Call 2010
James has extensive experience in dealing with complex disputes nationwide across both England and Scotland. He is valued by clients for his calm and reassuring manner in addition to his ability to get to the heart of a dispute quickly.
James has been at Trinity Chambers since 2011 and has extensive experience in dealing with complex disputes nationwide across both England and Scotland. He is valued by clients for his calm and reassuring manner in addition to his ability to get to the heart of a dispute quickly. James has been a member of the Attorney General’s Regional B Panel of Counsel for a number of years.
James’ principal areas of practice include:
James has a nationwide practice in both England and Scotland covering all areas of employment law, including discrimination, wrongful and unfair dismissal (including redundancy), restrictive covenants, trade union detriment and whistleblowing. James represents both Claimants and Respondents including individuals, trade unions, local authorities, SMEs and large companies.
James regularly accepts instructions in complex, multi-day hearings in both the Employment Tribunal and at appellate level and he also provides advice and drafts pleadings on all aspects of employment and discrimination law.
Notable cases James has appeared in include:
Steer v. Stormsure Ltd [2021] EWCA Civ 887 – represented the Respondent in the Court of Appeal in a landmark decision regarding whether the right to Interim Relief should be extended to dismissals that were discriminatory under the Equality Act 2010. The Claimant had alleged that the failure of domestic law to provide such a remedy was incompatible with her rights under Article 14 of the ECHR. The Claimant’s appeal was dismissed.
Cowie v. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service [2022] ICR 1693 – represented the Claimants in the EAT in a case relating to the definition of ‘unfavourable treatment’ and ‘substantial disadvantage’ arising out of the operation of the Respondent’s Special Leave policy during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Balcerzak v. George Birchall Service Limited [2022] EAT 202 – represented the Claimant in the EAT in one of the only appellate cases to provide guidance on whether it would amount to ‘injustice’ to reject a claim based on an error in the ACAS Early Conciliation Certificate.
Dixon v. Econ Engineering Ltd [2020] ICR 1331 – represented the Claimants in the EAT in a case relating to whether a variable profitability bonus paid to employees fell within the definition of “a week’s pay” for the purposes of s.221(2) Employment Rights Act 1996.
James acts in and advises on a wide variety of commercial disputes in both litigation and ADR for clients from a wide range of industries. He covers all aspects of Business and Property work including commercial and traditional chancery, real property, professional negligence and insolvency.
Notable cases James has been recently involved in include:
Dunelm Geotechnical and Environment Ltd v Bray Cranes Ltd [2023] EWHC 2661 (Comm) – successfully represented the Claimant in a High Court breach of contract dispute relating to whether an industry standard limitation of liability clause had been properly incorporated into a crane hire contract.
Russell Stewart Lacy v. Homeselect Finance (No.3) Ltd [2023] UKUT 231 (LC) – represented the Respondent landlord in an Upper Tribunal case regarding the liability of tenants to pay service charges and the reasonableness of costs incurred under s.27A Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.
James' housing practice covers a wide variety of litigation including disrepair, possession proceedings, anti-social behaviour injunctions, closure orders and unlawful eviction. He has a particular interest in cases involving discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.
James is also instructed by landlords and local authorities in relation to statutory nuisance prosecutions brought by tenants under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Prior to coming to the bar James worked for a large national advice charity and has experience both advising and working with third sector housing providers.
James has extensive experience advising and representing individuals, government departments, local authorities and third sector organisations in claims for discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.
In addition, James has experience advising and representing individuals, local authorities and government departments on claims involving unlawful detention and the Human Rights Act 1998.
James was recently an Associate Lecturer in Employment Law on the BPTC at Northumbria University. In addition to this James regularly provides seminars and training to solicitors and other professionals on all aspects of employment, business and property law.
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.’
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.'
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.'
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 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.'
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