Simon has over 25 years’ experience at the Bar and is an expert in complex property-related litigation, professional negligence, partnership disputes, general contractual disputes and public law.
He accepts instructions from both domestic and international clients, ranging from individuals to insurance companies and large multinational corporations. He is regularly instructed direct by American attorneys in UK jurisdictional disputes, and has also appeared before the Court of Appeal in Gibraltar.
Simon is first and foremost an advocate but is also happy to provide non-contentious advice, for example, drafting contracts and shareholder agreements, or advising on statutory interpretation.
In property matters, his early background in planning law and his extensive experience of property disputes in the Courts combine to make him an extremely popular choice. He can advise and represent across the full range of cases, including disputes arising out of freehold and leasehold interests, covenants, easements, boundaries, rights of light, party walls, land registration, and conveyancing.
His varied commercial practice encompasses many complex high-value disputes. For example, he is currently the leading lawyer advising an international company in a major long-running multi-jurisdictional contractual dispute.
Simon’s professional negligence work includes claims involving solicitors, surveyors, architects, insurance brokers and marine surveyors. His public law experience includes judicial review and licensing.
He is highly valued by clients and frequently recommended in testimonials for his “user-friendly manner”, his “clear, practical advice and hands-on approach” and his ability to “work well with teams”. He is also admired for his “strong forensic analysis, especially when cross-examining” and his “ability to spot the crucial points in a potential dispute at an early stage.”
Simon comments: “I’m completely comfortable handling tough negotiations, but I also gain great satisfaction from helping clients to avoid litigation where possible.”
Memberships and appointments
Property Bar Association
Professional Negligence Bar Association
Bencher of Inner Temple
Member of Bar Council Training for the Bar Committee
Other
Regularly presents in-house seminars to solicitors across the range of his practice areas
Accredited advocacy trainer
Trustee of the Cardinal Hume Centre
Foundation Governor of Wootton Academy Trust