Helen Hogben
Call 2006
"A superb and fearless advocate, her commitment to her clients is second-to-none."
Legal 500
"She picks up the details of the claims quickly and had a good rapport with the clients"
Chambers & Partners
EXPERTISE
- Employment & Regulatory Law
- Education Law
Employment and Discrimination
Helen is a highly experienced barrister specialising in employment, discrimination and education law. She has been listed as a leading Junior in Legal 500 for the last 6 years and was appointed Junior Counsel to the Crown (Regional Panel B) in 2023. Whilst she was born and bred in the North-East and is a member of Trinity Chambers, she has a national practice, regularly appearing in Tribunals across England, Scotland and Wales.
Before being called to the Bar in 2006, she enjoyed a successful commercial career which has served her particularly well in employment matters, enabling her to cut quickly to the pertinent issues and offer sound, practical advice. Her client base is diverse and includes government departments, businesses, private individuals, local authorities and trade unions. She has an impressive track record in a wide range of employment law matters including unfair and wrongful dismissal, redundancy, TUPE, contract claims including applications for injunctive relief, discrimination because of sex, race, age, disability, religious belief, pregnancy and maternity, gender reassignment and sexual orientation, harassment, whistleblowing, unlawful deduction from wages and holiday pay claims.
Helen has appeared at the EAT and has represented clients in several complex and lengthy Tribunal cases. She has extensive experience in cases involving allegations of discrimination, victimisation and whistleblowing, particularly in the NHS and the Police. Recent notable cases in which Helen has appeared include:
- Dodzo -v- Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc t/a Northern Powergrid – Case No: 6001420/2023 – represented the Respondent in this 8 day final hearing for race discrimination, winning a costs order of £20,000 against the Claimant for his unreasonable conduct in April 2025.
- MacCallum v Forth Valley Health Board - Case No: 4106901/2023, Glasgow ET - represented A&E consultant in successful claim for unfair dismissal. ET found that the disciplinary process was unreasonably delayed, impairing the cogency of the evidence and causing prolonged stress. The disciplinary panel’s finding of dishonesty was also found to be unfair. ET found that no reasonable employer would have dismissed a consultant with such long and otherwise unblemished service, genuine insight, effective remediation and glowing references.
- Paul Rimmer -v- The Department for Work and Pensions – Case No: 1800113/2023 – Represented the Respondent in this case involving multiple allegations of failure to make reasonable adjustments brought by a profoundly deaf Claimant whose first language was British Sign Language (BSL). The final hearing, which lasted 13 days, was conducted with the assistance of two BSL interpreters and centred on allegations of failing to provide BSL interpreters at job seeker appointments. The majority of the allegations were dismissed although some of them succeeded and there was a finding of oppressive conduct by one DWP official. One of the key issues in the case was the effect of s55(6) of the Equality Act 2010 and whether the Tribunal had jurisdiction to hear complaints of discrimination in respect of the provision of vocational services.
- Barry Cook and Alan Newlands -v- Scottish Football Association – Case No: 4106407/2023 and 4106408/2023 - Represented two top-flight football referees in their claim for age discrimination. The 5-day hearing took place at Glasgow Employment Tribunal
- XC Trains Ltd (appellant) v. CD and others (respondents) - [2016] IRLR 748- Represented the Claimant in the Respondent’s appeal to the EAT which centred upon the issue of whether requiring a female train driver with childcare responsibilities to work a certain percentage of rotas and on Saturdays amounted to indirect sex discrimination. The EAT held that whilst the ET’s findings that the PCP put the Claimant at a particular disadvantage was unassailable, it had failed to properly weigh the employer’s legitimate aim against the discriminatory impact. The case was remitted.
- In Khan & Others –v- Chief Constable of Cleveland Police - represented two police officers in their high-profile race discrimination claims against Cleveland Police which led to an open settlement of £185,000 https://tinyurl.com/y8taexco
Education
Helen also has a thriving education law practice. She offers advice and representation to parents, schools and local authorities in cases concerning discrimination in schools, access to SEN provision, admission decisions/appeals and pupil exclusion decisions. She receives regular instructions from local authorities across the country in appeals to the First-Tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability).
Helen sits on a voluntary basis on a local authority Independent Review panel which considers appeals against permanent exclusion decisions. Acting pro bono, she recently represented two students before the IRP. The IRP quashed the school’s decision to permanently exclude them on the grounds of illegality and the students successfully completed their secondary education. One of them has since gone on to study Law at University.
APPOINTMENTS
- Government Legal Department Junior Counsel to the Crown - Regional B Panel
LECTURES & SEMINARS
Helen regularly delivers seminars and lectures in her specialist areas
MEMBERSHIPS
- North Eastern Circuit
- Gray’s Inn
- Employment Lawyers’ Association
EDUCATION & AWARDS
- Atkin Scholar (Gray’s Inn 2007)
- Best Overall Student and Best Advocate (BVC - University of Northumbria 2006)
- University of Northumbria – Bar Vocational Course (Outstanding)
- College of Law, London – Graduate Diploma in Law (Distinction)
- MA (Hons) University of St. Andrews – German & International Relations (2:1)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Helen grew up on Teesside and went to a state comprehensive school. She was the first person in her family to go to University. She has been a barrister now for almost 20 years and is passionate about making sure that that the legal profession is not just for a privileged few but welcomes as wide a range of faces and voices as possible. In 2022 she set up the Aspiring Advocates’ Programme, an outreach initiative targeted at state school pupils and she has been a governor at a local secondary school for many years. She loves jazz and all things musical and is a patron of a local charity aimed at widening access to music education in state schools. Helen is accredited under the Bar Council’s Public Access Scheme and regularly represents both individuals and SMEs directly in employment matters.
Steve Walker
Lead Business, Property & Employment 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.
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.'
Lisa Tyczynska
Employment 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.'
Aimee Cummings
Business & Property 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.
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.’
Chris Gibbin
Criminal & Family 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.'
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.
Paula McLure
Family Clerk
Paula joined Trinity in June 2016 after 26 years in HM Court Service where she reached a position of considerable respect as the Civil and Family Listing Officer for Northumbria, skills which have stood her in good stead in her new role. Paula has come to Trinity with a very sound knowledge of Court procedures, especially with regard to listing.
Outside of Chambers Paula enjoys travelling and spending time with her family and friends.
Chambers & Partners 2024
'Steven Preen, lead family clerk, Ken McLafferty, clerk, and Paula McLure, clerk, are excellent. They are always very accommodating and very helpful.'
'Steven Preen, Ken McLafferty and Paula McLure all offer a brilliant service. They are very responsive and go out of their way to assist.'
'Steven Preen and Paula McLure are at the top of their game and will go the extra mile to ensure representation is available.'
Legal 500 2024
‘Paula McLure is a huge asset, very professional and flexible.’
Legal 500 2023
‘Extremely friendly and helpful.’‘The clerks provide a good service; Steven Preen and Paula McLure are always incredibly helpful and respond quickly to requests.’
Paul McNab
Lead Housing, Personal Injury & Public Law 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 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.'
Ken McLafferty
Family & Immigration Clerk
Ken joined Trinity in March 2007 after seven years clerking in Durham, culminating in being the Senior Clerk and taking on all the responsibilities so required. Working in Durham gave him the opportunity to return to the city where he spent three years enjoying life under the guise of studying for his degree in Theology and Religious Studies.
When not following the trials and tribulations of his chosen football and baseball teams Ken enjoys cooking and tending to the charges in his allotment - where he fights a losing, and seemingly never-ending, battle against the elements, weeds, and caterpillars.
Chambers & Partners 2024
'Steven Preen, lead family clerk, Ken McLafferty, clerk, and Paula McLure, clerk, are excellent. They are always very accommodating and very helpful.'
Steven Preen, Ken McLafferty and Paula McLure all offer a brilliant service. They are very responsive and go out of their way to assist.'
Chambers & Partners 2023
'Steven Preen, lead family clerk, and Ken McLafferty, clerk, are particularly responsive to any queries and are always very accommodating.'
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.'
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.
Chambers & Partners 2024
'Steven Preen, lead family clerk, Ken McLafferty, clerk, and Paula McLure, clerk, are excellent. They are always very accommodating and very helpful.'
'Steven Preen, Ken McLafferty and Paula McLure all offer a brilliant service. They are very responsive and go out of their way to assist.'
'Steven Preen and Paula McLure are at the top of their game and will go the extra mile to ensure representation is available.'
Legal 500 2024
‘Steve Preen is fantastic.’
‘Steve Preen is outstanding, he is highly personable and very helpful. A credit to chambers.’
Chambers & Partners 2023
'Steven Preen, lead family clerk, and Ken McLafferty, clerk, are particularly responsive to any queries and are always very accommodating.'
Legal 500 2023
‘Extremely friendly and helpful.’‘The clerks provide a good service; Steven Preen and Paula McLure are always incredibly helpful and respond quickly to requests.’ ‘Steven Preen is friendly and approachable, and there to help where he can.’
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.'
Erin May
Family & Court of Protection Clerk
Erin joined Chambers in December 2023 after 15 years working as a Legal Secretary, 9 of which spent working as a PA in a busy family department in a well-regarded Newcastle based Law Firm. During this time she developed great organisational skills, knowledge of Court procedures and family processes.
Outside of Chambers Erin enjoys painting, gardening and walking her dog along the Northumberland coastline.
Molly Sinnott
Junior Civil Clerk
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.
Shannon Burns
Junior Civil Clerk
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).