Patrick Goodings

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.

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.'

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.

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.'

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.

Family Clerk

Emily joined Trinity Chambers in 2022 as a Family Clerk after 1 year of working in the Employment Tribunal at Newcastle HMCTS.

In 2011 Emily achieved a first-class BA (Honours) degree in Business and Management. She then went on to have several roles within Greggs plc before becoming a Franchise Services Manager within the Business Development Team. After 9 years she decided to swap sausage rolls for baby bottles and joined the Commercial Team at Tommee Tippee where she worked until 2020.

Outside of Chambers Emily enjoys socialising with friends and family, long walks, travelling and not to mention being mother to 3 cats!

Clerk (Middlesbrough)

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 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.'

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 education and experience has stood her in good stead being in a client focused role.

Outside Chambers Fiona and her Labrador Olly volunteer with Wag & Co North East Friendship Dogs.