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

Stephen Goodfellow

Call: 1997

"Stephen is wonderful with clients and an extremely effective cross-examiner"

"Stephen is a very calm advocate who sets clients at ease during conference. He is very well prepared and a very strong negotiator."

Legal 500 2024

'Stephen is wonderful with clients and an extremely effective cross-examiner.’

Legal 500 (2024)

‘Stephen is a very calm advocate who sets clients at ease during conference. He is very well prepared and a very strong negotiator.’

Legal 500 (2024)

"unflappable and methodical"

Legal 500

Stephen Goodfellow practiced in common law at East Anglian Chambers for 13 years, becoming the Chelmsford centre head, before moving to London chambers where he now practices civil law and is a pupil master at No.5 Chambers. Solicitors value Stephen’s considerable experience and depth of knowledge in civil litigation and his expertise in costs. Stephen appears in courts, including appeal courts, where he is noted for his persuasive advocacy skills and his comprehensive knowledge of the civil procedure rules and costs.

He regularly undertakes detailed assessment hearings and is sought after for CCMC hearings where he has a reputation for swiftly identifying and addressing issues in a proactive manner, having a good relationship with costs drafts people and achieving very favourable costs outcomes. Stephen has considerable experience in arguing for costs with regard to Part 36 Offers, security for costs, wasted costs, non-party costs orders and dis-application of costs on the discontinuance of a claim.

Stephen regularly advises lay clients and solicitors in respect of cost issues and has provided presentations on Civil Procedure Rule 36 and on the practical implications of Part 36 Offers. He also regularly writes articles on costs matters.

Stephen is recommended by Legal 500 as a leading junior in Costs, Professional Negligence and Clinical Negligence.

Expertise

Business & Property

Stephen is a seasoned civil practitioner with a wealth of experience spanning the High Court, Court of Appeal, and lower courts, including the Companies Court. Outside the court room, Stephen is writes articles and speaks on legal topics, , sharing insights on pertinent issues such as
relief from sanctions, the evolution of CPR Part 36, and professional
negligence claims.

His advisory work extends to intricate matters of construction and breach of contractual terms, encompassing areas like restraint of trade and confidentiality clauses. Stephen is accomplished in property law , covering diverse areas such as TOLATA, leasehold disputes, boundary issues, and easements.

Renowned for his meticulous drafting and persuasive advocacy skills, Stephen is highly regarded in courtrooms and across various legal forums. His adept handling of costs arguments has made him a sought-after figure for both Costs and Case Management hearings, earning him recognition in the Legal 500 for his expertise in this area.

Mediation

Stephen has great depth of experience with mediation in business and property matters over the last 25 years, including remote mediations. He has represented clients in mediations concerning TOLATA, boundary, easement and contractual disputes.

Stephen adeptly questions his clients’ assumptions, whilst effectively putting across the strengths of his clients’ case and weaknesses of the opponents’, without being confrontational, thereby achieving the best resolution for his client. His history of success is undeniable. Approachable and composed, he consistently goes above and beyond, particularly excelling in difficult situations by simplifying complex issues.

Commercial Litigation

Stephen boasts extensive expertise in this field, frequently appearing in both the County Court and the High Court. Currently, he is actively representing a client in a complex fraud and misrepresentation claim valued at over £1 million. This intricate case involves multifaceted issues of agency and contractual construction. Additionally, Stephen is engaged in another challenging claim aiming to set aside court judgments in leasehold matters, on the grounds of fraud against the court, within an underlying property dispute.

Professional Negligence

With a wealth of experience spanning over 25 years, Stephen specializes in handling professional negligence claims, particularly against solicitors and barristers. His expertise extends to providing advice and representation in various court proceedings, including cases arising from personal injury claims, clinical negligence claims, boundary disputes, declarations of trust, and property disputes.

Stephen is Legal 500 recommended for his expertise in Professional Negligence matters – ‘Stephen is wonderful with clients and an extremely effective cross-examiner.’

Real Estate

Stephen regularly appears in court, particularly in handling leasehold disputes, encompassing various matters such as commercial lease renewals, under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, and rent arrears. In a recent notable success, after a rigorous three-day trial, he secured a favourable outcome for his client under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996. This achievement included a determination of his client’s interest in her former partner’s property, along with an order for sale. Additionally, Stephen offers expert advice and representation in boundary disputes, rights of way, easements, and cases involving adverse possession.

Notable Business & Property Cases


Appeared in the Supreme Court, having successfully represented the respondent at the Court of Appeal Telchadder v Wickland (Holdings) Ltd [2012]

H.L.R. 35, upon the issue of the validity of a notice before action for termination of a mobile home licence that also involved issues of discrimination under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and the Equality Act 2010.



Stephen successfully represented his client in the first appeal against the dismissal of a construction claim, and in the Court of Appeal Boodia v Yatsyna [2021] EWCA Civ 1705, where he obtained a very favourable costs outcome.


Mahida v Mahida [2021] EWHC 3446 (Ch), successful resisted appeal against default costs certificate issued following a property dispute.

Represented his clients in Shah v Shah [2021] EWHC 1668 (QB), in an appeal against the costs order made following property dispute trial.


Clinical Negligence

Stephen boasts extensive experience in clinical negligence law, having practised in this area since 1997. Holding a degree in Physiology, his deep understanding of complex medical issues is invaluable. Formerly leading clinical negligence law teams at East Anglian Chambers and 36 Bedford Row, Stephen now brings his expertise to No.5.

Recognized by Legal 500 for his excellence in Clinical Negligence, Stephen maintains a robust paperwork practice, catering to a diverse clientele ranging from sole practitioners to large national firms. Equally adept in claimant and defendant work, he is lauded for his persuasive advocacy skills and comprehensive knowledge of civil procedure rules.

Stephen’s caseload encompasses various clinical negligence areas, including brain injury, cancer, and medical/ surgical cases. His prowess in costs arguments positions him as a sought-after advocate for Costs and Case Management hearings. Recognized by Legal 500 for his expertise in costs matters, Stephen excels in general costs budgeting, applications to vary budgets, and securing interim payment orders.

Brain Injury & Cerebral Palsy

Stephen is currently engaged by both claimants and defendants in handling substantial brain injury cases, which frequently stem from medical negligence, including failure to adequately diagnose or treat epilepsy, as well as instances of neglect in treating hyponatremia. His expertise extends to complex birth hypoxia cases, where he has successfully secured significant settlement of £5m.

With a keen focus on securing favourable outcomes for his clients, Stephen meticulously navigates the intricate legal terrain surrounding these delicate matters. Drawing upon his extensive experience, degree in Physiology and profound understanding of medical negligence law, he employs a strategic approach tailored to each case’s unique circumstances.

Medical / Surgical

Stephen possesses extensive expertise in navigating the complexities of medical and surgical cases, drawing upon his broad experience to provide exceptional advice and representation to his clients. Currently, Stephen is actively advising and representing clients in court proceedings arising from a range of medical negligence issues, including failure to diagnose appendicitis, negligence in prescribing anti- coagulations and complications arising from negligent knee surgeries.

With a meticulous approach to case analysis and a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in clinical negligence claims, Stephen ensures that his clients receive comprehensive and tactical legal guidance tailored to their specific circumstances. Clients can trust in Stephen’s dedication and expertise to navigate the complexities of their cases with diligence and determination.

Notable Clinical Negligence Cases



Most recently, in 2024, Stephen has appeared in a contested application for a further interim payment of over £3/4 million, in a multi £million catastrophic injury case, concerning the application of Eels test.



He also successfully represented his client in a, contested application for variation of a costs budget, to increase the budget by over £260,000.


Personal Injury

Stephen brings extensive expertise to the field of personal injury law, having practised in this area since 1997. He headed the personal injury team at both East Anglian Chambers and 36 Bedford Row before joining No.5.

With a degree in Physiology, Stephen offers invaluable insight into complex medical issues. Solicitors highly value his extensive experience and depth of knowledge in employers’ liability and public liability matters.

Consistently recognised by Legal 500 for excellence in Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence, Stephen maintains a robust paperwork practice, serving a diverse clientele ranging from direct access sole practitioners to major national firms.

Stephen is a seasoned courtroom advocate, renowned for his persuasive advocacy skills and comprehensive understanding of civil procedure rules. His proficiency in costs arguments makes him a sought-after figure for Costs and Case Management hearings, handling everything from general costs budgeting to applications for varying budgets and securing interim payment orders. Recognised by Legal 500 for his expertise in costs matters, Stephen is a trusted authority in the field.

Catastrophic Injury

Stephen is retained by a diverse clientele comprising both claimants and defendants in catastrophic injury claims exceeding £1m. These cases entail the meticulous examination of evidence spanning various expert disciplines, together with care experts and case managers.

Costs & Litigation Funding

Stephen is highly sought after for his expertise in detailed assessment hearings and Case and CCMC hearings. Renowned for his proactive approach, he swiftly identifies and addresses issues, achieving favourable outcomes. With a strong rapport with costs drafts people, Stephen consistently delivers excellent results. With considerable experience, Stephen adeptly argues costs issues such as Part 36 Offers, security for costs, wasted costs, non-party costs orders, and disapplication of costs upon discontinuance of a claim. He frequently appears before Masters, handling everything from general costs budgeting to variations and relief from sanctions for late filing of costs budgets. solicitors, offering presentations on Civil Procedure Rule 36 and the practical implications of Part 36 Offers. He is also a regularly publishing articles on costs matters.

Stephen represented his clients in Shah v Shah [2021] EWHC 1668 (QB), in a technical appeal against the admissibility of a Part 36 Offer and whether it would be unjust to applying it following a nominal award of damages at trial.

Credit Hire

Stephen brings extensive expertise to credit hire matters, having acted for both claimants and defendants for many years. He is adept at dealing with the general issues of need, period, enforceability, basic hire rates, impecuniosity, alongside more specific issues of fraud, taxi hire, bailee and diminution.

Mediation

With 25 years of experience in personal injury law, Stephen has participated in numerous mediations and is renowned for his formidable negotiating prowess. He skilfully challenges his clients’ assumptions while adeptly presenting the strengths of their case and the weaknesses of their opponents’ without resorting to confrontation. This approach consistently leads to optimal resolutions for his clients. Stephen’s track record of success speaks for itself. He is approachable and composed, consistently surpassing expectations, especially in challenging scenarios where he simplifies complex issues to achieve favourable outcomes.

Related News, Resources and Events

News


Pro Bono Recognition

No5 Barrister’s Chambers are proud to see Rebekah Wilson, Jessica Allen, Sapandeep Singh Maini-Thompson, Stephen Goodfellow and Baldip Singh Aulak named in the recently published Bar Pro…

Uncategorised


The importance of not just having knowledge of ‘material facts’ but also ‘attribution’ of those material facts, pursuant to section 14A of the Limitation Act 1980

Personal Injury, Professional Negligence and Costs specialist Stephen Goodfellow of No5 Barristers’ Chambers discusses the recent decision in Witcomb v J Keith Park Solicitors [2023]…

View all related news

    

"a safe pair of hands"


Related News, Resources and Events

News


Pro Bono Recognition

No5 Barrister’s Chambers are proud to see Rebekah Wilson, Jessica Allen, Sapandeep Singh Maini-Thompson, Stephen Goodfellow and Baldip Singh Aulak named in the recently published Bar Pro…

Uncategorised


The importance of not just having knowledge of ‘material facts’ but also ‘attribution’ of those material facts, pursuant to section 14A of the Limitation Act 1980

Personal Injury, Professional Negligence and Costs specialist Stephen Goodfellow of No5 Barristers’ Chambers discusses the recent decision in Witcomb v J Keith Park Solicitors [2023]…

View all related news

Clerk Team

Geoff Carr

Director of Clerking (London)

geoffc@no5.com

07852 317495

Danny Griffiths

Director of Clerking (Birmingham)

danielg@no5.com

07960 831815

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