Summary Of Practice
Simon was called to the bar in 2005. His practice focuses on the following areas of work:
Landlord & Tenant
Simon acts for a wide range of clients in relation to all Landlord and Tenant matters. He is instructed on a regular basis in social housing cases, advising and representing local authorities and housing associations in respect of a wide range of matters, particularly possession, anti-social behaviour and disrepair. He is also instructed by banks and other lenders as well as by private residential and commercial landlords and tenants.
Simon often acts for a range of professional clients within particular specialist areas, including:
LPA receivers - Simon is experienced in dealing with the particular challenges such cases can prsesent.
Licensed premises - Simon has undertaken a considerable volume of work in relation to licensed premises, acting for many of the major chains and breweries.
Insolvency practitioners - Typically acting for trustees in bankruptcy in claims for possession, orders for sale and declarations of beneficial interests in property.
Surveyors - Simon has a significant practice advising on service charge disputes (both commercial and residential), including residential matters before the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal. He is happy to consider instructions from surveyors and other housing professionals under the Bar Council's Licensed Access scheme. Simon also acts for a number of local authorities and private landlords and tenants in relation to service charge disputes and lease variation applications.
Contract / Commercial
Simon regularly advises in a wide range of commercial and insolvency law matters. Work has included drafting of share sale agreements, pleadings in respect of the supply of defective equipment and advice in respect of a guarantee under a commercial lease. Further, Simon undertakes work arising from alleged professional negligence, particularly in a construction and automotive context. His court practice regularly includes a wide range of litigation on all tracks in both County Courts and the High Court.
Simon has a particular interest in cases involving Carriage of Goods.
Scholarships and Awards
2005 - Buchanan Prize (Lincoln's Inn)
2004 - Hardwicke Scholar (Lincoln's Inn)
2004 - Dechert Company Law Prize
2003 - Drapers’ Company Prize for academic excellence
Professional Memberships
Property Bar Association (PBA)
Social Housing Law Association (SHLA)
Education
1989-1996:
Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School, Elstree
2001-2004:
Queen Mary College, University of London - Law LLB (1st)
2004-2005:
BPP London, Bar Vocational Course (Outstanding)
2005-2006:
22 Old Buildings, Lincoln's Inn - Pupillage
Other Information
Before being called to the bar, Simon worked for 10 years providing (through his company) technical and production services. This was principally to clients in the entertainment, film, corporate hospitality and motor industries, both in the UK and abroad. He has extensive experience and understanding of the particular needs of such clients.
Simon is a keen music collector, and a particular fan of jazz, soul and funk. He has recently built an AC Cobra type kit car and is now focussing on maintaining and improving his house (formerly a cow shed).