed his skills which ultimately saw him transferring to his role in a barristers chambers.
Chris is a member of the Institute of Barristers Clerks.
Outside of work Chris enjoys playing cricket for Marske Cricket Club in the North Yorkshire and South Durham League, watching football and rugby and socialising.
Legal 500 2022
'Chris Gibbin is an extremely helpful and experienced clerk.'
'The Teesside branch is spearheaded by Chris Gibbin who is extremely helpful and efficient.'
Chambers & Partners 2022
'I cannot fault the clerking services – Chris Gibbin in Middlesbrough is very helpful, offers prompt responses and is always willing to assist.'
Steven Preen
Lead Family Clerk
Steve Preen joined Trinity in October 2011 after earning a position of considerable respect in HM Court Service where he worked for 17 years; he has come to Trinity with a very sound knowledge of Court procedures, especially on the Civil side.
Outside of Chambers Steve enjoys playing football at a semi professional level. He has undertaken an FA coaching certificate and coaches youngsters on a voluntary basis at a local club. He also enjoys spending time with his family and two children.
Legal 500 2022
'The family clerking is led by the dynamic Steven Preen and the unflappable Ken McLafferty who compliment each other to great effect.'
'Ken McLafferty and Steve Preen are excellent. They are friendly, accommodating and efficient.'