No5 Barristers' Chambers - Excellence is at the heart of everything we do.
Background

Philip Vollans

Call: 2015

Philip Vollans has extensive experience in the areas of Regulatory, Inquests, Crime, Professional Disciplinary, Environment and Planning.

Instructed on complex matters from inquests through to matters proceeding to the Court of Appeal, Philip has been involved in significant cases relating to deaths occurring on construction sites resulting from statutory failings; failings in investigatory proceedings relating to historic offences, regulatory baches including health care bodies including the CQC and NMC, to those involved in the built environment and RIBA. Philip has represented both lay clients and police staff involved in historic allegations.

By 2023 Philip had already achieved the level of Grade 4 CPS prosecutor and had been appointed to both the Serious Crime and RASSO panels. In addition, he was appointed to the list of Specalist Regulatory Advocates in Health and Safety and Environmental Law, and has appeared before the High Court in respect of cross jurisdictional issues and judicial review. Phillip is recognised as a leading junior with over a decade of experience, he has a detailed understanding of complex areas of law. Recently, Philip was appointed as an Assistant Coroner as well as sitting on a number of panels.

Expertise

Crime

Philip practices the following areas:

Criminal Fraud & Proceeds of Crime

Philip has a detailed knowledge of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. Recently prosecuting over 42 individuals involved in a complex conspiracy, Philip navigated the complex issues with ease. Possessing a detailed awareness of marital rights, s10A interests and hidden assets, Philip is able to provide detailed advice regarding confiscation proceedings, and regularly advises on matters involving a complex chronology or cross-jurisdiction issues.

Inquests, Public Inquiries & Coronial Law

Philip Vollans is a highly regarded barrister and assistant coroner with a detailed understanding of Inquests and Inquiries. Instructed to represent companies and individuals regarding health and safety, social care, police and prison matters, Philip is an experienced practitioner understanding the procedural complexities of a case.

Philip commenced his career as a criminal practitioner and regularly advises on the use of cross admissibility of evidence from Inquests in other regulatory and criminal proceedings.

Environment

Philip has been instructed to represent companies, and defendants including large scale disposal of waste, operating hours, chemical disposal, and company regulations. Philip has appeared both in the Magistrates’ and the Crown regarding complex matters involving Environmental regulations, appearing on behalf of both the prosecution and defence. Familiar with the regulations and provisions in relation to the functions of the Countryside Councils, the Forestry Commission, and the Environment Agency, having previously worked alongside Countryside and Land Agents, he has a unique insight into the practical implementation of legislation.

Undertaking advisory work on behalf of a local authority, Philip has previously advised on local government strategies, and the development of legislation in relation to Environmental Issues. These included development and compliance of green strategies including natural habitats for rare species, applications for rewilding on brownfield sites, and compliance with planning legislation.

As well as representing lay clients and companies, Philip was appointed as a Specialist Regulatory Advocate for the Health and Safety and Environmental Law List.

Planning

Philip practices the following areas:

Planning Enforcement

With a previous background in Architecture, Philip has a detailed understanding of the multidisciplinary areas which overlap in the Construction Environment. Philip represented the interests of clients on areas including planning enforcement notices, and post permission, local development order compliance, breaches of tree preservation orders, adherence to FSC and other Environmental legislation. Philip has provided advice regarding planning applications, and compliance with planning permission, as well as dispute resolution on matters relating to local developments.

Philip has been instructed on behalf of local authorities regarding advice on court summons, obtaining possession orders on behalf of the landowners, and has successfully appeared before the Court of Appeal regarding POCA matters.

Philip has represented the interests of a companies in relation to their compliance with Building Standards and planning, third party contractual agreements, and insurers liability. In addition, Philip was previously instructed as assisting counsel to a core participant during the Grenfell Tower inquiry, and regularly appears in contested enforcement proceedings from the First Tier Tribunal through to the Court of Appeal.

Residential

Philip has an in-depth understanding of the rules and regulations pertaining to the Built Environment. Philip has undertaken work relating to HMO’s, building regulation compliance, Community Infrastructure Levy. Studying Architecture, and working within an Architectural Practice, he is one of the few Barristers who has developed a wealth of knowledge from first-hand experience within the construction industry. Familiar with complex drawings, regulations, Architectural practices and working methodology, he has been instructed on complex cases involving private and public buildings within the UK. Furthermore, Philip has assisted and advised Landlords regarding ongoing Tenant disputes which encompass both criminal and civil areas alike.

Regulatory

Philip has a developed an in-depth knowledge of matters relating to CQC, HSE, Environmental and Built Environment offences as well as complex criminal proceedings that traverse both the Coroner’s and Crown Court’s. Demonstrating a clear and detailed understanding of Regulatory Offences both during the Inquest through to the Court of Appeal Philip has represented individuals and companies in complex and high profiled cases.

Philip is an experienced advocate, and one of a few Barrister’s who came from an Architecture background. Working in an Architectural Practice, he has an in-depth knowledge into the requirements, and regulations surrounding the built environment, and has developed a practice understanding the complexities involved within the construction industry.

Philip has previously been involved in high profile cases including Grenfell Tower, Gross negligence manslaughter, medical malpractice, and allegations of failings by the state.

Health & Safety

Philip receives instructions in relation to professionals within the built environment including Chartered Architects, Surveyors, Engineers, and third party manufacturers. Providing comprehensive advice regarding the obligations and requirements of individuals within the built environment and the liability arising within the phases of construction. Philip has provided advice to companies and lay clients regarding complex legal issues of refurbishments and developments, as well as breaches of professional obligations.

Philip is an experienced advocate, and one of a few Barrister’s who came from an Architecture background. Working in an Architectural Practice, he has an in-depth knowledge into the requirements, and regulations surrounding the built environment, and has developed a practice understanding the complexities involved within the construction industry. Instructed in cases involving Health and Safety Philip has developed a comprehensive understanding of the rules and regulations of the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Instructed in cases involving procedural scrutiny, and company working practices, Philip has assisted senior counsel on complex areas of law including cases involving serious injury, and gross negligence manslaughter.

As well as representing lay clients and companies, Philip was appointed as a Specialist Regulatory Advocate for the Health and Safety and Environmental Law List.

Licensing

Philip has regularly appeared on behalf of the defence and licensing authorities regarding breach of exemptions, permits, and licenses. He has also provided advice on both large, and small-scale businesses regarding licences of commercial premises, environmental licences, and matters relating to the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.

Military Court Martial

Philip has an intrinsic knowledge of the Court Martial process and has previously acted for individuals during proceedings. Previously contributing to articles, and providing guidance to other practitioners, he has been identified as an individual with a wealth of experience who understands the intricacies of the legal process.

Motor Crime

Philip developed his practice in London, becoming familiar with a wide range of offences from initial requests for information by the DVLA through to cases involving Death by Dangerous Driving. He has an in-depth understanding of the statutory framework, case law, and procedures involved, and has appeared on behalf of International Companies and individuals alike. Philip is regularly involved in complex matters involving expert calculations and presentational storyboards and is known for his clear strategy and thorough cross examination.

Police Misconduct

Philip has represented Police Officers during complex proceedings involving historic sexual allegations and alleged breaches of PACE. Representing individuals at both a disciplinary level and in the Crown Court, Philip has developed a particular interest in representing police officers in challenging circumstances. Working closely alongside the solicitors, Philip advocates for early involvement and is able to represent individuals both at the Crown Court and during any misconduct proceedings.

Professional Misconduct

Philip has represented the interests of individuals at hearings at various stages, providing in-depth advice and submissions regarding the cross-admissibility of evidence, interim measures, and the implications of ongoing and past criminal proceedings. Representing individuals and companies engaged with NMC and CQC prosecutions, Philip has experience of representing individuals at the disciplinary stage through to any criminal prosecution, and is highly regarded as an advocate who can navigate complex areas of law with ease.

Related News, Resources and Events

News


Philip Vollans to be appointed as an Assistant Coroner

No5 Barristers’ Chambers are pleased to announce Philip Vollans is to be appointed as an Assistant Coroner for Stoke-on-Trent and North & South Staffordshire. Philip…

Publications


New Year’s Reminder on Reflective Working Practices

No5’s Philip Vollans discusses the growing requirement for individuals to be reminded of the new normal working practices as the regulatory professional bodies continue to…

View all related news

  • The Pegasus Award, India, The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple (2021)
  • BPTC Scholarship, The University of Law (2013)
  • Assistant Coroner
  • Assistant Circuit Junior, Midlands
  • Grade 4 Crown Prosecution Service
  • Grade 4 RASSO Panel
  • List C of the List of Specialist Regulatory Advocates in Health and Safety and Environmental Law.
  • LLB (Hons), College of Law, Birmingham
  • BPTC, College of Law, Birmingham
  • BA (Hons), Architecture, The University of Sheffield
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Related News, Resources and Events

News


Philip Vollans to be appointed as an Assistant Coroner

No5 Barristers’ Chambers are pleased to announce Philip Vollans is to be appointed as an Assistant Coroner for Stoke-on-Trent and North & South Staffordshire. Philip…

Publications


New Year’s Reminder on Reflective Working Practices

No5’s Philip Vollans discusses the growing requirement for individuals to be reminded of the new normal working practices as the regulatory professional bodies continue to…

View all related news

Clerk Team

Chris Mitchell

Practice Director, Regulatory

chrism@no5.com

07496 197192

Matthew Reeves

Clinical Negligence, Personal Injury (Multi Track) and Regulatory Clerk

matthewr@no5.com

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