- Human Rights (ECHR)
- Wrongful Arrest
- Death in Custody
- False Imprisonment
- Police Assault
- Police Misconduct & Negligence
- Unlawful Detention
- Malicious Prosecution
Civil Liberties & Human Rights
Areas of expertise include:
- Misfeasance in Public Office
- Coroners’ Inquests
- Housing
- Homelessness
- Unlawful Eviction
- Prison Law
- Immigration & Asylum
- Equality Act Discrimination
- Data Protection
- Mental Health
- Community Care
- Health & Social Care
- Planning
- Legal/Medicinal Cannabis
- Industrial Hemp
- Cannabidiol (CBD) Products
Civil Liberties & Human Rights Barristers
Trinity Chambers' Civil Liberties and Human Rights barristers are a diverse multidisciplinary team with experience and knowledge in all of the key areas of practice that affect and impact on the civil liberties and human rights of individuals, organisations and communities. The balance in the team is reflected in its broad spread of instructions received from both Claimant and Defendants alike for what are often urgent Human Rights related Judicial Review proceedings.
The experienced team recognise the importance of maintaining the balance of interests between individuals, organisations and communities whose rights may have been breached, and the interests of the State in its various forms, such as Local Authorities, Government departments or agencies such as the Police, NHS, HM Revenue & Customs or HM Prison Service.
Trinity’s Civil Liberties and Human Rights barristers are experienced in dealing with a wide range of civil claims against the Police for alleged Human Rights breaches. These include wrongful arrest, unlawful detention, Police misconduct/negligence, Police assaults, as well as death in custody cases leading to Coroners' inquests before a jury.
The team also deals with Human Rights issues arising from immigration and asylum, housing law, prison law, health, social and community care, Court of Protection, vulnerable adults and education, including civil claims for unlawful detention and claims for discrimination under the Equality Act 2010 and Article 14 ECHR.
As it is not uncommon for the State to be involved in issues which take place outside of the UK, Trinity’s Silks and barristers can advise in relation to extra-territorial cases.
- Claims for damages arising from police misconduct, including claims for false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, assault, negligence, and misfeasance in public office.
- Claims for Judicial review and/or damages arising from criminal investigations and prosecutions, including claims for malicious prosecution, false imprisonment, and challenges to search warrants obtained by the police and other law enforcement bodies such as HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and National Crime Agency (NCA).
- Actions arising out of public protests and demonstrations, including unlawful arrest and false imprisonment.
- Judicial Review challenges to Police decisions, such as the refusal to allow peaceful protests and demonstrations.
- Deaths whilst being held in or following Police custody.
- Claims for damages for injury or death following Police pursuits, including road traffic.
- Claims for damages arising from the actions of undercover police officers and CHIS (Covert Human Intelligence Sources).
- Claims arising out of breach of privacy laws following police or state sanctioned surveillance.
- Judicial Review challenges to failures to charge and/or prosecute.
- Judicial Review and /or claims for damages arising out of misuse of counter terrorism powers.
- Claims for Judicial Review and/or damages arising out of unlawful detention at Immigration Detention Centres (IDCs).
- Claims for Judicial Review and/or damages arising out of assaults and mistreatment during IDC detention.
- Human Trafficking.
- Asylum and International protection.
- Deportation challenges.
- Protecting the rights of vulnerable individuals including children.
- European Free Movement for GB and European citizens.
- Commercial and Business Immigration, including the points-based system.
- Family and child immigration.
- Sponsor licenses for education and business.
Whenever there is a death in custody in controversial circumstances involving a state body or public authority, including while in police custody or while in detention in prison, an immigration detention facility or a psychiatric hospital, there is a need for an inquest to help establish the cause of death, including whether any of the events leading up to the death were a contributory factor. This also extends to cases where the authorities knew that the deceased was at risk from violent crime and failed to protect them. This can include people in prison killed by violent prisoners, disabled people killed after bullying and harassment, and victims of racist attacks.
- Inquests where the deceased died in prison whether as a serving prisoner or on remand.
- Civil claims for damages following deaths in prison whether as a serving prisoner or on remand.
- Inquests where the deceased died in police custody or following contact with the police. This includes police shootings and deaths related to restraint and use of force.
- Civil claims for damages where the deceased died in police custody or following contact with the police. This includes police shootings and deaths related to restraint and use of force.
- Inquests where the deceased died whilst being held in an immigration detention facility or any other UK Border Agency (UKBA) facility including transfers between authorities.
- Judicial Review challenges against local authorities and social landlords in homelessness cases.
- Judicial Review challenges against local authorities and social landlords in allocation of social housing.
- Judicial Review challenges against local authorities in housing policies.
- Unlawful Eviction.
- Rights of Gypsies, Travellers and Roma.
- Judicial Review and/or damages claims against landlords under the Equality Act 2010 and Article 14 ECHR.
- Claims for damages against private landlords under the Equality Act 2010.
Trinity’s barristers draw on a variety of core legal practice areas in civil, family, Court of Protection and criminal law to safeguard the rights of its clients. They have expertise in health and social care, mental health including mental capacity and can provide expertise in a broad range of issues on behalf of individuals in relation to their physical and mental health, disabilities and the need for care and treatment. In addition, the team act in cases dealing with service provision and associated regulatory issues.
- Issues concerning healthcare, including mental health issues.
- Inquests arising out of healthcare issues, including healthcare issues in prison and/or police custody.
- Community care issues.
- Healthcare cases arising out of immigration cases.
- Judicial Review challenges to national and local government decisions that impact on healthcare in national and local communities.
- Challenging local and national education decisions and policies on behalf of those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
Trinity's team advise on a wide range of issues relating to legal/medicinal cannabis, industrial hemp, and cannabidiol (CBD) related products, including licensing, enforcement, advertising, storage, distribution and importation (including condemnation proceedings).
Team members also have experience in investigations and enforcement proceedings brought against hemp and CBD related businesses including manufacturers, retailers and distributors. Conversely, team members are also experienced in bringing litigation against licensing and governmental authorities on behalf of CBD/hemp companies.
- CBD, hemp and medical cannabis licensing
- The application of the Exempt Product Criteria (EPC) to products
- Novel food authorisation
- The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), Food Standards Agency and Trading Standards
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 on the sidelines at Five Ways Old Eds RFC where he played second row for many decades, or coaching the age grade players at Old Halesonians RFC. When not coaching rugby, Paul is a season ticket holder at Bristol Bears (following the demise of Wasps) and religiously follows Ireland Rugby home and away where he enjoys the occasional "sociable pint"! With more time on his hands Paul plans to learn his native Irish language in 2025!
Chambers & Partners 2025
"Paul McNab is one of the best clerks we deal with. He is a credit to the chambers."
Legal 500 2025
'The clerks' room is excellent. Paul McNab goes the extra mile to assist us and ensures that we always have access to counsel.'
'Steve Walker and Paul McNab are very responsive and a pleasure to deal with.'
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.'
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 2025
'Liam Gorman is courteous, helpful and highly efficient'.
Chambers & Partners 2025
"Lead criminal and regulatory clerk Liam Gorman is very efficient, charming and courteous. He always finds someone for you."
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.’
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 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.'
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.
Legal 500 2025
'Steve Walker is the perfect clerk'
'Steve Walker is a personable and sensible clerk'
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.'
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 2025
'Chris Gibbin can only be described as outstanding - an unsung hero! He is a great ambassador for Trinity Chambers'
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.'
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.
Chambers & Partners 2024
'Steven Preen, lead family clerk, Ken McLafferty, clerk, and Paula McLure, clerk, are excellent. They are always very accommodating and very helpful.'
'Steven Preen, Ken McLafferty and Paula McLure all offer a brilliant service. They are very responsive and go out of their way to assist.'
'Steven Preen and Paula McLure are at the top of their game and will go the extra mile to ensure representation is available.'
Legal 500 2024
‘Steve Preen is fantastic.’
‘Steve Preen is outstanding, he is highly personable and very helpful. A credit to chambers.’
Chambers & Partners 2023
'Steven Preen, lead family clerk, and Ken McLafferty, clerk, are particularly responsive to any queries and are always very accommodating.'
Legal 500 2023
‘Extremely friendly and helpful.’‘The clerks provide a good service; Steven Preen and Paula McLure are always incredibly helpful and respond quickly to requests.’ ‘Steven Preen is friendly and approachable, and there to help where he can.’
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.'