Chris Hegarty
Chris resolves disputes for businesses and individuals involved in a range of commercial, civil and Chancery problems.
EXPERTISE
Chris resolves disputes for businesses and individuals involved in a range of commercial, civil and Chancery problems. A solicitor since 2010, and solicitor-advocate since 2014, Chris has spent the last 8 years fighting cases against the largest of institutions and including novel issues.
As a former solicitor Chris has a pragmatic and efficient approach to litigation and his advice and representation reflects this. He is able to assist at every stage from the initial assessment all the way to trial and enforcement.
Professional Negligence
Chris is particularly interested in one of the most difficult problems an individual or small business can face – a dispute with their professional advisers – these are unlike other commercial disputes as there is a huge imbalance in information between a client and their adviser and specialist advice is vital.
Chris’ recent work has had him take three major investment mis-selling cases to the High Court as solicitor, Adams v Carey (decision awaited), Jackson v Leslie & Nuding and Worthing v Lloyds. Chris has successfully resolved far more cases before trial, deploying mediation and negotiation skills effectively and strategically.
Before the interest rate hedging product scandal broke, Chris was pursuing one of the first cases. Following this Chris has taken on many cases against financial professionals.
Chris is particularly proficient in cases against solicitors having worked as a solicitor for many years, he can efficiently advise on merits and options and the most effective route to redress and is presently instructed in a number of such cases.
Commercial Litigation
Alongside professional negligence work Chris deals with a broad range of commercial cases from a defective yacht, to commercial landlord issues and mis-selling of foreign property and investment schemes.
Chris accepts instructions to appear in the High Court, County Court and specialist tribunals across the range of commercial litigation, with particular emphasis on:
- Injunctive relief
- Contractual disputes
- Financial services
- Insolvency & Winding Up
- Sale of goods
- Construction cases
Housing
Chris appears for both housing providers and tenants across the range of private and social housing issues. He has been invited to give training in relation to housing disrepair. Chris has recent experience including:
- Possession proceedings involving secure tenants
- Anti social behaviour
- Housing disrepair
Property
Property disputes often involve more than just the value of the land or the problem itself. Chris takes a proactive and strategic approach to resolving these kinds of cases and is available to advise early to minimise the impact of a case on your interests.
Chris has experience of property cases from the First Tier Tribunal to the High Court.
Chris takes instructions on all types of property dispute and has recent experience in:
- Easements
- Boundaries
- Injunctive relief
- Forfeiture
Personal Injury
Chris is always keen to assist in cases where individuals have suffered serious injury and has particular experience of travel accident cases involving issues of choice of law, choice of jurisdiction and the practicalities of successfully pursuing a foreign insurer or defendant and recovering compensation.
Costs & Procedure
As a solicitor through the costs regime revolution, Chris is well-placed to deal with contested Costs & Case Management Conferences and interlocutory hearings.
CASES
Smith v Goodwin [2021] UKUT 145 (LC) - Acting for Objector at the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) in a Section 84 Law of Property Act 1925 application to discharge/modify a restrictive covenant.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Masters in Electronic & Microelectronic Systems Engineering, UMIST, 2005
- Graduate Diploma in Law, BPP Law School, 2006
- Admitted to the Roll as a Solicitor, 2010
- Higher Courts Advocate (Civil), 2014
- Called to the Bar by Middle Temple, 2018
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Chris has his own website www.chrishegarty.com containing a range of regularly updated resources, articles and case studies with a particular focus on professional negligence and financial services related disputes.
Chris is qualified to receive instructions direct from businesses, professionals and members of the public in appropriate cases.
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 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.'
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.
Chambers & Partners 2024
'The service from the clerks is first rate. There is never any delay in replying to correspondence and they are always very helpful. Josh Stewart-Tilling is the lead employment clerk.'
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.’
Legal 500 2023
‘Clerking is first class. Steve Walker and Josh Stewart-Tilling provide a quick and helpful service.’
Paul McNab
Civil & Criminal Silks' Clerk
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!
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.'
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.
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.’
Chris Gibbin
Clerk
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.'