Call: 2005 Education: University of Edinburgh: MA (German & Business Studies),
BPP: Postgraduate Diploma in Law ‘Commendation’,
BPP: BVC ‘Very Competent’
Practice Summary
Personal Injury
Family
Police Law
Property
Commercial Disputes
Memberships
South Eastern Circuit
Personal Injuries Bar Association (PIBA)
Al completed pupillage at 9 Gough Square and has been a tenant since October 2006. He has a broad practice and is willing to accept instructions in all areas of Chambers' work, including considering instructions on a CFA basis where appropriate.
Civil Litigation
Al has particular experience in Chambers' key area of personal injury and undertakes a wide range of advisory, drafting and court work in the personal injury field. He regularly represents both Claimants and Defendants in fast track and multi track claims and acts in a wide variety of claims, routinely appearing in trials of Employers' liability, Public liability and Occupiers' liability, as well as matters arising out of road traffic and workplace accidents.
Further to his mainstream PI practice Al is regularly instructed to advise on and appear in appeals before the Criminal Injuries Compensation Appeal Panel, dealing with issues of both eligibility and quantum. He also has significant experience of Inquests in Coroner's courts, representing the interests of families of the deceased or those of other interested parties, advising on and acting in subsequent Fatal Accident claims.
In addition to his busy personal injury practice Al advises and appears in Landlord and Tenant and general Contract disputes. His landlord and tenant experience ranges from possession proceedings to forfeiture and appearing in the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal and he has conducted a number of general contract claims.
In keeping with 9 Gough Square's broad common law practice, Al also acts in a wide variety of other areas, including appearing in the High Court for the High Court Enforcement Officer in writs of fieri facias, the Bankruptcy court and the Supreme Court Costs Office.
Family and Criminal law
Alongside his civil practice Al has a busy and developing family practice, specialising in all work relating to children, in both public and private law. His public law work involves representing various local authorities in care proceedings, as well as acting for parents and guardians. His private law work includes residence and contact disputes. In addition to his private law work Al has a developing ancillary relief practice.
Throughout pupillage and the first years of tenancy Al was also a committed criminal advocate, developing as an advocate acting for both Prosecution and Defence in the Magistrates’ and Crown Courts.
Re: PC Gary Toms (Deceased) - Representing the wife of an SO19 Police Officer killed in action during a car chase. Initially represented the wife at the inquest which attracted some media attention, the Prime Minister David Cameron later unveiling a memorial to PC Toms at the site. Subsequently advised on a Fatal Accident claim against the Met Police which settled for £290,000.
In order to stay on top of things and stay fit Al has a wide variety of interests including running, cycling, squash and yoga which are crammed into a busy lifestyle. In more sedate moments Al enjoys food, books, film and will rarely miss a Formula One Grand Prix.
