Old Court Chambers merge with Park Square Barristers

We are delighted to announce that Old Court Chambers will join Park Square Barristers on Monday 9 November 2020.

For over 30 years Old Court Chambers have provided high quality legal representation to clients in Teesside, Durham, Newcastle and the surrounding area.

This will continue with all 15 barristers, 1 pupil and 4 staff joining PSQB.

The merger strengthens Park Square Barristers reputation as a Leading Set regionally and nationally.

Meet the Team

Paul Abrahams (2002 call) – extensive experience in dealing with serious criminal and regulatory cases. Very popular and noted for his ability to handle victims and witnesses in complex cases. A Grade 4 prosecutor and frequently led in Defence homicide cases.

Nigel Soppitt (1996 call) – admitted as a solicitor in 1981 Nigel has nearly 40 years of Legal experience. He has a mixed practice but in recent years he has primarily undertaken serious criminal cases including homicide.

Paul Newcombe (1991 call) – a very busy and a very popular advocate. Paul is a Grade 4 RASSO prosecutor with considerable experience in historic sexual offence cases where children and intermediaries are involved.

Peter Sabiston (1992 call) – undertakes a wide range of Criminal Work both for the Crown and Defence, he has been a leading Junior in complex Fraud and Drug allegations. He has been instructed in cases involving serious sexual offences, causing death by dangerous driving and attempt murder. He has a reputation for his meticulous preparation of cases.

Shaun Dryden (1994 call) – wide ranging criminal practice appearing in the Crown Court across the North East. A mixed prosecution and defence practice, Shaun deals with all aspects of fraud, serious violence and drug offences – a Grade 3 prosecutor.

Chris Baker (1996 call) – A Grade 3 prosecutor, Chris has a busy criminal practice, as prosecution and defence, focusing on serious crime, sexual offences and drug cases. Known for his compassionate and fearless approach he has an enviable track record of success in complex cases.

Victoria Lamballe (2002 call) – very busy Crown Court practice in a wide range of serious matters with particular experience in defending sexual offences including rape and offences committed against children.

Chris Morrison (2002 call) – mixed Criminal, Family and Civil practice – covering all aspects of criminal litigation, particular expertise in child arrangements and care proceedings in family cases and general civil Law matters in particular concerning local authorities. Direct Access accredited.

Louise Harrison (2010 call) – specialises in all aspects of Family Public law proceedings in the County Court including cases involving chronic neglect and sexual abuse. Regularly instructed in complex finding of fact hearings – also private law applications in child arrangement proceedings.

Chris Wood (2008 call) – former senior academic, Chris has a wide ranging mixed practice in Family, Crime, Regulatory and Civil Law cases. He has specialist interests which include terrorism, human rights and biometric evidence in criminal cases. A Grade 3 prosecutor in crime and Proceeds of Crime. Regularly instructed in complex Public Law care proceedings involving significant neglect and sexual abuse.

Andrew White (1986 call) – after a 25 year legal career as a Legal Adviser/Team Manager in the Magistrates Court Andrew commenced practice in 2012. Mixed criminal and family practice with particular experience working on behalf of local authorities in matters including driving offences and consumer protection.

Uzma Khan (2004 call) – Regulatory and criminal practice – with particular interest in immigration law and appearing before mental health tribunals. Renowned for her client care and thorough approach. Direct Access accredited – fluent in Urdu, Punjabi and Patwari.

Jon Harley (2005 call) – Experienced barrister prosecuting (CPS grade 3) and defending across the criminal spectrum. In Regulatory he has represented many Local authorities and has been involved in Health & Safety cases, HMRC, Taxi licensing and firearms appeals. Also appeared in the Family Courts in Children Law proceedings.

Gary Wood (2019 call – Solicitor 2009) – substantial experience in care proceedings, adoptions and private law family disputes. Wide ranging experience in criminal cases having practised as a Solicitor for ten years before transferring to the Bar. Now has an expanded practice in Regulatory matters including prosecutions brought by Police and Local authorities in relation to closure orders.

Ashleigh Leach (2016 call) – mixed common law practice. Grade 1 prosecutor in Crime. An accomplished advocate appearing in the Magistrates and increasingly in the Crown Court. Civil work covers commercial, chancery, personal injury, industrial disease and professional negligence. Also accepts instructions in Family and Regulatory proceedings.

Jonathan Gittins (2015 call – pupil) – in his second six with Chris Baker as his pupil supervisor. Predominantly criminal pupillage, prosecuting and defending in matters including harassment, domestic violence and dishonesty. Also accepts instructions in Family, Civil and Regulatory matters.

Clerks Contact details

Telephone : 01642 232523

Email : clerksteesside@psqb.co.uk

Dan Foulger – Teesside Senior Clerk – danfoulger@psqb.co.uk

Claire Gibson – Clerk – claire@psqb.co.uk

Angela Porritt – Clerk – angela@psqb.co.uk

Emma Gibson – Clerk – emma@psqb.co.uk