Sophie Land
EXPERTISE
Sophie currently accepts instructions in Family and Criminal matters.
Prior to coming to the Bar, Sophie worked for a number of years in the oil & gas and software industries, gaining significant commercial experience. During the BPTC, Sophie volunteered with Support Through Court, providing support and assistance to litigants in person. She also placed highly in a number of legal skills competitions. Following completion of the BPTC, Sophie worked as a County Court Advocate, instructed in a wide range of matters including Small Claims and Housing matters.
EDUCATION & AWARDS
- Bar Professional Training Course (with LLM), Northumbria University (Outstanding, Distinction) 2018- 2019
- Ede & Ravenscroft Prize for Best Overall Performance on BPTC LLM 2019
- BPTC Princess Royal Scholarship Award from Inner Temple 2018
- BPTC Dean’s Award Scholarship from Northumbria University 2018
- Ben Hoare Contribution Honour Roll from Northumbria University 2018 & 2019
- Graduate Diploma in Law, Northumbria University (Commendation) 2017-2018
- Biochemistry with Immunology BSc Hons, Newcastle University (2:1) 2009-2012
MEMBERSHIPS
- The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple
Steven Preen
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.'
Ken McLafferty
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.'
Paula McLure
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.
Emily Nesbitt
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!
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.
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 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.'
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.
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 Clerking Assistant
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 Clerking Assistant 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.