- International Arbitration
- International Mediation
- Dispute Resolution
- Tracing Assets
- Injunctive Relief
- Freezing Orders
- Disclosure Orders
- Search & Seizure Orders
- Civil Fraud
- Commercial Fraud
- Enforcing Foreign Judgements
- Property
- Professional Negligence
- Insolvency & Restructuring
- Planning
International & Offshore
Areas of expertise include:
- Fiduciary Duties
- Company Law
- Commercial Disputes
- Construction Disputes
- Contractual Disputes
- Partnership Disputes
- Shareholder Disputes
- Directors Disputes
- Joint Ventures
- Financial Services
- Insurance
- Chancery
- Trusts
- Employment
- Business Immigration
- Matrimonial Finance
- Cross-border Custody Disputes
- Removal of Children from Jurisdiction
- Child Care Proceedings
- Hidden Assets
- Corporate Crime
- Terrorism
- War Crimes
- Extradition
- Human Rights
- Civil Liberties
- Human Trafficking
- Regulatory
- Professional Discipline
- Financial Services Regulation
International & Offshore Silks & Barristers
Kings Counsel and barristers in the group have experience of dealing with matters across a range of practice areas and jurisdictions for private clients, corporates, and Governments through referrals, direct instruction and working with overseas law firms and chambers. Our members have also arbitrated and mediated international disputes.
Trinity Chambers’ international and offshore work covers alternative dispute resolution, commercial litigation, trusts, corporate fraud. criminal, complex matrimonial finance and children cases. The team also deals with injunctive relief and interlocutory applications including freezing, disclosure, search and seizure orders.
The team has experience of complex overseas criminal related proceedings, including extradition, white collar crime, human trafficking, Court Martial and historical prosecutions. Members of the team deal with international regulatory matters, including financial services regulation and professional disciplinary proceedings.
From County Court hearings to significant High Court trials and appeals before the Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, and Privy Council, Trinity's barristers and Silks have extensive experience representing clients in a wide range of matters. In addition, they represent clients across various specialist tribunals and public inquiries, including Coroners Inquests and military Court Martials.
Internal Investigations - organisations and businesses can face a wide range of internal issues that require investigation by an independent third party, including allegations of discrimination, misconduct, racism, bullying, sexual harassment, theft and fraud. A thorough and impartial investigation demonstrates strong governance and rigour and can be the best course of action to minimise day-to-day disruption, manage risk, and protect an organisation or business' reputation. Trinity’s Investigations team can assist with early assessment, interviews, document review and report writing. Trinity’s specialist team can continue to provide pragmatic support should a matter develop into an external investigation involving regulatory bodies or the police.
Trinity’s Silks and barristers have been instructed, both permanently, pro hac and in relation to alternative dispute resolution, in a variety of jurisdictions including:
- Anguilla
- Australia (New South Wales)
- The Bahamas
- Bermuda
- The British Virgin Islands (BVI)
- The Cayman Islands
- Gibraltar
- Guernsey
- Hong Kong
- Ireland
- Isle of Man
- Jersey
- Northern Ireland
- St Helena, Ascension & Tristan de Cunha
- St Kitts & Nevis
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- The Turks & Caicos Islands
- United Arab Emirates
Trinity Chambers has invested in state-of-the-art communications systems across each of its 4 premises in Newcastle, Leeds and Middlesbrough. This includes high-quality AI-powered 4K Ultra HD video quality cameras, microphone arrays and speakers. These are integrated into a single device to create an easy-to-use streamlined audio-video meeting, conference, webinar and seminar delivery. This technology enables Trinity’s clerks and members to communicate and provide training seamlessly from each of our premises to clients across the globe.
- Trial advocates in ultra-high value dispute involving an international hotel Development – Bahamas.
- Advocates in applications involving a US-originated employee benefit trust and collapse of a Japanese-based hedge fund - Anguilla.
- Trial and appeal advocates in multi-million dollar dispute involving a world-famous brand of ultra-premium liquor - Anguilla.
- Advising on dispute over sale of botanical gardens - Nevis.
- Trial advocates in claim for unfair prejudice in respect of a Chinese enterprise listed on NASDAQ - British Virgin Islands.
- Trial advocates in dispute over winding up of exempted limited partnership - Cayman Islands.
- Property planning Arbitration – Seychelles.
- On behalf of a financial services regulator, advising on and prosecuting complex enforcement proceedings against international corporates and individuals – Channel Islands.
- Trial advocates on behalf of the Attorney General, prosecuting a series of trials ranging from rape, sexual assault, including historic, and violence - St Helena, Ascension and Tristan de Cunha.
- Trial Advocates instructed by the Public Prosecution Service across a range of cases including historical murder, violence and sexual offences – Northern Ireland.
- Advocates on behalf of a foreign government seeking the return of a foundling abducted to the UK.
- Advocates in care proceedings concerning a child who had been brought into the UK illegally.
- Advocates in an application for a declaration of interpretation in respect of s152 of the Extradition Act 2003 regarding specialty protection for individuals extradition to the UK.
- Trial advocates in successful appeal against murder conviction in Bermuda Court of Appeal.
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!
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.'
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.'
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 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.'
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.'
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.’
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.
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.'
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 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.'
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 experience has stood her in good stead being in a client focused role. Fiona also looks after Chambers Governance and Compliance, and collates Chambers submissions for the Legal Directories.
Outside Chambers Fiona and her Labrador Olly volunteer with Wag & Co North East Friendship Dogs.