Sarah Ismail
Call 2019
Sarah is a tenacious and meticulous practitioner who specialises in employment, housing, professional regulatory and business and property litigation.
EXPERTISE
Employment
Sarah has a nationwide practice in England and Scotland covering all areas of employment and discrimination law. Sarah represents both Claimants and Respondents. Recent cases include:
- Defending a Respondent in a 5-day hearing against allegations of unfair dismissal, wrongful dismissal, holiday pay, unauthorised deduction of wages and breach of contract. A finding of unfair dismissal was made however the Judge made a 100% deduction to compensation due to the Claimant’s misconduct. The remaining claims were dismissed.
- Defending a fashion designer in a 6-day hearing against allegations of Ordinary Unfair Dismissal, Automatic Unfair Dismissal, Maternity Discrimination, Victimisation and Notice Pay/Wrongful Dismissal.
- Successfully defending a care company against allegations of unauthorised deductions from wages and failure to pay holiday pay.
- Successfully representing a Claimant in a 3-day unfair dismissal and wrongful dismissal in Glasgow against a local authority.
- Successfully securing protective awards for 40+ Claimants due to the Respondent’s failure to collectively consult on redundancy contrary to section 188 TULRCA 1992.
Professional Discipline/Regulatory
Sarah accepts instructions in professional regulatory matters and represents professionals at fitness to practise hearings in England and Scotland. Recent cases include:
- Successfully representing a care worker in a 5-day fitness to practise hearing before the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC). Charges were proven against the worker, including a charge of dishonesty, however the Panel were persuaded that a finding of impairment does not automatically fall from a finding of dishonesty and the case against the worker was dismissed.
- Successfully representing a nurse in a 14-day hearing at the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). The nurse faced charges of verbal and physical abuse against a schizophrenic patient dating back to 2013. Sarah made a successful submission of no case to answer in respect of one charge and the Panel found the remaining charges unproven in their entirety.
Business & Property
Sarah accepts instructions in a wide range of business and property matters. Her areas of practice include:
- Contractual disputes
- Contentious probate
- Insolvency
- Contempt proceedings
- Commercial landlord and tenant disputes
- Injunctions (High Court and County Court)
- Misrepresentation
- Interim applications
- Real property disputes
- Claims under the Consumer Credit Act 1974
Housing
Sarah accepts instructions in all housing matters. Sarah is regularly instructed to draft pleadings and has experience bringing and resisting Equality Act 2010 and Human Rights Act 1998 claims. Sarah has particular experience advising and defending public and private landlords faced with allegations of housing disrepair. She also has experience in:
- Statutory nuisance (EPA 1990) prosecutions
- Possession trials
- Allocation hearings
- Anti-Social Behaviour
- Injunctions
- Interim Applications
- Homelessness
- Unlawful eviction
EDUCATION
- BPP University, LLM Legal Practice Course (Barristers) (Distinction)
- BPP University, Graduate Diploma in Law (Commendation)
- University of Huddersfield, English Literature with Creative Writing BA (First Class)
AWARDS
- Dere Street Barristers Employment Law Prize (for achieving the highest Employment Law grade on the BPTC) (2018)
- Leeds Medico-Legal Society Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence Prize (for achieving the highest PICN grade on the BPTC) (2018)
- Internship Award, Inner Temple (2018)
- Sir Joseph Priestley Award, Inner Temple (2018)
- BPP Award for Outstanding Contribution to Pro Bono (2018)
- BPP Advocacy Award (2017)
- BPP Excellence Award (2017)
- The Spirit of the Humanities Award, University of Huddersfield (2016)
- Exhibition Award, Inner Temple (2016)
MEMBERSHIPS
- The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple
Steve Walker
Lead Civil Clerk
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 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 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.’
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 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.'
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 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.'
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 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.
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 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.’