Archives 2019

John Dagg specialises in Town and Country Planning, environment, heritage, rights of way and related matters together with real property.

John qualified in town planning after studying at Durham and Liverpool Universities and then studied law part-time while employed in planning. He attended the Inns of Court School of Law, was a pupil in leading London Chambers and practised from London for 25 years, latterly in a specialist planning, property and administrative law set.

John has acted for major trading companies, medium and small businesses, local authorities, schools, universities, churches and individuals. He advises on site and in Chambers, drafts documentation and represents in all courts, tribunals, public inquiries, hearings and meetings. John also lectures and presents training seminars.

Andrew Bailey has established a strong and varied practice in Essex and London, specialising in all aspects of family law, property disputes and employment cases.

Andrew joined Trinity Chambers at its inception in 1997 following his success in chambers in Chelmsford.

He has a notable practice in employment law, including dismissal claims and discrimination cases for both Claimants and Respondents. He appeared for the Essex Police Authority in a claim for sex discrimination. In addition to litigation, he has also advised in uncontentious contractual matters.

Andrew is perhaps best known for his work in family law litigation. He is recognised for his ability to assist in complicated public law Children Act cases, acting effectively and sensitively for Local Authorities, for Respondent parents and Guardians.

In private law family work, Andrew provides a highly professional level of support at all levels of court hearings for parents and partners. His work in this area covers all aspect of family life from children act disputes to cohabitation litigation and ancillary relief. Andrew is able to combine an approachable manner with helpful negotiating skills, as the case requires. He also applies his scrupulous preparation in contested hearings.

The Legal 500 in its 2024 edition placed Andrew in Tier 3 of its leading juniors and described him as “a go-to counsel on TOLATA matters. His strong presentation of evidence and cross-examination of witnesses is impressive”.  He appeared in the Supreme Court in the landmark case of Kernott v Jones.  This claim, brought under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996, which involved a determination of the parties’ interest in a jointly owned property following 14 years separation.  Andrew held this case from trial in Southend County Court, to the High Court and Court of Appeal before eventually appearing before the Supreme Court in May, 2011.

Andrew sees the case of Kernott v Jones as a reflection of his practice interests. That case sees the cross-over between family and trust law and the conflict between the principles of ‘fairness’ against the background of 20 years of chancery jurisprudence.

Member of FLBA, ELBA, Society of English and American Lawyers.

Legal 500 2024

‘Andrew is a go-to counsel on TOLATA matters. His strong presentation of evidence and cross-examination of witnesses is impressive.’

Legal 500 2023

‘Andrew is extremely thorough in his preparation. He is an excellent advocate and builds a wonderful rapport with the clients.’

Josephine Ashwell (formerly Josephine Spratt-Dawson) was engaged in commerce for fourteen years prior to being called to the Bar. Her business experience provides her with valuable expertise in respect of disputes arising from commercial activities.

She has practised in Chelmsford throughout her career. Born in Essex, Mrs Ashwell has strong local links and brings with her practical local knowledge which is of value in many of the cases she handles.

Mrs Ashwell has established a busy practice in family and civil law with a strong emphasis on ancillary relief and general chancery matters including contested trust and probate actions.

The Legal 500 in its 2024 edition places Mrs Ashwell in Tier 3 of its leading juniors stating. She has previously been recognised in the 2021 edition as ‘her main strengths include robust advocacy skills and speaking plainly to the client and managing their expectations.’   She has a reputation for her tenacious approach to her advocacy whilst being able to deal with sensitive issues in a calm and practical manner.

Mrs Ashwell can always be relied upon to give firm and fair advice even in the most difficult of circumstances. She has concern and understanding for her client which enables them to have confidence that she will do all she can to progress the matter without giving unrealistic expectations.

Member of the FLBA.

Legal 500 2023

‘Josephine is one of the most effective and accomplished advocates in all matters appertaining to family law, children law and financial remedy matters. She gives concise and constructive advice to the clients setting out the difficulties.’

Stefanie is a Family Law practitioner specialising in private law disputes relating to children and financial proceedings.

The Legal 500 in its 2024 edition places Stefanie in Tier 1 of its leading juniors for both her work in Divorce and Financial remedies and Children and Domestic violence.   She is there described as ‘meticulous in her preparation and has a detailed and in-depth knowledge of all areas of family law. She is a strong advocate, and without fail, clients are impressed with the advice and representation they receive from her.’

Stefanie works hard to earn her clients’ trust across a wide range of sensitive situations and is adept at providing clear and sound advice. She is known for her thorough preparation. Her strong advocacy in court and her effective representation of clients during any negotiation process and in the court arena.

Stefanie’s financial work includes high value cases, companies and family businesses, dissipation of assets and pensions, including those accrued by the armed forces, police and fire brigade.

Proceedings in respect of children include those involving allegations of sexual abuse, physical harm and intractable contact disputes involving parental conflict and alienation, applications pursuant to Schedule 1 to the Children Act 1989 and property disputes under the Trust of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996.

Legal 500 2024

‘Stefanie is meticulous in her preparation and has a detailed and in-depth knowledge of all areas of family law. She is a strong advocate, and without fail, clients are impressed with the advice and representation they receive from her.’

Stefanie Wickins is the ‘go-to senior barrister for any complex matter’ on circuit and garners praise for her ‘robust approach to financial hearings strong cross-examination of witnesses’. 

‘Stefanie has a wonderful rapport with clients. She manages expectations brilliantly and maintains a strong, decisive presence in advocacy.’

A ‘formidable advocate’, Stefanie Wickins is ‘extremely thorough with case preparation, and provides clear and concise advice’. 

Legal 500 2023

‘Stefanie is a first-class barrister who always achieves the best possible results for clients. She is always on hand to assist and goes above and beyond with every case.’

‘Stefanie is an extremely good advocate. She is tenacious and always gets the job done. She really fights the corner for her clients to achieve the best outcome.’

Stefanie Wickins is the ‘go-to barrister in the region for family finances’ and is highly regarded for ‘strong advocacy skills, work ethic and preparation for cases’

Daniel is recognised by the Legal 500 as a Leading Junior in both divorce/financial remedy and Children Act proceedings. His family law practice is complimented by a solid background in civil and chancery matters.

His fused practice is reflected in membership of both the Family Law Bar Association and the Chancery Bar Association.

Daniel is meticulous in his preparation of cases, good with clients and strong on his feet, with an effective court manner.

Financial Claims on Separation

Daniel is a specialist in financial claims arising on separation, whether those claims fall within the sphere of ‘family law’ or chancery business. He has a detailed knowledge of family and civil procedure giving him a sound tactical awareness. Mindful of the economies of litigation, where possible, Daniel endeavours to provide realistic advice at an early stage of proceedings.

Financial Remedy and Schedule 1 Claims

Daniel is frequently instructed in financial remedy proceedings (between parties to a marriage or civil partnership) and Schedule 1 claims (between parents of children). His chancery background makes him particularly well-suited to those claims in which the assets include trust property, companies or partnerships, or indeed where issues of insolvency, inheritance or probate are live.

Intervenor Claims

A significant proportion of Daniel’s financial remedy practice is advising and acting in preliminary ‘intervenor’ claims concerning the disputed beneficial or contractual interests of third parties (usually members of the extended family or business associates). In these complicated disputes, Daniel is particularly valued for his legal clarity, precise drafting and robust presentation.

Trusts of Land

Much of Daniel’s practice is advising and acting in cohabitation claims between unmarried couples brought under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act. He has a sound knowledge of the different species of equitable claims and defences that arise in those disputes, and years of experience running them to trial.

The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act

Often, Daniel will be instructed to represent parties in claims for financial provision brought under the Inheritance Act.

Private Law Children

Daniel has a strong private law children practice, and frequently acts in child arrangement disputes and cases of internal/external relocation. His cases will often involve: serious allegations of violence (including sexual violence) towards partners/children; parental alienation; substance abuse; poor mental health; and hostile litigants in person, all of which he is well suited to deal with.

Civil

Aside from his trusts of land practice (see above), Daniel retains a civil practice divided between court and advisory work. He has a particular interest in disputes relating to land including: boundary and title disputes; adverse possession; rights of way and other easements.

Mediation

Daniel is qualified as a civil and commercial mediator, a service he is happy to provide within Chambers or at another agreed venue. His good manner with clients and broad litigation experience compliment this role, which he fulfils with patience and creativity.

Legal 500, 2024

“Daniel Attridge is admired for his ’calm authority in the courtroom’ and has particular expertise in complex private law children cases.” (2025)

“Daniel is intelligent, quick-thinking, incisive and thorough. He is an excellent advocate, quick to turn things around and absorbs details incredibly. He is focused and accurate.” (2025)

“Daniel is very knowledgeable and knows his stuff inside and out. He is very good with clients, giving them confidence in his advice.” (2025)

“Daniel quickly analyses material and finds practical and realistic ways forward to suit his client’s needs. He provides clear, user-friendly advice supported by considered authoritative guidance. He is an extremely formidable and effective advocate and meticulous in his preparation.” (2024)

Daniel is happy to receive instructions under the direct/public access schemes

Stephanie is a specialist family law advocate who has established a busy practice in the east of England since she joined Trinity Chambers in 2006. She regularly appears in care proceedings as well as disputes around child arrangements, injunctive proceedings and financial matters.

Receiving instructions from solicitors, local authorities and direct access clients, Stephanie is well known by the local judiciary for her ability to mediate collaboratively, as well as fight tenaciously, whilst always remaining focused on her client’s best interests. She is a barrister who works tirelessly to establish a client’s objectives and priorities before delivering a personally tailored service which focuses on achieving that positive outcome in an efficient and effective manner.

Jessica accepts instructions in all family matters including public and private children law, financial relief, and Family Law Act applications. She also maintains a busy civil practice.

Jessica joined Trinity Chambers as a tenant in 2018 after completing pupillage in Chambers. Prior to joining Chambers, Jessica worked as a paralegal in a busy firm specialising in family and immigration law and previously worked as an adjudicator for POPLA.

Outside of work, Jessica enjoys hiking and baking.