"One of the best professional disciplinary lawyers and probably the best advocate of all."
Stephen has, for the last ten years, practised almost exclusively in Professional Discipline and Regulation, representing professionals from a wide variety of industry sectors in cases brought by their regulatory bodies and in related proceedings in the criminal, civil and Coronial courts, and other tribunals.
For a number of years, Stephen was regularly instructed by the General Medical Council to present complex and lengthy cases before its disciplinary committees, and in the High Court, when it was said of him that he “has knowledge, drafting and presentational skills that are second to none at this level” (Chambers UK, 2009).
He now defends almost exclusively, and is in great demand by the principal indemnity providers who instruct him both directly and through their panel firms to represent professionals before their regulatory bodies (GMC, GDC, NMC and others), in Coroners’ Inquests, and associated proceedings (PCT, CESR/Specialist Register applications, Performers List Appeals, etc). He appears both at first instance and advises on statutory appeals and Judicial Review applications to the High Court. He is “praised for his high standard of client care, is firm without being unduly aggressive and does the job brilliantly with great humour and charm” (Chambers UK, 2011).
Stephen also undertakes significant cases associated with sports regulation. He was instructed by the Football Association as junior counsel in the prosecution of John Terry and also appeared in the appeal of physiotherapist Stephen Brennan in the Harlequins Rugby Football Club “Bloodgate” case. He is described as “a natural advocate, who will go the extra mile to provide a good service to his client” (Chambers UK, 2010).
He is also in particular demand to defend healthcare and other professionals involved in proceedings the criminal courts, particularly where there are concurrent or associated regulatory proceedings. Current cases include the defence of a consultant pediatrician accused of assaulting a patient’s sibling during a consultation.
Stephen was nominated by Chambers and Partners, publishers of market leading industry directories, as “Professional Discipline Junior of the Year” at the 2013 UK Bar Awards.
GDC v NA
Defence of orthodontist accused of significant and multiple clinical failings and incompetence leading to irreparable damage to children’s dentition over sustained period and at multiple practices.
GMC v X and R v X
Defence of world renown Consultant Paediatric Urologist accused of taking and retaining indecent images of children during complex surgery. Providing representation at the GMC and pre charge advice in the police investigation.
GDC v NA
Defence of orthodontist accused of significant and multiple clinical failings and incompetence leading to irreparable damage to children’s dentition over sustained period and at multiple practices.
GDC v Mr E
Defended an internationally renowned dentist who was accused of incompetently placing implants without the informed consent of patients.
Football Association v John Terry
Junior counsel to the FA in proceedings against Mr Terry following use of racially motivated language directed towards Anton Ferdinand.
Brennan v Health Professions Council
The “Bloodgate” case involving Harlequins RFC. Represented HPC in the High Court responding to appeal by Mr Brennan, the physiotherapist accused of helping to fabricate a blood injury using fake blood capsules during a Heineken Cup Quarter-Final rugby match in 2009.
General Medical Council v Favier
Prosecution of a Consultant Anaesthetist for failure to declare financial interest in a product he recommended to patients suffering chronic intractable pain.
12th Jul 2023 Read more
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Barrister Portfolio [10]
