Background

Robert graduated with a First in History from University College London. He converted to law at City Law School and then completed the Bar Vocational Course at BPP. He was called to the Bar by Gray’s Inn in October 2010.

He accepts instructions in all of Chambers’ main practice areas.

Police Law

Robert has represented a variety of police forces in the Crown Court and Magistrates’ Court in SOPO, ASBO, POCA, ROSHO and Closure Order applications. During his supervision under Jeremy Johnson QC, Robert gained experience in all aspects of police law, including disciplinary proceedings and civil actions against the police.

Public Law

During pupillage, under the supervision of Jeremy Johnson QC and Jason Beer QC, Robert gained a particular interest in public law work and has experience in immigration and asylum law (including immigration detention), information and data protection, disclosure, judicial review, and human rights. Recently, he undertook drafting and advisory work for the Treasury Solicitor on a civil case involving drug smuggling and article 2 ECHR and disclosure work on two additional asylum cases. Robert is also part of the 'Baby Barrister' scheme.

Employment Law

Robert was instructed by Gloucester Police Force to act as junior counsel to Victoria von Wachter in a three-week ET hearing at Bristol Tribunal; he has also been instructed as junior counsel for the appeal in the EAT. Robert has represented both Claimants and Respondents in the ET in unfair dismissal and discrimination claims, both at the CMD stage and at final hearings, and also has experience of drafting advices and pleadings in employment matters. During pupillage, under the supervision of Victoria von Wachter, Robert gained experience in advising on disability and other discrimination, unfair dismissal, constructive unfair dismissal, and restrictive covenants.

Licensing Law

Robert frequently appears in the Magistrates’ and Crown Courts in taxi licensing appeals (including drivers’ and operators’ licences). Robert has also provided seminars with Elliot Gold on the Licensing Act 2003.

Personal Injury Law

Robert has wide experience of writing advices and pleadings in a broad range of personal injury matters, including employers’ liability claims, slipping and tripping, RTAs, and incidents involving animals. Robert has also been instructed to appear at the County Court for disclosure applications, quantum hearings and other interlocutory matters.

Other

Robert has undertaken work advising and representing clients on contractual issues, applications for warrants under the Rights of Entry (Gas and Electricity Boards) Act 1954, and costs matters.

Academic

David Karmel and Bedingfield Scholarships (Gray's Inn)

BVC, BPP (2009-10)

GDL, City University (2008-9)

BA, History, 1st class, UCL (2005-8)

Personal

Robert is an experienced debater and was President of the UCL Union Debating Society in 2007-8. Robert worked as a paralegal at Barlow Lyde & Gilbert (2004) and did internships at Berwin Leighton Paisner (2007) and Slaughter and May (2007).

Robert is a life-long QPR fan, a former skiing instructor, and a devotee of blues music.