Summary
Stephen has a specialised civil practice dealing predominantly with real property and commercial-contract disputes. He has particular expertise in rights of way (and other easements, including the right to light), boundary disputes (including adverse possession), trusts of land, nuisance (including harassment claims), and fraud and deceit. His practice extends to landlord and tenant work, and negligence (including road traffic accidents).
Stephen prides himself on giving clear and unambiguous advice on the merits of any case, and, if the advice is positive, clear guidance as to how best to maximise the prospects of a successful outcome.
You will see from his reported cases that if, at first instance, the outcome is not as expected, Stephen is quite prepared to appeal a judge’s decision.
Stephen believes that in most cases that go to trial, it is of the utmost importance first to “find the lie”, and then to expose it to the Judge. The skill and preparation required to cross-examine a dishonest witness and expose his or her untruths to the judge, is not to be underestimated.
Prior to coming to the Bar, Stephen had a successful career in sales and business. The experience gained in this previous career is of great value when faced with understanding the needs of an individual client. Stephen is confident of his ability to empathise with his clients’ predicaments, at what is usually a very stressful time for them.
Where appropriate, Stephen accepts work on a conditional fee basis and is Direct Access Accredited.
Court of Appeal
Keshwala v Bhalsod – [2021] EWCA Civ 492 – Mr Taylor had successfully represented the landlord in the County Count. The tenant’s appeal in the High County was successful, but Mr Taylor obtained permission for a rare, second appeal: this time to the Court of Appeal. The second appeal was successful, restoring the County Court Judge’s order.
JN Hipwell & Son v Szurek – [2018] EWCA Civ 674 – In a commercial landlord and tenant dispute, Mr Taylor successfully represented the tenant in the County Court. The landlord appealed to the Court of Appeal where Mr Taylor’s arguments resulted in the appeal being dismissed.
Thakkar v Patel – [2017] EWCA Civ 117 – An unsuccessful appeal on a costs order.
Page v Convoy Investments Ltd – [2015] EWCA Civ 1061 – A successful appeal to the Court of Appeal regarding a right of way over a private driveway and the erection of electric gates on the way.
Sharma v Simposh Ltd – [2011] EWCA Civ 1383 – This was Mr Taylor’s first visit to the Court of Appeal and he was successful. The County Court judge had concluded that a non-refundable-deposit in a subject-to-contract sale of real property was refundable. The case provides authority for the proposition that non-refundable deposits in subject-to-contract property sales really can be non-refundable.
High Court
Halborg and Another v Halborg and Others – [2023] EWHC 1190 (KB) – In a long saga of claims and applications, Mr Taylor represented parents in dispute with their son.
SPS Groundworks and Building Ltd v Mahil – [2022] EWHC 371 (QB) – The Claim was about the sale of land at an auction. Mr Taylor successfully appealed the County Court decision. The case provides new authority for the proposition that a vendor has a duty to disclose a defect in title.
Keshwala v Bhalsod – [2020] EWHC 2372 (QB) –
Mr Taylor had successfully represented the landlord in the County Count. The tenant’s appeal in the High County was successful, but Mr Taylor obtained permission for a rare, second appeal: this time to the Court of Appeal. The second appeal was successful, restoring the County Court Judge’s order (for the Court of Appeal decision – see above).
Mr Taylor had successfully represented the landlord in the County Count. The tenant’s appeal in the High County was successful, but Mr Taylor see above below).
Broomhead v National Westminster Bank Plc – [2018] EWHC 1574 (Ch) – An unsuccessful multi-million pound claim in the High Court.
Shoe Logic Ltd v Neuls -[2014] EWHC 1837 (QB) – A successful application for a freezing injunction.
Fletcher v Chief Constable of Leicestershire – [2013] EWHC 3357 (Admin) – An interesting “finders” case (£18,000 in cash found by a builder under the sink, who handed it to the police, who were unable to trace the owner). Prior to Mr Taylor’s involvement, the magistrates, and then a Crown Court Judge (sitting with magistrates) concluded that the police could keep the money. Mr Taylor’s appeal for the finder to the High Court (by way of case stated) was unsuccessful. Mr Taylor sees this as “one that got away”, but, unfortunately, because of the earlier appeal to the Crown Court, the rules prevented a third appeal to a higher court.
Glenfield Motor Spares Ltd v Smith – [2011] EWHC 3130 (Ch) – A rare thing: a successful appeal to the High Court against a circuit judge’s finding of fact.
Stephen passed his Bar Vocational Course (now the Barrister Training Course) at BPP in Holburn, London in 2001/2. He was accredited “outstanding”, first-in-class.
Stephen passed his LLB at Buckingham University (1999 to 2001). He achieved a first-class honours degree and was first-in-class.
Stephen studied Maths, Physics and Biology at A-level.
Stephen is very competitive. His desire to be the best he can be transfers well to his role as an advocate.
Stephen cycles to keep fit, plays the piano to relax, continues his interest in physics and biology by reading contemporary books on both subjects, and enjoys reading, watching top level sports, and solving crossword puzzles.
Bar Standards Board press release
