Matthew Rudd
Call: 1994
Matthew Rudd
Head of Employment Law Team
ELA
FLBA
Chambers and Partners
Legal 500
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Matthew is Head of the Employment Team with over 27 years experience. He undertakes work in the Employment Tribunal, Employment Appeal Tribunal and Higher Courts. He is also a member of the Family Team undertaking Financial Remedy and TOLATA and Inheritance Act work. Further, Matthew has expertise in sports law and civil claims relating to his Employment and Financial Remedy Practice.
Reputation
Matthew regularly presents at Employment and Family Seminars and undertakes private FDRs.
Matthew is ranked in Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500 for his Employment practice:
"Matthew Rudd is head of the chambers' employment law practice. He is well versed in a range of complex unfair dismissal and discrimination claims" (Chambers and Partners, 2023)"A tenacious advocate with a calming influence. Practical, thorough and exceptionally dedicated" (Legal 500, 2023)
"Effective and enormously experienced, he has impressed me. He can really analyse the important merits of a claim." "An experienced employment barrister, he is thorough and pragmatic as well as being a good advocate." "He cuts through legal issues and explains everything with such ease." (Chambers and Parners, 2022) 'An exceptionally dedicated barrister. He cuts through complex legal issues with ease. Experienced and unflappable.”(Legal 500, 2022)
Expertise
Employment
As Head of the Employment Law Team, Matthew undertakes work for both employees and employers and has extensive experience in Unfair Dismissal, Discrimination, TUPE and Restrictive Covenants. He regularly handles multi-day cases with large bundles.
Family Law
Matthew has considerable experience in Financial Remedy high value asset cases and cases involving family businesses. He regularly undertakes TOLATA work and Inheritance Act Claims.
Civil and Sports Law
Matthew undertakes Civil and Sports Law work connected to his Employment and Family practice.
Notable Cases
F v H: Successful Claim for unfair dismissal and discrimination and successfully defended the appeal to the EAT;
C v SDCC Arguments over whether conditions amounted to a disability with a large number of witnesses and whether dismissal due to disability or SOSR;
F v JCT Claim involving unfair dismissal and disability discrimination. Respondents awarded £10,000 costs despite Claimant claiming to be impecunious;
B v SN Advising the Claimant in ongoing ET proceedings involving claims for harassment, victimisation and sexual orientation discrimination over a number of years;
I v A Represented the Claimant in a complex claim for breach of contract and unlawful deductions from wages with a counterclaim by the Respondent. Successful in all aspects of the claim;
U v L & C Complex case involving a TUPE transfer acting for the transferee who was jointly and severally liable for obligations of the transferor under regulations 13 and 14 of TUPE. Multi handed case involving test Claimants for 25 representative Claimants.
Clerks
Ian Miller
Call: 1999
Ian Miller
LLB (Hons) (Pg Dip) (FLBA)
Legal Aid Supplier Number 385FD
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Ian is a renowned matrimonial finance and family trusts/TLATA Barrister. Ian also accept instructions in:
Breach of Confidence (and confidentiality)
Misuse of Private Information and how to protect privacy
Defamation (libel and slander)
Advice on publications, press releases and websites to as to ensure privacy is maintained, consents received, and that material published is not defamatory or in breach of copyright.
Ian is able to undertake private FDR hearings for Trusts of Land proceedings, Inheritance Act proceedings and Financial Remedy cases.
Reputation
Ian has been a regular speaker on the professional legal lecture circuit for many years including being part of the Jordans publishers’ team early on in his career. Ian regularly speaks at Broadway House Chambers CPD and training events and is regularly invited to speak at events organised by legal professionals. During his time at the university Ian spoke regularly to public and private audiences on media law, artificial intelligence and the law and IT and regulation. Ian has been a panel member on a number of local and regional radio broadcasts on matters such as human rights, artificial intelligence and driverless cars.
In 2014, Ian joined the University of Bradford as a lecturer whilst maintaining his practice in Chambers. During his time at Bradford Ian set up the School of Law’s first Law Clinic, acted as Deputy Head for 3 years and was the Director of Clinical Legal Education. Ian resigned his Associate Professorship at the University in 2022 to return to full time practice.
Expertise
Family/Civil
Ian has worked in the field of matrimonial finance and TOLATA from Call in 1999 but has focused on matrimonial finance and TOLATA exclusively since 2014. During his years of a mixed practice Ian undertook a broad range of civil and family work including child protection, professional negligence, Land tribunal cases, employment law and general common law. These previous practice areas provide Ian with a good grounding in other areas of law that regularly pervade into complex financial remedy cases involving partnerships, third party property ownership, companies, and tracing.
Ian is able to undertake private FDR hearings for Trusts of Land proceedings, Inheritance Act proceedings and Financial Remedy cases.
Sports Law
Having taught for several years at the University of Bradford, Ian has developed an expertise in privacy law, misuse of private information, breach of confidence and media law.
Whilst teaching at the University of Bradford, Ian wrote modules on privacy and defamation law and taught law and media in the digital age to both undergraduate and post graduate students. Having now returned to full time practice with chambers, Ian is now accepting instructions in the following areas of media Law:
- Breach of Confidence (and confidentiality)
- Misuse of Private Information and how to protect privacy
- Defamation (libel and slander)
- Advice on publications, press releases and websites to as to ensure privacy is maintained, consents received, and that material published is not defamatory or in breach of copyright.
Notable Cases
B v B [2022]
Third generation family farm. Assets circa £2.5m gross. Wife well into retirement. Issue as to how the sharing principle should apply to the assets which were brought into the marriage solely by the H. Agreed that the H would pass the farm to the parties’ son. Matter compromised with the W receiving 25% of the assets.
S v S [2022]
In addition to a modest family home, the parties assets were comprised of a significant pension held by one party and valuable commercial land owned by the other with another family member and which was inherited. Should the court depart from equality after a very long marriage on the grounds that half the assets were inherited? If the party holding the inherited land could or should sell the land in question. How should the pension be divided? Matter compromised. Sharing was to apply to the inherited wealth given the length of the marriage (DJ). The inherited land could be released at some point when the party desired it and could be seen as akin to a pension fund for that party. Proceeds of sale of FMH sufficient to house both parties modestly if divided equally. Small pension share required to equalise capital position. 50:50 division of the whole of the assets was appropriate notwithstanding the inherited wealth.
M v C [2016]
Proprietary estoppel – declaration of trust – whether the court may vary the terms of a declaration of beneficial interest set out in a signed declaration on the grounds that the parties had entered into an explicit oral agreement post dating the original declaration.
M had agreed to re-mortgage their jointly owned home in order that C could inject capital into his business in order to support and promote it. The court found that the parties had explicitly agreed that C’s share in the home would be reduced accordingly, and that C would account to M for the benefit he had received on any future sale. The court finding also that C had agreed to meet the additional sums due each month under the mortgage as a result of the borrowing.
Court declaring that M was entitled to the same amount that C had borrowed as a first deduction before dividing the proceeds of sale equally between them. Hameed v Qayyam [2009] EWCA Civ 352 and Clarke v Meadus [2007] EWHC 352 relied upon. (a transcript of the judgment is available). Permission to appeal dismissed by the Court of Appeal.
Clerks
Alexander Modgill
Call: 2002
Alexander Modgill
LL.B. (Hons) (University of London)
LL.M. (University of London)
Bar Vocational Course
College of Law London (2002)
Lincoln’s Inn, ELA
Legal Aid Supplier Number 133HP
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Alex Modgill is a prominent member of Broadway House Chambers’ Family and Civil Law teams. He is a barrister of over 18 years’ standing and has consistently been recommended as a leading practitioner by the Legal 500. He was appointed to the Attorney General’s Panel of Junior Counsel to the Crown from 2012 to 2018.
Reputation
Appointed to the Attorney General’s Panel of Junior Counsel to the Crown from 2012 to 2018.
Regular speaker at Chambers’ law seminars.
Individual entry in the Legal 500 for over 12 years.
- Alex Modgill “provides robust advice” – Legal 500 UK
- “Always very thorough and well prepared, and consistently produces good results” – Legal 500 UK
Expertise
Family
Alex is an integral member of Broadway House Chambers’ Top Tier-rated Family Law Team. His practice covers all aspects of financial proceedings, from matrimonial finance, claims under the Civil Partnership Act 2004, the Inheritance Act 1975, the Married Women’s Property Act 1882, and the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996. He is regularly instructed to advise and represent parties and intervenors in financial proceedings, including trusts and estoppel cases.
Alex is often instructed in high value cases including those involving complex business structures, family trusts and inheritances. Alex’s reputation in this area is characterised by his legal knowledge, the depth of his preparation and his attention to crucial detail.
Business, Property and Probate
Alex Modgill has a strong civil law practice. In commercial and chancery matters he advises and acts in cases involving freehold and leasehold property ownership, trusts (including TOLATA 1996 proceedings), contractual matters and the sale of goods and services. Alex is frequently asked to draft pleadings and advise on liability and quantum, especially in high-value cases.
Alex has considerable experience in personal injury law: he is regularly instructed in cases regarding employers’ liability, public and occupier’s liability, and road traffic accidents.
Notable Cases
A v A, B and C [2022]
Represented B and C, intervenors in financial remedy proceedings between A and A, at a 6-day hearing. Complex issues including trusts, proprietary estoppel, debts and freezing injunctions (s. 37 MCA 1973) relating to several residential and commercial properties, shareholdings in businesses and other assets in the UK, plus other alleged assets overseas.
B v B [2022]
4-day hearing involving high value assets including real property, shares in a business with a greatly disputed value, high income, family commitments in England and overseas.
B v B [2020]
Financial remedy proceedings, large asset case including high income professional parties, large pensions in UK and Europe. Expert evidence regarding the implementation of pension sharing regarding a pension in Europe.
A v A [2019]
Financial remedy proceedings, high asset case, long marriage, shares in a private oil company in England with subsidiary in Asia.
F v G [2021-22]
Advised and represented the Respondent in complex claims brought by one formerly engaged party against another under MWPA 1887, MC(PM)A 1958, MPPA 1970, and LR(MP)A 1970. Beneficial interests alleged in two properties (plus equitable tracing) as a result of substantial contributions in money or money’s worth.
R v S [2021]
Advised and successfully represented the claimant at a very complicated, potentially career-threatening 10-day employment tribunal hearing in claims for unfair dismissal. Significant issues about non-disclosure.
Clerks
Sharn Samra
Call: 2002
Sharn Samra
LL.B. (Hons)(London School of Economics), 2:1
Bar Vocational Course (2002), Very Competent
Member of Lincoln’s Inn
Recorder of the Family Court (North Eastern Circuit)
Recorder of the Financial Remedies Court (North Eastern Circuit)
Deputy District Judge (Civil and Private Children: North Eastern Circuit)
Member of FLBA
Legal Aid Supplier Number 162YG
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Sharn is a family law specialist and has developed a strong reputation across all areas of her practise during 20 years at the Bar. She is a formidable advocate who is known for both her meticulous case preparation and personable manner.
Reputation
Sharn regularly presents seminars to lawyers and non-lawyers both regionally and nationally. Recent presentations include: The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and Fact-Finding Hearings within Public Law Proceedings.
Expertise
Family Law
Within financial remedy proceedings, Sharn is particularly renowned for her ability to grapple with complex finances and has considerable experience in multi-party cases involving third party interests and bankruptcy matters.
In public law cases, Sharn acts on behalf of all parties at all levels of the Family Court, including regular representation of Local Authorities. She has significant experience in cases involving an international element including forced marriage cases.
Within private law cases, Sharn has a long standing interest in cases involving domestic abuse and is known for her sensitivity in representing vulnerable parties for which she has undertaken specialist training.
Notable Cases
X v. Y [2022]: Sharn successfully represented a Mother within private law proceedings at a 5 day finding of fact hearing, securing all findings as sought in respect of domestic abuse against the Father. There was a central element of controlling and coercive behaviour. Special measures were sought on the Mother’s behalf and the issues highlighted in Re H-N were addressed.
A Local Authority v. S v. S v. S [2021]: Sharn represented the LA in respect of its application for a forced marriage protection order. Sharn provided ongoing advice and representation during the proceedings on issues of: habitual residence, jurisdiction and care planning. A forced marriage protection order was made at the conclusion of the proceedings and a transfer of jurisdiction to Romania.
A Local Authority v. X (A Mother) & Ors [2020] EWFC B7:Sharn represented the LA in its application for care and placement orders and was successfully able to persuade the court that deemed service could be granted in circumstances where direct personal service on the parents had not been possible.
A Local Authority v. B v. E v. E [2020]: Application for care and placement orders lasting over 2 years. Sharn represented the child throughout. The mother had a learning disability, requiring an interpreter and an intermediary. Listed for an 11 day hybrid final hearing in November 2020; care and placement orders made.
DS v. LS v. JS [2019]: Successful private law appeal on behalf of a grandmother against the decision of lay magistrates within private law proceedings. The case concerned an 8 year old who had lived with his grandmother for the majority of his life. The appeal was allowed and the case remitted with CAFCASS being invited to allocate a new officer; child stayed with grandmother.
Clerks
Emily Ward
Call: 2011 - Deputy Head of the Family LawTeam
Emily Ward
LL.B (Hons) University of Manchester (2010, First Class) (six prizes)
Bar Professional Training Course (2011)
Middle Temple, Godfrey Heilpern Scholar
Deputy District Judge (2019) - Civil, Public & Private Children, and Financial Remedies
Arbitrator
Farquhar Committee Member
Transparency Implementation Group Member
Resolution FLBA
Secretary of Regional FLBA (Yorkshire & Humber)
Women in Law
International Association of Women Judges
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Emily is Deputy Head of the Family Team and has a strong, busy practice both on and off the North Eastern Circuit. She is a particularly sought after in matrimonial finance and cohabitation disputes, as well as complex children cases. Emily is consistently recognised as a leading junior in family law in the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners. She has a keen eye for detail and quickly grasps the key issues in the case.
Emily is also a member of Broadway House Chambers’ Business, Property & Probate Team, and acts in cases where there is a cross-over in jurisdictions and issues.
Emily was appointed as a Deputy District Judge in 2019, at the age of 30, and she holds children (public and private law), civil and financial remedy tickets.
Keen on all forms of alternative dispute resolution, Emily is instructed to act for clients at round table meetings, mediations, private FDRs and early neutral evaluations, as well as arbitrations. She also acts as a Private FDR practitioner/evaluator in financial remedy, Schedule 1 and TOLATA cases, offering her assistance from an neutral perspective with the aim of assisting parties to reach a swift resolution to their disputes.
Emily frequently delivers CPD accredited seminars to groups of lawyers, and is regularly approached to conduct bespoke training in her areas of expertise. She is published in the Family Law Journal, is a case reviewer for Nagalro, Seen & Heard Journal, and has recently taken up the position of Blog Editor of the Financial Remedies Journal. Emily is a published author, being responsible for chapters in both ‘Cohabitation: Law, Practice and Precedents’ and ‘Butterworths Family Law Service’.
Able to accept instructions under the Direct Access scheme, Emily can also provide advice and representation direct to the public.
Reputation
• Author contributor of the leading text ‘Cohabitation: Law, Practice and Precedents’.
• Author contributor of two chapters in Butterworths Family Law Service.
• Lectures for Resolution, FLBA and the Judicial College, as well as for solicitors/lawyers.
• Blog Editor and a member of the Financial Remedies Journal Editorial Board.
• Multiple publications in Family Law Journal.
• Case reviewer for Nagalro.
• Consistently recommended as a Leading Junior in the legal directories since 2017:
‘A high quality junior.’ ‘She is a highly skilled advocate, knowledgeable, and clients like her down-to-earth manner and caring approach.’ ‘Emily is an outstanding advocate who is also fantastic with clients. She always goes the extra mile and works very hard on her written work.’ (2022)
‘A very talented junior, with an extremely bright future. She is a calm and measured advocate, who presents her clients' cases in a strong and persuasive manner. ’ (2022)
‘She punches well above her weight and is not afraid to tackle very complex cases and holds her own against senior opponents. Good knowledge of the law, very down to earth with clients, easy to contact with instructions provides excellent feedback on how a case has progressed or settled in court proceedings. Strong advocate.’ (2021)
‘She's superb - she's got a brain the size of Britain! She has worked on some complex cases where the chances of winning would be slim but pulled off some good results.’ ‘She is very down to earth and can put a client at ease within minutes. She's good at delivering difficult advice clearly.’ ‘She's just an all-round great performer and wise beyond her years.’ (2021)
‘She holds her own against far more senior opponents.’ (2020)
‘A rising star whose expertise spans a range of family law matters, with a focus on matrimonial finance and child-related cases. She represents parents and local authorities in various care proceedings which often involve complex medical evidence.’ ‘She is an exceptional advocate with a great eye for detail who consistently impresses with her representation in both financial and children proceedings.’ ‘She offers great client care and is fearless.’ (2020)
Expertise
Financial Remedy & Schedule 1
Emily is an established matrimonial finance specialist and is highly sought after in financial remedy and schedule 1 cases. She acts for clients from pre-issue, where focus is primarily upon strategy, settlement and advice as to evidence, through to final hearings and on appeal. Her case load comprises high net worth clients with large incomes and substantial capital, business, trust assets and/or extensive pension provision, as well as difficult cases where needs exceed the available assets.
Emily is experienced in advising in cases where the issues include pre-acquired wealth, inheritance, complex business and trust structures, liquidity issues and nuptial agreements. She is also often approached to advise in cases where there have been substantial personal injury awards. Her recent and current cases include:
• Advising in relation to a substantial discretionary family trust, created after a lottery win (+£9m).
• Representation of a party with significant company assets, including a limited company valuation of £5.9m.
• Securing findings of undisclosed assets and foreign income in China. Complex issues concerning jurisdiction and enforcement.
• Advising and drafting pre-nuptial agreement in a high value case with assets in the UK, Russia, Germany, Austria and Iran.
• Currently instructed in a case where assets exceed £12m.
Private Children
In addition, Emily’s family practice encompasses all areas Private Children Law. She advises and represents clients in a wide range of applications, and she is a favourite in cases involving intractable contact disputes, implacable hostility and vulnerable individuals. She is frequently praised for her sensitive yet sensible approach with clients. Recognised for her sensitive approach, Emily has dealt with a significant number of cases in which there has been a parent death or terminal diagnosis of a parent.
Emily also represents clients in cases involving domestic abuse, including coercive and controlling behaviour allegations and also cases where false allegations of abuse against parents and/or children have been made.
Her latest children cases include:
• Representation of a parent at a finding of fact hearing concerning multiple serious allegations of physical, psychological, emotional and sexual abuse against the resident parent and the children, including multiple rape and GBH.
• Representing two professional people at multi-day fact findings hearings in which allegations of coercive and controlling behaviour were found proved.
• Acting for a parent in a case where false allegations of sexual abuse were made against him, and found after trial to have been fabricated by the other parent.
• Acting for grandparents in a case where their son had been killed, contact with grandchildren stopped by the other parent and allegations of sexual abuse made against one of the grandparents. Findings of fabrication were made and contact was reinstated.
Civil
Emily’s civil law practice incorporates a range of matters, including land and trust disputes (to which she brings extensive legal knowledge from her authorship and editorship in leading practitioner cohabitation texts), Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975 claims, and bankruptcy and insolvency in a family law context.
Given her family law practice, Emily has particular specialism in civil and chancery matters with a family element, including advising in professional negligence issues stemming from family law proceedings/advice and land and trust disputes in a family setting.
Emily’s recent cases include:
• Acting for a client resisting an application to annul his bankruptcy petition. Linked financial remedy proceedings.
• Representing an intervener in civil proceedings (the family proceedings having been stayed pending the outcome of the civil dispute) concerning various property transactions and arguments as to beneficial interests in property.
• Currently instructed in two cross-over cases where issues of financial remedy and probate collide.
• Currently instructed in five farming cases, which include partnership disputes and third party property rights.
Notable Cases
Re W [2016] EWCA Civ 793 (July 2016) – Representation of grandparents on pro-bono basis unled against three silks. Important and leading case in relation to adoption.
Re W (Adoption – Contact) [2016] EWHC 3118 (Fam) – Re-hearing of Re W (below). Appeared against a silk unled.
Re W [2016] EWHC 2437 (Fam) - First instance contested adoption case.
IC v RC [2020] EWHC 2997 (Fam) – Important case in relation to the slip rule and legal principles associated thereto.
SH (A Child) [2020] EWHC 1510 (Fam)
O v O (2020): Finding of fact hearing in private children proceedings where Emily’s client was accused of sexually abusing his step-daughter over a prolonged period of time. Careful consideration and handling of the child witness was required taking account of advocates toolkits and special measures.
W v W (2021): Representation of the respondent in high value and complex financial remedy proceedings in a civil partnership dispute. Significant issues in the case included the respondent’s: (i) substantial pre-acquired assets; (ii) the respondent’s interest in a by-pass trust (c.£1M); (iii) significant inherited assets; (iv) shareholding in a company with a value of £16.6M; and, (v) interest in a newly incorporated company. Expert evidence was required, including in relation to the impact of Covid-19 and extraction of funds for the settlement. The added complication in this case was the short length of the marriage, but also the applicant’s health needs and the potential for ongoing spousal maintenance payable by the respondent. Case settled on a clean break basis, which excluded the majority of the pre-acquired assets.
F v M (2021): Representation of a father contested jurisdiction proceedings in the High Court. The final hearing, which ran over four days, involved complex issues of fact, with multiple witnesses giving evidence from different countries, and complex issues of law (including Qatari law) were considered.
Clerks
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
Jake Ellis
Call: 2010
Jake Ellis
Deputy Head of the Business, Property & Probate Team
LLB Bachelor of Law - 2:1, LLM Master of Laws – Merit, BVC (Very Competent)
Lincolns Inn
Legal Aid Supplier Number 02ECP
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Jake has very quickly established himself as a leading financial remedy and property specialist and as “a name to watch by instructing solicitors”.
Jake is considered to be well versed in matrimonial finance cases involving trusts, business/commercial interests, inherited wealth and farming assets and is regularly instructed to act in cases of significant value.
As the Deputy Head of the Business, Property and Probate Team, Jake’s finance and property practice extends to complex disputes between unmarried couples pursuant to the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 as well as claims arising out of the Inheritance (Provision for Family & Dependants) Act 1975.
Reputation
The Legal 500 2023 A strong advocate with laser-like attention to detail. He listens to the client and provides clear and comprehensive analytical advice. A barrister who is always prepared to go the extra mile.’
Chambers and Partners 2023 'Jake Ellis is noted for his dedication to clients and cases. He is particularly well versed in handling the financial aspects of separations, many of those involving complex structures such as inherited wealth and farming assets.’
The Legal 500 2022 Guide recommends Jake as “[a]n excellent communicator who provides robust advice. He can turn a complex set of facts into a clear pleaded case. He puts clients at ease straightaway with his very personable approach. ’
The Chambers and Partners Guide refers to Jake as a “…popular junior noted for his dedication to clients and cases. He is particularly well versed in handling the financial aspects of separations, many of those involving complex structures such as inherited wealth and farming assets...”
The Chambers and Partners Guide 2022 attributes the following quotes to Jake: "Nothing is too much trouble for him and he relates well to clients of all types." "Jake goes above and beyond for clients and instructing solicitors." "His manner with clients is fantastic."
Both Guides have recorded Jake as being a “name to watch”.
Jake has had his article “Family Businesses in Financial Remedy Proceedings” published in the Family Law Journal
Jake regularly speaks at Chamber’s seminars, including the Annual Seminar, and is frequently invited by instructing solicitors to speak at seminars and deliver training.
Expertise
Financial Remedy
Jake advises and represents clients in financial relief proceedings from pre-issue to final hearings and is regularly instructed to assist and represent clients attempting alternative methods of resolution, such as at mediation, round table conferences/discussions and private FDR’s.
Jake has experience across the broad spectrum of financial remedy cases but has a particular expertise in cases which include disputes involving trusts, business/commercial interests, inherited wealth and farming assets.
Jake is also available to put his specialist knowledge to use as a private FDR judge.
Business, Property and Probate
Jake has a thriving practice advising and representing clients in cases brought under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 and Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
Jake’s busy chancery practice blends well with his extensive financial remedy practice, in particular property disputes arising out of cohabitation and challenges to interests in family estates.
Notable Cases
Jake was instructed in a case involving a large property portfolio, held in the UK and abroad and on trust by third parties, and a number of commercial interests, valued at over £17 million.
Jake was instructed in a case that culminated in a 7 day trial, involving two interveners and several witnesses, to resolve a dispute around interests in capital and property held in the UK and abroad.
Jake was instructed in a case that concerned assets of over £2.3 million, which largely consisted of a multi-generational farm and investments inherited by the Applicant Husband.
Jake was instructed to act in a case concerning a multi-generational family farm brought into the marriage by the respondent and associated business established by the parties during the marriage and operated as a partnership.
Jake was instructed in a case concerning the validity of a pre-nuptial agreement and loan agreement in a case where the assets were valued at over £1.3 million.
Clerks
Christopher Rowe
Call: 2014
Christopher Rowe
M Law Exempting (BPTC), Northumbria University (First Class)
Bar Professional Training Course (Outstanding)
Lawyers Without Borders Intern 2014
Woon Foundation Scholarship (2011)
Honour Roll, Northumbria University School of Law (2012, 2013, 2014)
Inner Temple
Legal Aid Supplier Number 02FD
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Christopher is a member of Broadway House Chambers Family Team and Business, Property & Probate Team. He specialises in:
• Financial Remedy Proceeding
• Private Law Children proceedings
• Claims under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996.
Christopher is equally comfortable advising in conference and in writing, as he is in representing clients at all stages of court proceedings including appeal proceedings.
Reputation
Expertise
Family
Financial Remedy Proceedings
Christopher frequently represents and advises applicants, respondents and intervenors at all stages of financial remedy proceedings. He has represented clients in cases involving properties and other assets located abroad, where complex pensions issues arise, and where dissipation of assets and injunction applications feature.
Christopher’s strong practice in TOLATA claims finds him regularly instructed in financial remedy proceedings where intervenors are involved.
Christopher is available to advise both in conference and in writing.
Private Law Children
Christopher has developed a busy practice in private law children proceedings. He is regularly instructed in contested proceedings involving international and internal relocation, parental alienation, and domestic abuse.
Christopher’s prior experience practising in criminal law provides him with particular knowledge where issues of police disclosure arise.
Domestic Abuse
Christopher represents applicants and respondents in non-molestation and occupation order applications, from the ex-parte stage through to final hearings. He has an in-depth understanding of the law and practice in this area, often delivering comprehensive training seminars on cases involving domestic abuse.
Civil
Christopher’s written skills and pragmatic approach assist him greatly when he is required to provide written advices and draft pleadings.
Christopher has developed a strong practice in claims arising under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996. He is regularly instructed to draft all forms of pleadings and to advise in conference including from the outset of potential claims where early advice can be invaluable.
Christopher has also attended numerous small claims, fast-track trials and interim hearings in respect of housing (in particular landlord and tenant and anti-social behaviour matters), personal injury and wide-ranging contract disputes.
Clerks
Ned Sproston
Call: 2014
Ned Sproston
MPhys (Master of Physics)
PGCE (Secondary Education)
GDL (Distinction)
BPTC (Very Competent)
Lincoln’s Inn
Legal Aid Supplier Number 02FEJ
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Ned is a Family and Civil practitioner, predominantly practising in the field of Private Children. He receives a significant volume of instructions in contested hearings such as Finding of Fact Hearings and Final Hearings. In addition to this, Ned’s practice also covers Ancillary Relief, Schedule 1 Children Act cases and, TOLATA. In the civil sphere, Ned takes on Road Traffic Accident cases and other Personal Injury claims. Ned does not generally practice in Public Children cases but will remain with a client under circumstances where a Private case enters the Public Law arena part way through..
Ned is a qualified civil and commercial mediator and is available for instruction in that capacity. Please enquire about this with our clerks if this is a service you might consider.
Reputation
“Never one to shy away from knotty issues, Ned’s forensic and calm approach to complex private law cases is reassuring to clients and practitioners alike. He is always approachable and on-hand to discuss any issue of the case no matter how small. A pleasure to work with" (Partner at Local Firm)
Expertise
Family
Private Children - Over 80% of Ned’s workload covers Private Children matters covering the spectrum of issues. Ned has a reputation as an advocate who is able to quickly get to grips with a trial bundle and separate “the wheat from the chaff”. As a former secondary school teacher, Ned is experienced working with young and/or vulnerable people and is good at helping lay clients consider (and hopefully accept) what can sometimes be difficult truths, in a sensitive manner.
Ancillary Relief, Schedule 1 Children Act, and TOLATA – A significant minority of Ned’s workload covers these areas of the law and he is happy to accept appropriate instruction accordingly. Ned is very ethically minded and aware of the importance of trying to reach a fair settlement at an early stage if possible.
Civil
Personal Injury – Ned regularly accepts instructions in this area and has found that his background in Physics sometimes comes in handy when trying to analyse and argue the mechanics of a road traffic collision when causation is in dispute.
Ancillary Relief, Schedule 1 Children Act, and TOLATA – A significant minority of Ned’s workload covers these areas of the law and he is happy to accept appropriate instruction accordingly. Ned is very ethically minded and aware of the importance of trying to reach a fair settlement at an early stage if possible.
Clerks
Harry Wiltshire
Call: 2015
Harry Wiltshire
Bath University, BA Hons Business Administration
GDL and BPTC, BPP Leeds
Middle Temple, Harmsworth Scholar
Legal Aid Supplier Number 02GCI
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Harry is experienced in representing both Claimants and Respondents in the employment tribunal, he regularly appears in cases dealing with unfair dismissal, wrongful dismissal, unlawful deductions, discrimination, whistle blowing and employment status.
Harry accepts instructions in private law children matters. He regularly deals with contested final hearings and multi day finding of fact hearings, including issues such as domestic violence and relocation.
Harry is developing a growing matrimonial finance practice, he is regularly instructed to undertake Financial Dispute Resolution Appointments and Final Hearings.
Harry is registered with the Bar Council to undertake direct access work.
Harry is a member of Broadway House Chambers Business, Property and Probate Team. Prior to Pupillage Harry ran his own business, he has a strong understanding of the pressures involved in the management of a SME and is comfortable dealing with commercial disputes.
Prior to pupillage Harry competed as a professional athlete. Harry is Deputy Head of Sports, Media and Entertainment Team. He has gained experience of contractual disputes and disciplinary proceedings in the sporting arena. He has also been involved in the representation of athletes in anti-doping and disciplinary proceedings before governing bodies, Sports Resolution UK and the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Reputation
Expertise
Employment
Harry regularly represents both Claimants and Respondents in the Employment Tribunal. He accepts instructions to advise, undertake drafting and attend hearings. Harry deals with a wide range of issues, including: employment status, unfair dismissal, discrimination (including disability and sex), whistleblowing detriment and holiday pay.
Sport
Prior to pupillage Harry spent 15 years competing as a professional athlete regularly representing Great Britain at international level. Harry’s experience as an athlete gives him a huge advantage when approaching sport cases and makes him a very appealing choice for lay clients in the sports arena.
Harry has experience of sports contract disputes and disciplinary proceedings. He has been involved in the representation of athletes in anti-doping and disciplinary proceedings before governing bodies, Sports Resolution UK and the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Harry is on the panel of regional Rugby Football Union prosecutors.
Harry works closely with Adam Willoughby, Head of the Sports Law Team. Harry has assisted him in dealing with contractual matters on behalf of Rugby Football League Teams and the preparation of anti-doping cases on behalf of athletes who have returned adverse analytical findings.
Harry’s Sports Law practice is complimented by his special interest in employment and contractual law.
Family Law
Harry practices in private children law and financial remedy.
Notable Cases
Mr AY Ali v Salix Homes and Michael Page International Recruitment Limited Case No. 2404266/2018
Successfully represented a recruitment agency over a four day hearing securing a finding that they could not have dismissed an agency worker on the grounds of a protected disclosure, when they had no knowledge of the disclosure at the time of dismissal. The case also raised a breach of contract, direct discrimination and worker/ employee status.
Mrs C Tantrum -v- Ashville College and others 180078/2018
Successfully argued at a three day hearing that the Claimant was an employee rather than a self employed sports teacher working at a private school. The finding meant that the matter settled following a judicial mediation. The case raised issues of protected disclosures, an unfair dismissal, holiday pay and unlawful deduction from wages
Smith -v- Bradford District Care NHS
Representing the Claimant at a three day hearing dealing with claims of indirect discrimination on the grounds of disability, as well as harassment and failure to make reasonable adjustments.
Mr J Bassey -v- HMRC
Junior Counsel representing the respondent at a three week tribunal dealing with 88 allegations of harassment and racial discrimination.
Ms KJ Badon -v- The Secretary of Health & Social Care
Junior Counsel representing the Respondent at a two week hearing, where the Claimant alleged she was subjected to a detriment to deter, punish or prevent trade union activity.
Mr A Poznaski -v- Exceed Logistics Limited 2600570/2018
Represented the Claimant who asserted that he had been unfairly dismissed following an allegation of fuel theft. Secured a finding for the Claimant in relation to an unlawful deduction from wages.
Daniel Alden -v- Skinnergate Cycles Stockton Limited 2501655/2018
Successfully represented the Respondent securing the dismissal of the claim as out of time and through failure to comply with Court Orders. Disability also considered.
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
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