St Philips Chambers

The Court of Appeal has refused permission to appeal in the high-profile case of Scalora v Clarion Housing Association Ltd [2024] EWHC 1414, bringing an end to a £1.1 million claim for unlawful eviction. The case, which attracted significant media attention, involved a tenant who alleged that his flat had been sublet while he was stranded abroad. However, the Court of Appeal refused to interfere with the High Court’s findings that he had expressly or impliedly terminated his tenancy. The appeal raised arguments about judicial reliance on lay witness evidence and the status of expert evidence, but the Court of Appeal found no grounds to overturn the original ruling. The trial judge was entitled to conclude that the Appellant had been “thoroughly dishonest” in denying he had sent emails terminating his tenancy. Not only was the claim dismissed, but the court below also imposed an indemnity costs order, signalling its disapproval of the Appellant’s conduct. This case serves as a stark reminder of the high bar for challenging findings of fact on appeal and the serious consequences of dishonesty in litigation. Further details about the case and a link to the judgment below can be found: https://lnkd.in/eiCC4f-X. Michelle Caney acted for the successful Respondent in the High Court and the Court of Appeal. Michelle was instructed in the Court of Appeal by Alex Loxton and Lindsay Felstead of Clarke Willmott. #Litigation #CourtOfAppeal #LegalInsights

Jennifer Josephs and Amy Jackson have successfully prosecuted two men involved in the sexual exploitation of children over 20 years ago. The case involved victims who were living in care but were groomed by others and made to work as child prostitutes. The two victims in this case were aged 14 and 15 when the offending began, and both were living in the care system. Paul Doyle ran a stripper and escort agency, and was convicted of living on the immoral earnings of one of victims, as well as indecently assaulting another. Anthony Bayliss, a user of young escorts, met the second victim when she was 14 and went on to rape her on two occasions at his home address. Jennifer and Amy were instructed by the CPS Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit. You can read the CPS news release here: https://lnkd.in/evCsKy_e #barristers

If you are in Chambers throughout Ramadan, please help yourselves to the complimentary dates we have placed in our reception area. We hope all those observing are getting through the month with ease. #RamadanAtStPhilips

Raghav Trivedi is delivering a pre-recorded webinar titled "Undue Influence & Fraudulent Calumny Claims & Wills - Key Challenges" which will be streamed via MBL Seminars Ltd from 15 September. This webinar, suitable for solicitors and barristers that specialise in private client and contentious wills, trusts and probate work, will explore two specific grounds of challenges to the substantial validity of a will, namely undue influence and fraudulent calumny - and how to overcome them. You can find out more and register to attend the session here: https://lnkd.in/ehaQdsqY

As we are now in the month of Ramadan, we wish all those observing this holy holiday a blessed Ramadan Kareem! Ramadan, the 9th month of the Islamic Calendar, sees those partaking fast from sunrise to sunset, refraining from food and drink, undertake charity and community engagement, and focus on prayer and self-reflection. At St Philips, we aim to be an inclusive chamber that supports our employees, barristers, and clients who are observing this month. We hope it brings peace and blessings. Ramadan Kareem!

𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐔𝐩 𝐈𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐲: 𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐄𝐱𝐢𝐭𝐬, 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬 Our highly anticipated Real Estate Spring Seminar is nearly at capacity, with just a handful of places remaining. 🗓️ Wednesday, March 26th, 2025 ⏰ 10:30am registration, 10:50am-3:30pm Seminar, 3:30pm-4:30pm Networking Reception 📍 St Philips Chambers, 55 Temple Row, Birmingham B2 5LS 💳 Free (including lunch and refreshments) Join us for expert insights from our expert Real Estate Team, featuring John Randall KC, Simon Clegg, Michelle Caney, Anya Newman, Gavin McLeod, Angus Thomas, and Alexander Bradford. This exclusive event offers both practical guidance and valuable networking opportunities with leading practitioners in the field. The topics to be explored include legal minefields for property litigators such as break clauses, forfeiture and sale of land disputes, as well as procedural updates and upcoming reform. You can secure one of the remaining seminar places here: https://lnkd.in/etC_Nzje #realestate #legalseminar

The Court of Appeal has ruled that dismissing an employee for controversial Facebook posts expressing beliefs about same-sex marriage and gender fluidity constituted unlawful direct discrimination on grounds of religion or belief.   In this significant judgment, Lord Justice Underhill found that while direct discrimination for manifesting protected beliefs can theoretically be justified, the employer failed to establish sufficient grounds in this case. The Court set a high threshold for employers considering disciplinary action over employees' personal social media activity, requiring evidence of actual or likely reputational damage.   If you'd like to understand the implications for employment policies, pupil barrister Kyran Kanda has completed an analysis on our website: https://lnkd.in/d7SGkFQc #ukemplaw #courtofappeal #discrimination

Re CX (Jurisdiction: Wrongful Removal to Northern Cyprus) [2025] EWFC 27 was heard by Poole J in January 2025 and judgment was handed down last week. The judgment raises novel points about how issues of jurisdiction are to be approached, both in relation to proceedings under the Children Act 1989 and proceedings under the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court, in the unique political and diplomatic context of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Poole J also considers the parens patriae jurisdiction. The full judgment can be read here: CX (Jurisdiction: Wrongful Removal to Northern Cyprus) [2025] EWFC 27 (18 February 2025). William Horwood and Lauren Starmer were instructed on a pro bono basis by Forum Shah and Carolina Marín Pedreño of Dawson Cornwell, under the auspices of Advocate and the Pro Bono Connect scheme. To instruct William or Lauren, please contact our Family Group Clerks: family@st-philips.com, 0121 246 7015, https://lnkd.in/eBww3eyt #FamilyLaw #ProBono #Barristers

📢 We’re Recruiting for a Compliance and Equality and Inclusion Officer 📢 Working closely with the CEO, Chambers Equality and Diversity Officers and various Chambers’ Committees, the holder of this newly created post will oversee Chambers’ processes for ensuring compliance with its regulatory and statutory duties and responsibilities, including the planning and implementation of Chambers’ equality and inclusion programmes. This is a proactive role designed to help embed best practice throughout Chambers. You can find out more about the vacancy, its responsibilities and how to apply here: https://lnkd.in/efsER86g The closing date for applications is 7th March 2025. #careers #compliance #equality #inclusion

Please join us for an exclusive mock trial featuring our Business & Property Junior Barristers. This event offers a valuable opportunity to observe advocacy in action, as our barristers navigate a simulated trial, demonstrating strategic case presentation and courtroom skills. 🗓️ Tuesday, 11th March ⏰ 5.00pm - 7.45pm 🏢 St Philips Chambers, 55 Temple Row, Birmingham B2 5LS 💳 Free What to Expect: ✅ Mock Trial Demonstration – A practical showcase of advocacy techniques in a simulated case ✅ Networking & Discussions – Connect with peers and gain insights into effective courtroom strategies You can find out more and register to attend here: https://lnkd.in/eZcNTfxR