Fiona Todd
Call 2014
Ranked as Leading Junior in the Legal 500 2025:
Chancery, Probate & Tax, “A very thorough junior with a logical approach.”
Property & Construction, “…extremely thorough, very friendly and always on hand to help.”
EXPERTISE
Fiona has a busy commercial chancery practice focussed on property, contentious probate, insolvency and commercial disputes. She has particular interests in succession involving international elements, insolvent estates and property insolvency.
With a wealth of experience, Fiona is a skilled advocate who frequently stands as sole counsel in the High Court, County Courts and the First-Tier Tribunal.
Fiona provides pragmatic and strategic legal guidance. Her clientele ranges from banks, professionals and corporations to local authorities and individuals navigating litigation for the first time.
Fiona’s current and recent case load includes:
- Acting in a high profile contentious probate claim in the High Court involving issues of domicile, Belgian and Russian laws of succession and validity of a will.
- Representing and advising in various neighbour disputes, including a right of way dispute over a former farm property and a boundary dispute which turned on the application of the hedge and ditch presumption.
- Representing and advising the former owners of a veterinary practice on a £2m claim relying on various instances of breach of an SPA.
- Successfully obtaining summary judgment on behalf of a company which brought a fraud claim against a former employee.
- Representing administrators in the context of seeking Berkeley Applegate relief and an extension of the period of administration.
Property
Fiona has experience in a number of areas of in real property including easements, adverse possession, boundary disputes, land registration, nuisance, trusts of land and co-ownership issues, and landlord and tenant work.
Fiona particularly enjoys property insolvency work, including issues of forfeiture and insolvent tenants, and disclaimer.
Examples of her recent work include:
- Successfully acting for a service charge company in a complex service charge dispute against a litigant in person in the First-tier Tribunal.
- Acting for the Applicant in an on-going adverse possession application in the First-tier Tribunal in circumstances where the Respondent died during the proceedings.
- Advising and drafting a defence in a neighbour dispute arising out of flooding and encroachment
- Successfully acting for and advising a lender in a possession claim where the Defendants were relying on securitisation as a defence.
- Advising a social club in relation to interference with their parking easement by a supermarket.
- Successfully representing a property owner in a nuisance claim arising out of Japanese knotweed.
Wills, Trusts & Probate
Fiona has established an impressive probate practice. She is well-versed in Inheritance Act claims, the construction and rectification of wills, the validity of wills, and removal of personal representatives. In addition, she has a particular interest in disputes involving issues of domicile and international succession.
Examples of Fiona’s recent work include:
- Acting in the Morina v Scherbakova litigation. This was a trial before Mrs Justice Bacon in the High Court spanning 3 weeks. The dispute concerned the estate, estimated at a value of £100 million, of Vladimir Scherbakov, a Russian businessman who died in Belgium in 2017. The issues included the domicile of the deceased, the applicable laws of succession governing his worldwide moveable estate (Russian, English or Belgium), the validity and revocation of a will dated October 2015 and the suppression of the original copy of that will by the deceased’s ex-wife and adult children.
- Representing executors who sought a declaration from the High Court on the construction of a will which left a substantial sum to either a political party or a charity.
- Providing an opinion on settlement for the court in connection with an infant approval.
- Advising on whether inter vivos gifts made by the deceased were challengeable by reason of lack of capacity or undue influence.
Insolvency
Fiona acts for and against liquidators, trustees in bankruptcy, receivers and administrators in connection with a wide range of insolvency matters. She regularly appears as sole counsel at trials and applications, but equally has a busy paper practice.
Fiona has substantial experience of winding up proceedings, including injunctions to restrain presentation/advertisement of petitions, recission of winding up orders and disputed debts. Her in-depth familiarity with local court practices proves invaluable to her clients, particularly in cases requiring swift action.
In addition, Fiona is well-versed in bankruptcy proceedings, including applications to set aside statutory demands and annulments.
She has experience at appellate level, recently dealing with an appeal against the dismissal of a bankruptcy petition in circumstances where the District Judge had failed to apply the correct test as to whether there was a genuine triable issue of duress.
Fiona also has particular expertise in the insolvent estates of deceased persons.
Examples of her recent work include:
- A successful application by an administrative receiver to defer the date of dissolution of a company where the office holder was in negotiations with a Dutch trustee regarding dividends due from a number of SPVs.
- Advising Joint Liquidators on the validity of their appointment in light of section 318 of the Companies Act 2006.
- Successfully obtaining an order for possession and sale of a bankrupt’s property where the Respondents contended the property was held on trust.
- Advising on an alleged set-off said to arise in respect of debts and dealings between the company and a former director.
Commercial
Fiona acts in a broad range of commercial disputes where her pragmatism and commercial approach are particularly valued by her clients. Particular areas of emphasis include contractual disputes of all kinds ranging from building disputes to unjust enrichment claims, sale of goods and consumer credit.
Recent examples of Fiona’s work include:
- Obtaining summary judgment against a former employee accused of fraudulently diverting company funds to her own accounts.
- Acting for the successful Claimants in a 3 day trial for delivery up of goods under the Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977.
- Drafting particulars of claim in a dispute arising from the installation of a renewable heating system under the Domestic Heat Incentive Scheme Regulations 2014.
- Advising and successfully representing Defendants in a claim for specific performance of a contract of sale where the Claimant had applied for default judgment and the Defendants made a cross application for relief from sanction.
- Drafting proceedings for a local authority seeking an Enforcement Order under the Enterprise Act 2002 in respect of a local hotel.
- Advising in a potential claim under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974.
PUBLICATIONS
- Contributor to Bailey and Groves: Corporate Insolvency 2024
MEMBERSHIPS
- Chancery Bar Association
- Property Bar Association
- ConTrA
- Women in Property (and mentor under mentorship scheme)
EDUCATION
- Law (LLB) Hons, University of Edinburgh: 2007 – 2011 (including Erasmus year at Université de Toulouse)
- Graduate Diploma in Law: 2012 – 2013
- Bar Professional Training Course (Outstanding): 2013 – 2014
AWARDS
- Trinity Chambers Prize for Best Overall Student on the BPTC: 2014
- Parklane Plowden Prize for Excellence in Advocacy: 2014
- Dean’s Award Scholarship for the BPTC: 2013 - 2014
Steve Walker
Lead Civil Clerk
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.
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. 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.’
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.’
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!
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.'
Lisa Tyczynska
Leeds Clerk
Lisa joined Chambers in September 2024, after 6 years clerking the Civil & Family Team at St Paul’s Chambers.
Prior to her clerking experience, Lisa worked in International business for one of the largest retail companies where she gained a wealth of knowledge in business analysis and project management. During this time Lisa learned to deal with different aspects of the business and has used these transferable skills to assist her in her clerking role.
Away from Chambers Lisa coaches an all-girls U7 football team and enjoys spending time with her family.
Legal 500 2022
'Excellent service consistently from Lisa Tyczynska.'
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 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.
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.'