"Kelvin is the alchemist of legal complexity and dedication – his ability to condense globalised legal complexities into entirely digestible and persuasive nutrition for Judges is exquisite. He is forensic in his approach but entirely approachable" Legal 500
Kelvin Rutledge K.C. is a specialist in local government law. His practice covers most areas of local authority activities but with particular emphasis on housing, adult social care, children’s services, land dealings and governance. He regularly represents local authorities in judicial review cases, appeals, civil trials and inquests. He has related expertise in human rights, European and discrimination law and is also a highly experienced and knowledgeable property lawyer. He is mainly based in London, where he is a member of Cornerstone Barristers, but has a strong client base in the North and North East.
Kelvin was appointed Queen's Counsel in 2013. His wide experience as an advocate includes appearances in the UK Supreme Court and the European Court of Justice. Around 100 of his past cases appear in the law reports. He has for a number of years trained students of Middle Temple on ‘Appellate Advocacy’.
Kelvin provides advocacy, advisory and drafting services in relation to a wide range of topics including homelessness and housing allocation schemes, care homes, housing finance, elections, land appropriation, leaseholder's rights, ombudsman's complaints, ordinary residence disputes and equality duties. He regularly provides assistance to authorities on matters of policy and public governance. He also appears and advises in related areas of private law.
Common themes running through the directory entries are that Kelvin is a knowledgeable and technically-able lawyer, a tenacious advocate with a friendly and accessible manner, and that clients enjoy working with him. He has a strong work ethic and can be relied upon to meet deadlines.
Kelvin’s past cases include some of the leading authorities in his areas of practice. In the adult social care field he represented the successful councils in Slough BC v M, in which the House of Lords redefined “care and attention”, and in McDonald v Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, in which the Supreme Court gave important judgments on resources, human rights and equality duties. His social housing cases include Hotak v Southwark LBC (definition of 'vulnerability'), Runa Begum v Tower Hamlets LBC (homelessness reviews), and Kay v Lambeth LBC, Powell v Hounslow LBC and Hall v Leeds CC (possession proceedings and human rights), all decisions of the Supreme Court or House of Lords.
Kelvin has substantial experience and tactical knowledge and expertise of judicial review, especially defence work. In particular, he has considerable knowledge and experience of defending decisions to reduce public services: see, for example, R(McDonald) v Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea in the Supreme Court. Due to careful handling, many of these cases do not go to a full hearing. For disputes concerning the interplay between local government and health services see R(LB Greenwich) v Secretary of State for Health [2006] EWHC 2576 (Admin). For claimant work, see R (Structadene) v LB Hackney (2001) 82 P. & C.R. 25 (acted for successful claimant against local authority's failure to sell land for best value). For factually sensitive cases see R(M) v LB Hackney [2009] EWHC 2255 (Admin) (successfully defended local authority's decision not to rehouse a highly vulnerable individual who was a convicted paedophile). For politically sensitive cases see Ibrahim v LB Harrow [2008] 2 C.M.L.R. 30 (housing duties for spouse of EU worker – appeared in ECJ in Luxembourg, subsequent national press coverage), R(Beale) v LB Camden [2004] EWHC 6 (Admin) (the "Camden ALMO case") and Swords v Secretary of State for Communities & Local Government [2007] EWCA Civ 795 (both high profile challenges to council housing stock transfers).
Chambers & Partners recognises that Kelvin Rutledge has a formidable reputation in the social housing sector describing him as "exceptional", "leaves no stone unturned in his preparation." His thorough and detailed approach is complemented by a "wonderfully accessible and friendly manner," which naturally means he is "adored by clients." The Legal 500 describes him as an "outstanding housing lawyer".
Kelvin's experience includes:
Representing clients in the Administrative Court, Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court in the full spectrum of health and social care matters, including adult and child social care, mental capacity and mental health law.
Acting on behalf of local authorities, healthcare providers, families and individuals.
Instructed on major strategic matters such as budget setting and formulation of policy and procedure, as well as commercially and reputationally sensitive cases including judicial review proceedings.
Administrative Law Bar Association (ALBA)
Kelvin is a well-known speaker at both national and regional conferences and training programmes on topics relating to his fields of specialism. He provided national training on the Care Act 204 and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
Inside Housing - Housing associations could be vulnerable to judicial review if they refuse to sell tenants the homes they are living in under the extended Right to Buy 22nd June 2016
Inside Housing has published an article which considers a legal opinion by Kelvin Rutledge QC and Ashley Bowes. The legal opinion commissioned by Future Housing Review, states that there is no legal barrier to prevent a housing association exempting its entire portfolio under the extended Right to Buy scheme, providing it adopts a policy explaining why the homes should not be sold. The opinion notes that tenants may have grounds to judicially review the decision to exclude their property.
Message from the Heads of Team…what lies ahead in Housing? 14th October 2014
Solicitors Journal - Cracking down on disruption 30th March 2009
'Cracking down on disruption: Premises closure orders' for the Solicitor's Journal
Judicial Review and Support for Persons From Abroad 1st January 2009
The Local Government Group's Judicial Review and Support for Persons From Abroad.
Housing Law; Lime Legal’s Allocation & Homelessness 1st January 2008
Annual conference: Jordan's Housing Law; Lime Legal's Allocation & Homelessness
Solicitor's Journal - In Possession, Blogging the Law 4th August 2006
Author of 'In Possession, Blogging the Law' for the Solicitor's Journal.
Journal of Housing Law: Homelessness Law 1st January 2006
Author of 'Homelessness Law: Interim Accommodation and the EEA National' for the Journal of Housing Law.
R (Redcar & Cleveland BC v Secretary of State for Business Enterprise & Regulatory Reform, HC (offshore wind farm)
Stanley v Ealing LBC, CA (house in multiple occupation, conversion of single dwelling into self-contained flats)
Rogers v Islington LBC, CA (basic definition of house in multiple occupation)
Jones v Tower Hamlets LBC, CA (copyright, design of social housing estate)
R v Hackney LBC ex p Structadene, HC (sale of commercial land, meaning of "disposal")
R (M) v Hackney LBC, HC (transfer application; protection of the public overrides personal need)
Alam v Tower Hamlets LBC, HC (reasonable preference for the statutory homeless)
R(Swords) v Secretary of State for the Communities & Local Government & Tower Hamlets LBC, CA (stock transfer)
Cramp v Hastings BC / Phillips v Camden LBC, CA (homelessness inquiries, second appeals)
Tower Hamlets LBC v Rikha Begum, CA (repeat applications)
Osmani v Harrow LBC, HL (former asylum-seekers, Government's dispersal policy, local connection, meaning of 'own choice')
Runa Begum v Tower Hamlets LBC, HL (homelessness, statutory reviews, compatibility with ECHR Art 6)
R v Camden LBC ex p Pereira, CA (definition of "vulnerability")
Ealing LBC v Surdonja, CA (definition of local connection)
O'Rourke v Camden LBC, HL (availability of damages for breach of statutory duty)
Konodyba v Kensington & Chelsea RLBC, CA (A8 national; derogation from EC Treaty)
Ehiabor v Kensington & Chelsea RLBC, CA (eligibility of child born in the UK who was not a British citizen)
Harrow LBC v Ibrahim, CA/ECJ (EU15 national exercising "Baumbast" rights of residence in the UK)
Putans v Tower Hamlets LBC, HC (eligibility, A8 national, free-movement rights, compatibility with EU law of regulations restricting definition of 'worker')
Mohamed v Harrow LBC, HC (eligibility, EU15 national, meaning of 'work-seeker', discrimination)
R (McDonald) v Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, CA (domiciliary care, human rights. Local authority entitled to meet assessed need in most economical manner)
R (Z) v London Borough of Hillingdon, HC (blind asylum-seeker, need for care and attention)
R (JL) v London Borough of Islington, HC (respite care, eligibility criteria for children's services)
R v Slough Borough Council ex p M, HL (definition of "care and attention"; HIV, asylum-seekers)
R(Greenwich LBC) v SSH & Bexley Council, HC (responsibility for residential care costs of local authority in whose area applicant ordinarily resided before she became a person in need of care and attention)
Islington LBC v UCHL NHS Trust, (availability of damages against tortfeasor by social services authority providing residential care to victim)
R(Gjini) v Islington LBC, CA (asylum support by local authority, lawfulness / rationality of payments made)
Hackney v Satu, CA (asylum support by local authority, whether authorities were obliged to pay the same rates as NASS)
R v Newham LBC ex p Gorenkin, HC (asylum support)
Alexander-David v Hammersmith & Fulham LBC, CA (grant of tenancy to 16/17 year olds)
Bristol CC v Hassan & Glastonbury, CA (suspended possession orders, appropriateness of prescribed form)
Kay v Lambeth LBC, HL ("short-life" housing scheme; rights of sub-tenants; ECHR Art 8 rights)
Tower Hamlets LBC v Rahanara Begum, CA (possession proceedings, human rights, public law defences)
R (Beale & Carty) v Camden LBC, HC (transfer of management to an ALMO, tenant consultation)
R v Brent LBC ex p Morris & Walters, CA (demolition of housing estate, tenant consultation)
Kingston-Upon-Thames RLBC v Prince, CA (minor's rights of succession to tenancy)
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 packing down in the second row although he has been on the verge of "retirement" from club rugby for the last three seasons but as a former club captain it's difficult to let go. When Paul does hang his boots up he plans to start learning to play the guitar again. When not playing rugby Paul is a season ticket holder at Wasps RFC and religiously follows Ireland Rugby home and away where possible where he enjoys the occasional "sociable pint"!
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.'
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.
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 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.’
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