Adam Willoughby
Call: 2011
Adam Willoughby
Head of Sports Law & Deputy Head of the Employment Law Team
LL.B (Hons) Law, University of Hull, First Class Honours (2010)
Bar Professional Training Course, BPP Law School, Leeds (2011)
Inaugural Middle Temple Master Rose Scholarship Award (2010)
Middle Temple
Legal Aid Supplier No. 02DXD
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Adam specialises in:
Employment Law
Sports, Media, and Entertainment Law
Business, Property and Probate Litigation
Matrimonial Finance (with an emphasis on commercial and complex pension interests)
Adam has been described as having “an impressive analytical ability, a reassuring manner and a highly effective cross-examination style” who “always delivers impeccable results” (Chambers and Partners).
Reputation
Adam is head of the Sports, Media and Entertainment Team and Deputy Head of the Employment Law Team. Adam is recognised within Chambers and Partners and has recently been noted as:
"Adam Willoughby is deputy head of the employment law team. He is praised for his work in complex discrimination claims, particularly involving vulnerable claimants. He offers expertise across the whole range of employment law, acting for claimants and respondents.He is a very clever chap with an excellent employment practice."
(Chambers and Partners, 2023)
"Adam’s preparation and attention to detail is always first rate. He has an impressive analytical ability, a reassuring manner and a highly effective cross-examination style". "He goes over and above on every case, he has an incredible manner with the clients, and he is such a kind and generous person with his time who always delivers impeccable results". "He is an approachable barrister who is thorough and diligent".
(Chambers and Partners, 2022)
Client feedback has identified Adam as an “impressive and highly effective advocate” with “exceptional analytical ability” and as “tactically very astute”. Adam is a “formidable advocate” with “exceptional intellectual ability”. His written opinions have been described as “clear, concise and thorough” and his pleadings are “consistently very good”.
Adam is also a highly sought after speaker having been invited to speak to delegations in New York, Dallas, Chicago and the UK.
Expertise
Employment
Adam is the Deputy Head of Employment Law and acts for businesses and individual clients both in the Employment Tribunal as well as in High Court commercial disputes arising from the employment relationship. Adam regularly advises and represents parties to appeals before the Employment Appeal Tribunal and Court of Appeal.
Adam is highly sought after across the range of employment disputes, from unfair dismissal and discrimination cases to whistleblowing, equal pay, working time and TUPE issues. Adam also represents individuals the subject of disciplinary and regulatory proceedings.
Adam has established an excellent reputation for advising and representing professional sports clubs and athletes as well as corporate and individual clients operating in the Media and Entertainment industry in relation to disputes arising from contractual relationships and in regulatory and disciplinary matters.
Adam regularly appears in the Queen’s Bench Division and Chancery Division of the High Court in relation to litigation arising from the employment relationship and in relation to claims concerning director and shareholder responsibilities, including:
• Claims for unpaid wages, bonus, commission, and wrongful termination
• Restrictive covenants
• Breach of confidence
• Team moves and springboard relief
• Breach of fiduciary duty
• Shareholder disputes and s. 994 petitions
• Privacy and Defamation
• Intellectual Property
Sports, Media, and Entertainment Law
Adam is the Head of the Sports, Media and Entertainment Group. He acts in a diverse range of high profile and complex cases in the High Court and before tribunals, arbitral panels as well as in disciplinary and appeals panels.
The strength of Adam’s practice lies in his existing expertise in the complimentary fields of employment, corporate and commercial law.
Adam advises and represents sports clients, including athletes, teams, clubs, agents, broadcasters, and international and national sports governing bodies in disputes concerning:
• Commercial and contractual
• Disciplinary and regulatory
• Regulatory governance
• Anti-doping
• Privacy and Defamation
• Intellectual Property
Adam acts for a wide range of artists, performers and media personalities in disputes concerning:
• Privacy and Defamation
• Intellectual property
• Commercial and Contract
• Licensing
• Pre-publication injunctions
• Reputation management
Business, Property and Probate Litigation
Adam acts in a wide range of high value and complex disputes on behalf of claimant’s, defendants, and intervenors. Adam has established a strong reputation in representing and advising clients in the sports, media and entertainment industries as well as individuals and companies in disputes arising from the employment relationship. Adam advises and represents clients in disputes concerning:
• Commercial and employment contracts
• Restrictive covenants
• Team moves and springboard relief
• Breach of confidence
• Defamation and Privacy
• Intellectual Property
• Breach of fiduciary duty
• Claims for unpaid wages, bonus, commission, and wrongful termination
• Shareholder disputes and s. 994 petitions
• Partnership
• Agency
• Equitable Relief
• Professional Negligence
• Trusts, both express and implied, including TOLATA claims
• Family Provision – Inheritance Act 1975 applications
• Wills, Probate & Administration of Estates
Family
Adam has particular expertise in cases which include commercial interests, complex pension arrangements and in cases concerning complex corporate structures and trusts.
Adam advises and represents clients in ancillary relief proceedings from pre-issue to final hearings. Adam is highly sought after in cases featuring overseas assets, offshore accounts, special contributions within the marriage, inherited wealth, insolvency and financial dishonesty, alongside needs-based cases.
In addition to matrimonial finance, Adam advises and represents clients in cases brought under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 and Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
Notable Cases
Fatima v Family Channel Ltd & anor [2020] EWCA Civ 824
Represented appellant in her appeal to the Court of Appeal which considered the interplay between an unsuccessful application to adjourn a trial under CPR 3.1(2)(b) and a subsequent application under CPR 39.3 to set aside judgment against a non-attending party.
Tattu Manchester Ltd v Powell (Employment Appeal Tribunal)
Represented the respondent in her response to an appeal to the EAT which considered whether the Tribunal had wrongly interpreted a bonus scheme to mean pre rather than post EBIDTA figures and whether it had wrong concluded there had been a breach of contract.
Jones v. G4S Secure Solutions (Employment Appeal Tribunal)
Represented the respondent in its appeal to the EAT which considered whether there had been a dismissal of the claimant following reinstatement on a domestic appeal, considering Roberts v. West Coast Trains Ltd [2004] EWCA Civ 900.
Thomas v Ladbrokes Betting and Gaming Ltd (Employment Appeal Tribunal)
Represented the claimant in her appeal brought by the respondent in which the EAT considered whether the Tribunal had substituted its view for that of the employer in finding that the claimant had been unfairly dismissed.
Hunt v. DVSA (Employment Appeal Tribunal)
Represented the appellant in her appeal on the issue of whether the Tribunal erred in its findings that she was not constructively dismissal.
Featherstone Rovers v Griffin
Represented the club concerning breach of contract by a player.
Keith Deller Sports Management Limited v Adrian Jackpot Lewis Limited & Adrian Lewis
Represented Sports Agent concerning claim against a professional darts player for unpaid fees and in its defence of a counterclaim alleging breach of the agency agreement.
Other examples of Adam’s recent work includes:
Representing an RFL club in a dispute with a player who breached his playing contract by having unauthorised dealings with a competing club.
Representing a high-profile professional football player in a claim brought by his former agent in respect of unpaid commissions.
Representing an international rugby player concerning his blocked transfer to another club in Canada.
Representing a professional footballer in a claim against him by a sponsor for breach of the sponsorship agreement.
Representing a multi-national firm in a claim for injunctive relief and damages against a former employee in respect of alleged misuse of commercially sensitive information and breach of restrictive covenants.
Represented a claimant in a petition under s. 994 Companies Act 2006 following her exclusion as a minority shareholder and deprivation of dividend payments. Relief sought was in excess of £19m.
Representing a defendant in a dispute concerning an alleged indemnity to return sales commissions.
Advising and representing an international firm in a claim for injunctive relief and damages against a former employee in respect of alleged misuse of commercially sensitive information and breach of restrictive covenants.
Representing a nationwide motor trading company in its defence of claims of passing off, breach of trademark and copyright.
Advising and representing a high-profile professional footballer in ancillary relief proceedings which included defending the claims of an agent intervening.
Advising and representing an applicant in ancillary relief proceedings in which the key issue concerned a substantial discretionary family trust worth in excess of £30m.
Advising a national publication as to allegations of defamatory statements against a competing publication.
Advising an international food manufacturing company in the wake of public allegations of mislabelling products.
Clerks
Nicola Hoskins
Call: 2019 (Solicitor 2004)
Nicola Hoskins
North Eastern Circuit
Law Society of England and Wales
CPS Grade 3
Nottingham Law School – LL.B (Hons) 2.1
Guildhall University, London – Legal Practice Course, commendation
Admitted as a solicitor February 2004
BPP – Bar Transfer Test
Contact
T: 0113 246 2600
Nicola qualified as a solicitor in 2004, acting as a regulatory prosecutor in matters including planning, licensing, Trading Standards, Environmental Health and food safety. She went on to advise banks and others on regulatory and compliance issues. Her current practice includes these matters, as well general crime for both prosecution and defence. She also accepts instructions in civil matters. She is described as having a reassuring presence together with a personable and practical approach.
Reputation
Expertise
Grade 3 Crown Prosecutor, Road Traffic matters, prosecution and defence, probation breaches
Regulatory
Licensing, planning, financial regulation, public law
Civil
Housing contractual disputes, secured and unsecured recoveries
Notable Cases
R v H (2023) - Client facing a custodial term of around five years for child sexual offences; the court was persuaded to depart from the sentencing guidelines and imposed a community order instead.
R –v- G (2023) - Secured an acquittal for a taxi driver accused of sexually assaulting a young female passenger.
EA –v- A (2023) - Secured a suspended sentence for sustained breaches of environmental regulations, together with a much reduced contribution to the prosecution’s costs.
R - v – G and others (2023) – successful application to dismiss in respect of client charged with affray at a football match.
R -v- S – (2023) – obtained a suspended sentence in a case of discharging a firearm in public.
R -v- H and N (2022) – successful prosecution of two individuals for inflicting grievous bodily harm where the issue was identification.
R -v S (2022) – acquittal of client on a rape charge within 30 minutes of jury retiring.
R -v- S (2022) - acquittal of client on a charge of taking a car without consent following a successful exclusion application under s78 Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.
R -v- L - prosecution for obstruction of bailiff in the course of his duty and common assault; also assault of two police officers who came to assist the bailiff. Defendant acquitted of all charges when it was proved that the bailiff did not comply with his codes of practice, and accordingly the police officers were not acting in accordance with PACE.
R -v- F – prosecution for incurring 6 speeding offences in 10 days, total 18 points. Court was successfully persuaded that the sentencing guidelines could be set aside and a short discretionary disqualification was imposed instead of points, which meant she avoided ‘totting up’ and any points at all.
H Ltd -v- P – order for sale obtained following a charging order with no payment.
Clerks
Emily Hughes
Call: 2014
Emily Hughes
Year of Call: 2014
Inner Temple Scholar
BPTC, BPP Leeds 2013-14 (Very Competent)
LLB Law, University of Leeds 2010-13 (2:1)
Contact
T: 0113 246 2600 / 01274 722560
Emily accepted tenancy at Broadway House Chambers in December 2021 after successfully completing her Civil and Family Law Pupillage.
Emily has a busy practice and is available to take instructions in all areas covered by the Business, Property and Probate Team and Family Team.
Reputation
Expertise
Emily is experienced in Family and Civil Law
Business Property and Probate
Prior to commencing pupillage, Emily acquired six years of freelance advocacy experience in a wide range of civil litigation. Her practice encompassed the following areas: commercial and residential property, contract disputes, landlord and tenant, mortgage repossession, personal injury, credit hire, consumer credit, insolvency and debt recovery. She therefore had a working knowledge in these areas from which her practice within the Business, Property and Probate Team is developing.
Emily has considerable experience in a number of areas covered by the Business, Property and Probate Team and frequently appears in the County Court on behalf of both Claimants and Defendants. She is confident in dealing with all levels of contested applications and costs disputes. Emily is able to provide straightforward advice and draft pleadings within these practice areas.
Family
Emily commenced pupillage under the supervision of Kerry Barker in January 2021 and was involved in all aspects of family proceedings. Within public and private law, she has assisted with particularly difficult and complex cases involving preventable death, non-accidental injuries, sexual abuse, domestic violence and mental health aspects along with cross-jurisdictional elements up to High Court level. Emily has quickly established a strong practice of her own in these areas and is confident in dealing with multi-faceted cases.
Emily has also developed a keen interest in financial remedy cases, having accompanied a number of senior specialist practitioners in mid and high value cases during pupillage. She has also gained a valuable insight into needs-based cases requiring creative, practical solutions along with those involving family businesses and intervenors. Emily has established a broad practice within the Family Team and is keen to develop her financial remedy practice further. She is happy to advise in conference and in writing.
Clerks
Jon Flaherty
Call: 2019
Jon Flaherty
Newcastle University – LLB – 2:1 (2017)
University of Law, Leeds – BPTC – Very Competent (2019)
University of Law, Leeds – LLM – Distinction (2019)
Contact
T: 0113 246 2600 / 01274 722560
Jon commenced pupillage in September 2021 under the supervision of Rachel Mellor and has since gained experience in all aspects of Employment and Family proceedings. Jon started tenancy on 1st September 2022.
Jon studied law at Newcastle University from which he graduated in 2017. Throughout his studies he was heavily engaged in advocacy based competitions, winning both the Senior Mooting Competition and Senior Client Interviewing Competition, as well as representing the University externally. He was also elected as the Master of Moots, a role requiring the training of students and judging of moots. In his final year, Jon was asked by the University to take on a paid role as a seminar leader in the Peer Assisted Student Session scheme, which involved preparing and leading seminars based around the equity module.
Before starting the BPTC, Jon worked as a paralegal in the Commercial Dispute Resolution department of a Leeds based law firm. His work included advising clients, drafting and filing of claims, assisting with litigation and the enforcement of judgments. While on the BPTC Jon volunteered at the Citizens Advice Bureau, advising and assisting clients in the Employment Tribunal and Social Security Tribunal.
Prior to the commencement of pupillage, Jon operated as a freelance advocate on the North and North-Eastern Circuit for two years. This involved representing clients in a wide variety of civil matters including mortgage possessions, landlord & tenant, personal injury, RTAs, consumer credit, insolvency, small claims disputes and procedural applications. Jon also represented clients in the Employment Tribunal during this period in unfair dismissal matters.
Expertise
Family:Jon is instructed in a wide variety of family matters, representing and advising clients in all areas of Family Law.
Matrimonial Finance – Jon has represented clients in a number of matrimonial finance cases since beginning Second Six. Jon takes a robust and practical approach to negotiations and has been successful in applications against uncooperative parties for costs as well as securing penal notices where a party has been uncooperative.
Public Law– Jon represents parties in the public family sphere, regularly being instructed to represent Local Authorities, Children’s Guardians and respondents. His work has covered everything from last-minute urgent removal hearings through to final hearings. Jon has been involved in matters from neglect through to allegations of sexual and physical abuse.
Private Children – in addition, Jon is often instructed in private family matters and is acutely aware of the concerns of parents in such proceedings. Jon has also successfully represented a child in their own application for contact with siblings.
Immigration:
Jon has represented clients in the First Tier Tribunal in their Asylum, Immigration Human Rights, and EEA regulation appeals. Jon takes an all-encompassing approach to such appeals to ensure his clients are in the best position to succeed.
Civil/Business, Property and Probate:
Jon has experience in dealing with civil matters ranging from civil applications to small and fast track claims. This experience has been accumulated prior to joining chambers and has since been developed with instructions to advise and represent clients in a wide-variety of civil matters.
Employment:
Jon has gained invaluable experience during his pupillage under Rachel Mellor and has represented clients in the Employment Tribunal in unfair dismissal claims as well as assisting in preparing advice in respect of appeals to the Employment Appeal Tribunal and Court of Appeal.
Clerks
Danny Smith
Call: 2023 (Solicitor 2016)
Danny Smith
University of Leicester, Postgraduate Diploma in Employment Law, Distinction (2023)
Solicitor-Advocate, Higher Rights of Audience (Civil) (2021)
University of Sheffield, Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (2010)
Cardiff University, LLB Law (2009)
Middle Temple
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 / 0113 246 2600
Danny Smith joined Broadway House Chambers in October 2023 and accepts instructions within all elements of employment law, commercial law, property/landlord and tenant law, and sports law.
Having been admitted as a solicitor in 2016, Danny possesses prior experience within these areas before transitioning to the Bar. Consequently, he is well-versed in working with lay clients beyond the confines of the courtroom, prioritising excellent client care.
Danny has extensive experience dealing with all matters of employment law. Before joining Broadway House Chambers, Danny was employed as a solicitor advocate at a litigation firm in Leeds dealing exclusively with employment law litigation matters. He has experience of drafting complicated statements of case and carrying out advocacy at the employment tribunal including at both preliminary hearing and multi-day final hearings.
Danny also has experience of advising and undertaking advocacy for commercial law and property/landlord & tenant matters after being employed as a property litigation solicitor at a large commercial firm in Leeds and a housing law paralegal at a national housing charity. He is well equipped to assist with the full range of commercial law and property law matters.
“Danny is a tenacious advocate with a real attention to detail. He grasps complex matters quickly and with alacrity. His pragmatic and down-to-earth style puts clients at ease. I have no trouble whatsoever in recommending him” - Toby Pochron, Director, Freeths
Reputation
With previous experience as a solicitor, Danny has vast experience working within Employment Law, Commercial Law and matters involving Property & Landlord & Tenant.
Expertise
Danny accepts instructions for Claimants and Respondents at all stages in employment tribunal proceedings.
As a Solicitor Advocate, he has dealt with numerous cases involving:
- Discrimination
- Whistleblowing
- Unfair Dismissal
- Wrongful Dismissal
- Working Time Directive
- Unlawful Deductions and Breach of Contract
Danny has experience and is able to represent at all hearings at the employment tribunal. He has appeared at both multi day hearings and at preliminary hearings to determine disability, time limits, employment status, specific disclosure and strike out/deposit orders.
Property & Landlord & Tenant
Danny accepts instructions for both Claimants and Defendants.
As a Solicitor he advised and acted:
- Possession, Disrepair and Deposit Protection
- Trespass & Unlawful Occupation
- Lease Renewals and Break Notices
- Telecoms
- Dilapidations
- Rights of Way and Boundary Disputes
- Service Charge Disputes
- Party Wall Disputes
- Adverse Possession
- Forfeiture
Commercial Law
Danny accepts instructions for both Claimants and Defendants. As a solicitor, Danny advised and acted on breach of contract claims, debt recovery and employment law related disputes such as breach of restrictive covenants.
Notable Cases
Acting for a group company and its remaining associative companies as a result of one of the associated companies being liquidated resulting in all staff being dismissed by way of redundancy. A former director and employee of the liquidated company brought an unfair dismissal claim against the remaining associated companies arguing that they was employed by them.
(2023)
Acting for a Respondent obtaining a strike out due to time limits.
(2022 -2023)
Advising care homes in relation to compulsory Covid 19 vaccination and mask wearing policies and defending claims brought against it as a result of action taken under the policy.
G -v- H Limited, Leeds ET (2022)
2 day disability discrimination and constructive unfair dismissal claim brought by a former employee due to alleged “pressure” by the Respondent. Danny successfully represented the Respondent.
E -v- L Limited, Manchester ET (2021)
Unlawful deduction and breach of contract claim brought by a former employee due to a mistake in the Claimant’s contract of employment. Danny successfully represented the Respondent.
Clerks
Camilla Bonifai
Call: 2019 - Second Six Pupil
Camilla Bonifai
LLB (Hons) English Law, University of Dundee (2017)
LLM Human Rights Law, University of Edinburgh (2018)
LLM Bar Practice, The University of Law (2019)
Bar Practice Training Course, The University of Law, Very Competent (2019)
Employment Lawyers Association
Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association
Lincoln’s Inn
Contact
E: clerks@broadwayhouse.co.uk
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600 (Option 2)
Camilla commenced pupillage in September 2023 under the supervision of Paul Smith.
Camilla accepts instructions in all areas of Civil, Employment and Immigration Law.
Reputation
Publication: ‘The Irish Children’s Right Referendum’ (2019), published by Together (Scottish alliance for Children’s Rights)
Expertise
Camilla has observed a variety of employment matters during the first six month of her pupillage by attending Employment Tribunals across the country and in the EAT. She has worked on complex matters involving TUPE, equal pay and discrimination of all forms, as well as unfair dismissal and wages cases.
Camilla has spent time in the Immigration Tribunals, observing both regular applications and appeals to the Upper Tribunal. She has been involved in factually complex cases regarding the situations in Iraq, Pakistan, Ethiopia and Somalia as well as those involving FGM issues, EU settled status, and children.
Prior to pupillage, Camilla had a civil litigation background, having worked in the civil courts as a County Court advocate (employed by an international firm) and having handled Claimant insurer-funded cases as a paralegal at a national solicitors’ firm. During her first six months of pupillage, she shadowed senior members of Chambers in high-value personal injury work, trusts/TOLATA, disputes and contractual claims.
Clerks