Barristers from a range of Trinity's practice groups have again been recognised in the recently published 2017 edition of Chambers UK, as follows:
Commercial Dispute Resolution
Based in Newcastle and Middlesbrough, it is a well-established set which has true local expertise. Sought after by SMEs, partnerships, solicitors, individuals and local authorities, the set offers a full advisory and advocacy service catering to the full spectrum of commercial dispute resolution. Members are instructed in a wide range of disputes encompassing company and contract litigation, professional negligence, insolvency and civil fraud. They are also noted for experience in the engineering, construction and IT sectors. "The clerks are very personable and helpful; they are open and happy to discuss expertise and are not scared to tell us if there is an issue."
Simon Goldberg
An excellent junior who is head of the set's commercial group. He is increasingly instructed in high-value and international disputes, and has a special focus on civil fraud. He is also extremely popular with local solicitors for a range of commercial and contract disputes, professional negligence cases, contentious probate claims and property litigation. "He is very sharp and succinct in his advice, a strong advocate and a good negotiator with a good client manner - the calibre you would expect of London counsel." "He's technically superb, gets all the issues, never misses the detail and comes back very quickly with good, sound advice." Represented the claimant in North East Joinery v Hutchinson & Others, a civil fraud claim involving allegations of theft of monies and diversion of business opportunities.
Described by market sources as "a powerhouse in the North East," Trinity Chambers is particularly well known for its prominence in the Newcastle area. Its eminent barristers are capable of prosecuting and defending the most serious criminal offences, including terrorism, gangland murder, internet crime and motoring offences. While notably strong on the North Eastern Circuit, the set's distinguished team also routinely appears before the Court of Appeal and the Privy Council.Criminal clerks Peter Finkill-Coombs and Liam Gorman run the clerks' room.
Toby Hedworth QC
A highly respected silk who has worked on an impressive variety of cases in the criminal and regulatory sphere. He is particularly recognised for his adept handling of complex judicial review proceedings.
Strengths: "He's experienced and a good fighter in court."
Christopher Knox
Impressive junior with an extremely diverse practice, he has significant experience in homicide cases and matters concerning financial crime. While he regularly acts for defence counsel, he has also acted for the CPS and HMRC. "He's a seasoned performer who leaves the court impressed."
A well-regarded set for both finance and children work, operating from Newcastle and Middlesbrough. Provides robust advocacy at all levels of the court system and also has ample expertise in ADR, boasting as it does several accredited arbitrators and mediators in its ranks. Members of Trinity Chambers have recently been instructed in novel matters pertaining to issues of radicalisation and child harm, as well as high-value ancillary relief cases. "We find the clerks very accommodating, helpful and easy to get hold of. They do all they can to help us, even at the last minute or at short notice." Simon Stewart is the practice director, while Kevin McLafferty and Steven Preen are the civil and family clerks.
Nicholas Stonor QC
Head of the family group, he is widely admired for his work on complex childcare proceedings. He regularly acts in the public sphere on cases involving complex medical, religious and cultural issues, including forced marriage. In addition to this, he also advises on divorce and private law children matters."He is a superb performer, his preparation is fantastic and his manner with everyone is excellent: frankly, he's your dream silk!" "Such an excellent advocate, he's always thoroughly prepared and he offers fantastic courtroom presence and excellent cross-examination skills."
James Richardson
Focuses his practice on family finance work, including cohabitation claims as well as traditional ancillary relief work. He regularly represents high net worth individuals in complicated disputes involving substantial business, property and financial concerns."Always thoroughly prepared, very good in court, and his points are very thorough." "A very diligent, detailed man who knows his law."
Timothy Spain
Known for his expertise in money and children work, he is a strong advocate who is also an accredited family arbitrator. He has handled a number of complex financial cases involving farms, insolvency and hidden wealth, and has considerable familiarity with TOLATA claims."If you've got a tricky case and need someone to go in and fight your corner, he will do it." "For both complex children and financial matters, he's a go-to if you need anything technical or difficult with regard to the law."
Justin Gray
A respected advocate who handles the full range of children law, and has particular specialisms in adoption, surrogacy, forced marriage and international relocation. Also handles cases concerning vulnerable adults and other Court of Protection matters. "He has a good brain and is very good on complex technical issues." "Great in court, really excellent."
Christopher Knox
Vastly experienced senior junior who has an excellent reputation for money work. He specialises in high-value ancillary relief cases with corporate issues, and receives praise for his tenacious approach in court.
"A terrific cross-examiner, he'll fight our corner to the end of the earth." "He's been doing it for years but he's so enthusiastic, he makes every client feel they're his only case."
Chancery
Simon Goldberg
Commercial litigation specialist praised for his technical knowledge and client manner. Maintains an active practice in shareholder disputes, including allegations of unfair prejudice.
"Top quality, pragmatic and easy to work with." Acted for the defendants in a right of way dispute concerning land in Northumberland, succeeding in having the claim dismissed.
Jane Callan
Represents a diverse range of clients including local and health authorities, blue-chip companies and individuals, and offers specialist expertise in equal pay and discrimination cases. "Always been known for her excellent standard of practice." "Her communication with clients is excellent and having access to such a renowned counsel helps: since she's so frequently in the courts, she is a known entity."
Acted in CED v DXC Trains Ltd + ASLEF & Others which was a case concerning claims of indirect and direct sex discrimination.
Simon Goldberg
Peers heap praise on Goldberg for his impressive level of experience representing respondents and claimants nationally in the Employment Tribunal, EAT and High Court. He is noted for his depth of industry knowledge across the employment sphere. He offers niche services in post-termination restrictions and fiduciary duties."Simon is robust, he is extremely good with negotiations and is a strong competent court performer." "He has his clients' interests very firmly in his mind, and the other side has to be cautious dealing with him, he's a very good negotiator and practitioner."
Appeared on behalf of the MoD in an appeal against the registration of a COT3 agreement
Richard Stubbs
Best known for his experience advocating in complex employment matters and regularly appears for a variety of clients from individuals to local authorities and large corporates. He is well versed in handling multi-day hearings, TUPE, discrimination, equal pay and protected disclosures. "Very impressive and he's quieter and more amicable in approach but he's tremendously effective. He's a very strong opponent." Appeared on behalf of the respondent, DWP, in a five-day age and disability discrimination hearing with allegations of victimisation
Jamie Morgan
A diligent advocate who regularly appears for claimants and respondents in all conceivable reaches of the employment law practice area, from redundancies and dismissals to discrimination cases. He has a particularly esteemed reputation for handling equal pay litigation and acting for claimants in maternity-related claims."He has a very commercial and pragmatic view of a case. There's no ceremony, he gets straight to the heart of what the main issues are." Represented the respondent in Thompson v Global Real Estate in relation to an unfair dismissal claim by a senior employee.
Antoine Tinnion
Has an interesting depth of experience to draw upon, having accrued legal expertise in domestic and international matters in his long tenure as an advocate. He frequently represents respondents and claimants across the full spectrum of matters, including discrimination, unfair dismissal, wage disputes and TUPE matters. He is also a leading authority in the area of restrictive covenants. "Very thorough and good at identifying issues and focusing on the ultimate objective."
Clinical Negligence
Michael Hill
Has a well-established reputation as a key clinical negligence barrister with a particular focus on dental claims. He represents both claimants and defendants."He has a good rapport with clients and is excellent with expert witnesses. He is thorough, has a good understanding of the law and, with his dental background, has strong medical knowledge also." "He always makes himself available and sticks to deadlines."
Licensing
Charles Holland
Licensing forms a large part of his broad civil practice and he has developed expertise across the full range of licensing matters. He is respected both for his tenacity and his strong advocacy skills."Charles has a gift for dealing with the uncomfortable truth head on. He pulls no punches in his advice, and is highly valued for that."
Joan Smith
Regularly advises various clients on all aspects of taxi licensing. She also works on alcohol, gambling and zoo licensing cases."Joan has a real understanding of both the law and the practicalities of a case. Her advice is always clear. Her manner with clients and in court is impeccable."