University: Leicester University
School of Law: Inns of Court School of Law
Scholarships and Awards: Inner Temple Profumo Award
The Skinners Company Award
FLBA
“… [the judge’s] approach has come under attack by Mr Murray …
… for he has subjected the Act and the facts of this case to penetrating analysis.”
Lord Justice Ward (Appeal allowed)
“You not only [advance your client’s case] but you do that, if I may say so, with great charm, great courtesy and great skill.
“the one thing the lay client can at least say is that [Mr Murray] has conducted the matter with courtesy, dignity and proportionality”.
Her Honour Judge de Haas QC – Dec 2017
“This hearing was remarkable for the calmness and good humour in which it was conducted both by Counsel and by the parties… …compared to many trials, it was made much quicker and easier by the demeanour of all concerned and I thank them for that”.
District Judge Conway – Sep 2019
“The Court wishes then to express its gratitude to each of the advocates in this Final Hearing for the exceptional care and skill taken in presenting the parties’ respective positions, for their professional and thorough yet sensitive approach”
HHJ Middleton-Ray – Feb 2021
Known for his robust and thorough approach to cases, Stephen originally pursued a career with the Derbyshire Constabulary. After two years in the police service he left to go to university; graduated with a law degree from Leicester University in 1985 and was called to the Bar in 1986 by Inner Temple having come in the top 8% in the Bar Finals and won two separate scholarships.
In his early years at the Bar, Stephen had a mixed common law practice. For many years now Stephen has specialised in matrimonial finance (with a particular emphasis on complex financial remedy cases for high net worth clients involving issues such as trusts and company valuations) and related fields, particularly applications under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 and cohabitation disputes. He is known for his meticulous attention to detail and thorough grasp of the law and rules of procedure. As an advocate, both written and orally, he is highly regarded and recommended by leading independent legal directories.
Stephen enjoys and continues to accept instructions in private law children cases.
Yvonne Taylor v Philip Taylor [2016] Fam Ct
Stephen (in conjunction with Sally Harrison QC) acted for Yvonne Taylor, the wife of the 16 times world darts champion Phil “The Power” Taylor which has recently received much media publicity.
M v T [2016]
Stephen successfully acted for a Premier League footballer in a Schedule 1 application.
Hargreaves (Trustee in Bankruptcy of Salt) v Salt; Hill v Hargreaves (Trustee in Bankruptcy of Salt) [2011] EWCA Civ 248; [2011] BPIR 656
Proforce Recruit Ltd v Rugby Group Ltd [2006] All ER (D)
Hannigan v Hannigan [2002] 2 FCR 650 (C/A)
Re Y (children) (occupation order) [2000] 2 FCR 470 (C/A)
“… [the judge’s] approach has come under attack by Mr Murray …
… for he has subjected the Act and the facts of this case to penetrating analysis.”
– Lord Justice Ward (Appeal allowed)
Atkin v DPP: The Times [1989] Cr App Rep 199 (Div Court)
Stephen has published an article entitled “Ancillary Relief Trial Bundles – An Ignored Art” in the April 2011 Edition of Family Law.
The article examines the reason why trial bundles are important, gives guidance how they should be prepared and warns the profession of the increasing penalties for failure to follow the Practice Direction.
The Court of Appeal has unanimously allowed all three appeals, and has upheld all consumer arguments, in a landmark ruling in relation to the mis-selling of Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) finance agreements in the motor finance industry.…
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