Call 2013
"Very creative and excellent at spotting a new point, Alice is very thorough in her work and has strong advocacy skills"
Legal 500
Alice is a sought-after specialist in public law and property law. She is the Deputy Head of the Civil Team at Trinity Chambers and a member of the Attorney General's ‘B’ Panel of Counsel (2021-2029).
Between 2021 and 2024, Alice worked in-house in the dispute resolution department of a Top 100 UK law firm. Prior to her hiatus from the self-employed Bar she was ranked by Legal 500 as a "Rising Star" in Property & Construction, Social Housing and Administrative & Public Law.
Alice is regularly instructed in a broad range of public law work. She has appeared both solo and led in the High Court, Upper Tribunals and Court of Appeal. She has significant experience in cases concerning alleged breaches of the Human Rights Act 1998 and the Equality Act 2010.
Alice’s reported cases include:
MOC (by his litigation friend MG) v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions [2022] EWCA Civ 1, [2022] P.T.S.R. 576, (2022) 25 C.C.L. Rep. 63 - sole counsel in the Upper Tribunal and led in the Court of Appeal acting for the Secretary of State in a challenge to the “hospitalisation rule” in the Social Security (Disability Living Allowance) Regulations 1991. Of note the Court of Appeal considered whether lack of capacity constituted an “other status” under Article 14 ECHR.
R (Fisher) v Durham County Council [2020] EWHC 1277 (Admin), [2020] All ER (D) 139, [2020] Env L.R. 28, [2020] H.L.R. 41, [2020] L.L.R. 565, [2020] A.C.D. 85 – led in a judicial review of a noise abatement notice served on a person with an involuntary vocalisation disorder, primarily under the Equality Act 2010.
R (Sambotin) v London Borough of Brent [2018] EWCA Civ 1826, [2019] P.T.S.R. 371, [2019] H.L.R. 5 – on the extent of a local authority’s power to revisit a homelessness decision under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996. Alice was sole counsel in the Judicial Review and led in the appeal.
Alice’s recent work includes a challenge to a local authority’s ‘direct payment’ scheme under the Care Act 2014, acting for a local authority in a challenge to the grant of a lease over public open space, acting for parish councillors in a challenge to a censure, advising in regards to school closures, acting in a challenge to a SEND decision and acting on behalf of a community forest in a planning challenge.
She also regularly appears in s.204 homelessness appeals and advises on housing standards, environmental protection, building safety, and licensing and enforcement under the Housing Act 2004. She recently successfully argued a submission of no case to answer in a noise abatement prosecution in the Magistrates’ Court.
Alice acts in the full range of landlord and tenant disputes, both commercial and residential including forfeiture & relief, possession and service charge disputes. She also accepts instructions in TOLATA claims and real property disputes.
Alice has appeared in a number of leading cases. She successfully represented a landlord in the Court of Appeal in Pease v Carter [2020] EWCA Civ 175, [2020] 1 W.L.R. 1459, [2020] 4 All E.R. 519, [2020] 2 WLUK 174, [2020] H.L.R. 21, [2020] 2 P. & C.R. 11, [2020] L. & T.R. 18 [2020] 2 P. & C.R. DG2, Times, April 28, 2020 on the applicability of the “reasonable recipient” test and “substantially to the same effect” provisions to possession notices served under s.8 Housing Act 1988.
Alice was junior counsel in Houldsworth Village Management Co Ltd v Barton [2020] EWCA Civ 980, [2020] 4 W.L.R. 107, [2020] 7 WLUK 418, [2020] B.C.C. 953, [2020] H.L.R. 46, [2020] L. & T.R. 25 concerning the rights of members of lessee-owned management companies to request company information under section 116 of the Companies Act 2006.
She was also junior counsel instructed by an intervener in the Supreme Court in McDonald v McDonald [2016] UKSC 28, [2017] A.C. 273, [2016] 3 W.L.R. 45, [2017] 1 All E.R. 961, [2016] 6 WLUK 351, [2016] H.R.L.R. 18 [2017] B.P.I.R. 728, [2016] H.L.R. 28, [2017] L. & T.R. 9, [2016] 2 P. & C.R. DG22, Times, June 29, 2016 concerning the applicability of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights to possession proceedings brought by a private landlord.
Alice has over ten year’s experience working with the social housing sector. She was described in the Legal 500 as “the go-to Barrister in Newcastle for this kind of work”. Her practice covers all aspects of landlord and tenant and social housing litigation, including:
Alice is qualified to accept instructions directly from members of the public through the Direct Access scheme.
Lack of capacity was not an ‘other status’ under Article 14 and Regulations 8, 10, 12A and 12B of the Social Security (Disability Living Allowance) Regulations 1991 (the ‘hospitalisation rule’) had an objective and reasonable justification.
The Court of Appeal considered the correct approach to requests made to lessee-owned property management companies under s.116 Companies Act 2006. It was not improper to obtain contact information for other members to propose resolutions to replace the existing directors and managing agent. Whilst rights as a leaseholder and as a shareholder are distinct, it was impossible to draw a sharp dividing line between the covenants under the lease and the affairs of the company.
Successfully represented the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions defending a challenge to the lawfulness of the 28 day ‘hospitalisation rule’ in the Social Security (Disability Living Allowance) Regulations 1991. The Upper Tribunal held that a lack of capacity was not an ‘other status’ for the purposes of Art.14 and the rule did not unlawfully discriminate against disabled adults in hospital.
Judicial review of a decision to serve a noise abatement notice on a person with an involuntary vocalisation disorder primarily on the basis of disability discrimination under the Equality Act. The High Court agreed that the matter could proceed by way of judicial review notwithstanding the existence of a right to a statutory appeal as it was ‘uncertain’ whether the Magistrates’ Court had jurisdiction to consider the EA points.
Successfully represented a private landlord in a second appeal, to the Court of Appeal, on the applicability of the “reasonable recipient” test and “substantially to the same effect” provisions to possession notices served under s.8 Housing Act 1988.
It was an entirely proper and legitimate purpose for a member of a lessee-owned property management company to seek to inspect the register of members in order to pursue the objective of effecting a change of managing agents.
Successfully represented a tenant, pro-bono, in an appeal against the decision of the First Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) to grant a Rent Repayment Order of £1. The judge held that there had been a breach of natural justice, the appeal was allowed on all grounds and the matter remitted to the FTT for a re-hearing.
Successfully represented a lessee-owned property management company in an application to the High Court seeking a direction that it need not comply with a shareholder’s request to inspect the register of members. The request was not made for a “proper purpose” because Mr Barton sought to pursue his rights as a leaseholder, not as a member of the company.
Represented the Secretary of State in this appeal concerning the test for “genuine and effective work" in relation to an EU citizen’s right to reside in the UK. The judge praised Alice’s “measured and thoughtful questioning and submissions
Successful appeal against conviction for failure to license an HMO under s.72(1) Housing Act 2004 on the basis of abuse of process. The authority had taken the decision to prosecute despite failing to deal with the landlord’s application for a license pursuant to the Act.
Successfully defeated the local authority’s appeal to the Court of Appeal. The authority were not entitled to ‘revise’ their positive decision on Mr Sambotin’s homelessness application notwithstanding the fact that a local connection referral was outstanding.
Successfully represented the local authority in the largest ever gang-injunction application against 18 members of rival gangs engaging in serious anti-social behaviour. The case received national media attention.
Successfully represented the claimant in a judicial review of a local authority’s decision to revoke a decision made under Part 7, Housing Act 1996.
Successfully opposed an appeal to the Court of Appeal on the lawfulness of a suspended sentence for breach of a gang injunction.
Successfully acted for the RLA, an intervener, in the Supreme Court on the applicability of an Article 8 defence in possession proceedings brought by a private landlord.
Steve joined Trinity Chambers in 2018 as Lead Civil Clerk. He has worked in the legal industry for 30 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.
Chambers & Partners 2026
'Steve and Aimee are an asset to the set; they're always responsive and efficient.'
'The clerks at Trinity are always first-rate professionals, with Steve Walker being especially excellent.'
Legal 500 2026
'The clerks' room is efficient, prompt and considerate to solicitors' needs. They know their tenants and play to their strengths. Steve Walker is a circuit leader in this regard, a pleasure to work with and an asset to chambers.'
'Steve Walker is a clerk suited to a London set but fortunately for clients he is based in the North East. The service provided is unlike any other in the north of England.'
'Steve Walker is always willing to go the extra mile and builds great relationships with firms.'
'Paul McNab and Steve Walker provide excellent service - they are very responsive and understand the work area and the issues involved.'
Legal 500 2025
'Steve Walker is the perfect clerk'
'Steve Walker is a personable and sensible clerk'
Chambers & Partners 2024
'Trinity has a really good clerking team. I deal mostly with Steve Walker, lead civil clerk, who is a pleasure to deal with. He and the rest of his team are very approachable and responsive.'
Legal 500 2024
‘Steven Walker is excellent.’
‘Steve Walker and Paul McNab are always friendly, approachable and make excellent suggestions as to which counsel may be best suited for a particular matter.’
Chambers & Partners 2023
'Steve Walker has a very good knowledge of the market. He is a very helpful clerk.' 'Steve Walker is very responsive and helpful.'
Legal 500 2023
‘Steve Walker has always been efficient and helpful.’ ‘All of the clerks are responsive and helpful. Steven Walker is superb.’ ‘Steven Walker will go above and beyond for his clients ensuring that instructing solicitors are matched with the right barrister matching their skill set for the matter.’ ‘Clerking is first class. Steve Walker and Josh Stewart-Tilling provide a quick and helpful service.’
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.'
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.'
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.
Chambers & Partners 2026
'The clerks genuinely want to help and will go the extra mile to resolve issues. Aimee is more than happy to take up the mantle to get hearings listed and answers from the court.'
'Steve and Aimee are an asset to the set; they're always responsive and efficient.'
Legal 500 2026
'The Clerks are always available with good humour even when we are asking for the moon on a stick. Aimee Cummings...is fantastic and willing to bend over backwards to ensure we get what we need.'
'The clerks' room is efficient, prompt and considerate to solicitors' needs. They know their tenants and play to their strengths. Aimee and Josh are rising stars in the clerking world.'
Legal 500 2025
'Aimee Bloxham is an absolute asset to chambers and has a great rapport with solicitors.'
Legal 500 2024
‘Paul McNab, Aimee Bloxham and Josh Stewart-Tilling are always on the end of the phone or email to help us find barristers with availability, even at short notice.’
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 on the sidelines at Five Ways Old Eds RFC where he played second row for many decades, or coaching the age grade players at Old Halesonians RFC. When not coaching rugby, Paul is a season ticket holder at Bristol Bears (following the demise of Wasps) and religiously follows Ireland Rugby home and away where he enjoys the occasional "sociable pint"! With more time on his hands Paul plans to learn his native Irish language in 2025!
Chambers & Partners 2026
'Paul McNab is very responsive and always helpful.'
Legal 500 2026
'Paul McNab and Steve Walker provide excellent service - they are very responsive and understand the work area and the issues involved.'
Chambers & Partners 2025
'Paul McNab is one of the best clerks we deal with. He is a credit to the chambers.'
Legal 500 2025
'The clerks' room is excellent. Paul McNab goes the extra mile to assist us and ensures that we always have access to counsel.'
'Steve Walker and Paul McNab are very responsive and a pleasure to deal with.'
Chambers & Partners 2024
'Paul McNab is always available, commercial and pragmatic.'
'Paul McNab, clerk, is the go-to person. If Paul can't do it no one can. He is the finest clerk I have worked with. He's an asset to the chambers.'
Legal 500 2024
‘Paul McNab, Aimee Bloxham and Josh Stewart-Tilling are always on the end of the phone or email to help us find barristers with availability, even at short notice.’
‘Steve Walker and Paul McNab are always friendly, approachable and make excellent suggestions as to which counsel may be best suited for a particular matter.’
‘Paul McNab is always available and always willing to assist where he can.’
Chambers & Partners 2023
'Paul McNab, clerk, is excellent and has never let me down.'
Legal 500 2023
‘Clerks are approachable and accommodating.’‘Paul McNab – contactable, adaptable, and provides a good service.’‘Paul McNab is responsive, professional and knowledgeable.’
Chambers & Partners 2022
'Paul McNab is an excellent clerk. He's responsive, reliable and personable.'
Shannon joined Trinity in 2025 as a Junior Clerk within the Civil team, after 9 years of working in a well-regarded Newcastle based law firm, working in both Administration & Accounts. During this time Shannon learned to deal with different aspects of the business and has used these transferable skills to assist her in her clerking role.
Outside of Chambers Shannon enjoys socialising with friends, spending time with her family and has recently taken up Clubbercise classes (basically dancing in the dark with glow sticks).
Molly joined Trinity in September 2025, after graduating from Newcastle University with a 2:1 BA (Hons) degree in Law with Media and Communications. Her research focused on the relationship between gender and the law within modern contexts, and gave her a solid understanding of the legal system and how it operates.
Alongside her studies, Molly worked in retail for 5 years. In this time she developed her interpersonal and organisational skills, which has aided her in her clerking role.
Outside of work, Molly enjoys socialising with friends, keeping fit and listening to music.
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 2025
'Chris Gibbin can only be described as outstanding - an unsung hero! He is a great ambassador for Trinity Chambers'
Legal 500 2024
‘Liam Gorman and Chris Gibbin are always on hand to deal with last minute issues, and have an excellent working relationship with local courts.’
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.'
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 experience has stood her in good stead being in a client focused role. Fiona also looks after Chambers Governance and Compliance, and collates Chambers submissions for the Legal Directories.
Outside Chambers Fiona and her Labrador Olly volunteer with Wag & Co North East Friendship Dogs.
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