Sophie Johnstone
Sophie joined Trinity Chambers as a pupil in October 2023 under the Supervision of Laura Jane Miller and is undertaking a specialist criminal pupillage.
EXPERTISE
Sophie has a strong background in County Court advocacy, working as an in-house advocate at a prominent solicitor’s firm in the North East. During her time in this role, Sophie dealt with a variety of hearings covering personal injury and credit hire matters. Sophie was also tasked with drafting various legal documents, including skeleton arguments, and assisted with valuing claims for opinions on quantum. Sophie is keen to develop her advocacy skills in a criminal context and Sophie is interested in both prosecuting and defending.
Whilst at university, Sophie volunteered for the National Centre for Domestic Violence. As part of this role, Sophie was tasked with calling victims of domestic abuse, and asking various difficult questions to elicit sensitive information regarding incidents to assist with the drafting of witness statements to obtain emergency injunctions (non-molestation orders and occupation orders). Sophie has experience in dealing with highly vulnerable individuals and Sophie is very keen to expand on this further in a criminal context.
Prior to pupillage, Sophie also worked in a local firm of solicitors who specialise in civil fraud and authorised push payment scams. Sophie also has experience dealing with consumer mis-selling claims under section 75 and section 140 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. Sophie spent significant time researching authorised push payment fraud, and is particularly interested in this area, and hopes to develop her knowledge of cryptocurrency scams and the recovery of crypto assets. Sophie has a particular interest in developing her experience in financial and regulatory crime.
EDUCATION
- Newcastle University LLB Hons (2.1)
- Northumbria University, Bar Professional Training Course (Very Competent) with LLM (Distinction)
AWARDS
- BPP, Advocate of the Year, Winner (2018)
- Newcastle University Client Negotiating, sponsored by DWF (runner up)
- Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR) Regional Negotiation Competition
MEMBERSHIPS
Middle Temple
Liam Gorman
Lead Criminal & Regulatory Clerk
Liam joined Chambers in August 2010 as an Office Junior after leaving school at 17. He has held a number of positions in Chambers before becoming a Criminal Clerk in 2014. In 2017 Liam became our Lead Criminal and Regulatory Clerk. In this role, Liam is responsible for the Practice Management and Development of all members within his Team. This includes fee negotiation, diary management and business development across the group.
Chambers & Partners 2024
‘Trinity Chambers has one of the best set of clerks in the North East Circuit. Liam Gorman is the lead criminal and regulatory clerk.’
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 2023
‘Clerks are attentive and quick to get back to you. Liam Gorman can sort any problem out quickly.’
Legal 500 2022
'The clerks, in particular the lead criminal clerk Liam Gorman, are excellent. Incredibly helpful and friendly and always respond quickly to queries. Have never had a problem with the service they provide, and they make everything very easy.'
'The criminal team is run to perfection by Liam Gorman.'
'Liam Gorman is a fantastic friendly clerk always willing to help.'
Chambers & Partners 2022
'The lead criminal clerk Liam Gorman is particularly good.'
'We receive exemplary service.'
Chris Gibbin
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 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.'
Alyson Hailes
Criminal & Regulatory Clerk
Alyson has a wealth of experience having Clerked at a neighbouring set for 29 years. Day to day Alyson is responsible for the Management and development of our Criminal Teams diaries. Over many years of Clerking the in North East Alyson has very strong relationships with local Solicitors who know they can rely upon her for a very high level of service.
Away from work Alyson enjoys family holidays and has had a season ticket for Newcastle united since being a child.
Chloe Lau
Criminal Clerk
Chloe joined Chambers in November 2010 as an office junior after leaving school at 17.
She has held a number of positions in Chambers before becoming a Criminal Clerk in March 2022.
Chloe is responsible for the general day to day management of the criminal team administrative activities.
Outside of work Chloe enjoys socialising with friends and spending time with her young family.