Our People

Meet our team at JSC Chambers

Joseph Chiffers

Head of Chambers and Practising Barrister

Joseph is a barrister with the right to conduct litigation and to accept public access work. Joseph has expertise in civil and commercial litigation including, landlord and tenant (business and residential), property litigation, employment law, common law and chancery; he worked as a Solicitor Advocate in private practice before setting up his own chambers.

He has 18 years of civil and commercial litigation experience and knows the profession well from the perspective of clients, solicitors and the judiciary.

His professional Moto is to 'promote and protect his clients' interests fearlessly, without regard to his own or to other peoples' which comes directly from the Barristers Code of Conduct.

Joseph practices in civil and commercial litigation, including, landlord and tenant (residential and business), property litigation, chancery, employment and common law.

Notable Cases:

Judicial review against Liverpool City Council regarding regulations against buskers (2012), SEE HERE

BMW Financial Services (GB) Ltd v Hart (2012); see HERE

Enterprise Insurance Plc v U Drive (Gibraltar) Solutions Ltd (2016); see HERE.

RE Barclay Entertainment Limited (2019), SEE HERE (obtained a winding up order against a company that was subject to a Company Voluntary Liquidation, against a strong presumption that the winding up petition should be dismissed due to the CVL).

Paula Walters v DWP (2019) SEE HERE (My client, the Claimant was unsuccessful, but the case provides non-binding guidance that nationalism is likely to be a belief that is protected by the Equality Act 2010)

Robinson v Ramsbottom (2020) (A case heard by His Honour Judge Sephton QC, where Joseph Chiffers successfully represented a collector of rare tattooing artefacts. Our client’s unique Christian Warlich sketchbook had been damaged by another collector).

Penny Lane Claims v Channon (2021) et al (Joseph Chiffers is successfully represented the Respondent in a High Court Appeal heard by Mr Justice Snowden. The case was very similar to Manchester Shipping Ltd v Balfour Shipping Ltd & Anor [2020] EWHC 164, which had been heard shortly before – SEE HERE)

Lodhia v Commissioner for the Metropolitan Police (2022)- this case is pending at the time of writing. The Claimant wishes to set a precedent that will use the Human Rights Act 1998 to regulate the use of the 'Released Under Investigation' scheme. This scheme was introduced as a result of the 28 day time limit being placed on bailed suspects pursuant to the Policing and Crime Act 2007. The RUI scheme has arguably resulted in substantial delays in offences being investigated. A suspect who is subject to RUI has the prospect of a prosecution hanging over them, which will inevitably cause distress.

EB v Disclosure & Barring Service [2023] UKUT 105 (AAC) -. HERE We successfully appealed the order preventing our client from working with children or vulnerable adults. The case concerned a difficult point of law concerning what is meant by ‘mistake’ in the particular context of a de-barring order. The Tribunal accepted that they could make different findings of fact without finding an error in the reasoning of the DBS, although in this particular case they did find fault with the reasoning.

Charon v Barton [2023] EWHC 500 – a reported High Court case concerning the proper test for undue influence to be applied in the case of a mutual will.

Oyston v Blackpool Council [2024] EWHC 1224 (admin); reported case on council tax liability - https://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/Admin/2024/1224.html

What Our Clients Say:

From a 5 day trial in the Liverpool County Court, business and property section (June 2025):

"I cannot recommend Joseph Chiffers highly enough. He represented me in a complex, multi-track case that came with a great deal of difficulty and pressure and Joseph navigated every step with exceptional skill, professionalism and dedication.

From the outset Joseph demonstrated a clear grasp of the legal issues involved, offered practical and legal advice no false promises! He always remained on focusing on the best possible outcome. Communication was always prompt and clear and I felt supported and informed throughout the entire process. Joseph also has competitive prices for his work and its truly worth every penny.

From the outset it was clear that he possessed not only deep legal knowledge but also an exceptional attention to detail that proved invaluable throughout proceedings.

Thanks to Josephs expertise and tireless work, we achieved a successful result that I am truly grateful for. If you need strong legal representation especially in high stakes or challenging matters I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Joseph chiffers in my opinion he is one of the best barristers in the UK."

MR Mohammed Sabur Hossain Daria

"The understanding, client care and expert support afforded to myself and my wife, to reach a very satisfactory resolution to an impasse with a well known Travel Company, demands recognition.

The curtailment of a holiday, due to no fault of our own, resulted in a stressful, costly and frustrating eight months period.

During this period, after considerable time spent engaging with the Holiday Company, Travel Insurance Company and trying to seek out legal advice, we had made no progress in coming to any resolution.

After recommendation, I was introduced to Joseph Chiffers and his very capable, client focused assistant, Ellie Twist.

Calmly outlining what information was needed, and an explanation of the approach that would be taken to come to a satisfactory conclusion, immediately I felt in safe hands.

No false promises, but a very professional team that would pursue the case that I had presented.

Due to the direct engagement of Joseph Chiffers, the Holiday Company made an offer, that myself and my wife felt was reasonable and satisfied our loss of holiday disappointment. I am sure that without the help, advice and engagement of Joseph Chiffers, our dispute would not have been as satisfactorily resolved.

I would highly recommend Joseph Chiffers, Barrister at Law."
- Colin Hunt

"Joseph has been fantastic in assisting me in looking at the legal options available to my company when a client refused to pay for a service provided to them. He has been incredibly fast in replying to my emails and his legal letters that he has sent on behalf of my company have been extremely detailed and comprehensive. I am extremely grateful for his assistance."
~ VK Accountancy Ltd

"We use Joseph on a direct access basis. He is a real asset to our business and knowing we can use him at any time as necessary is peace of mind. He is courteous, knowledgable, fast to respond and a really nice guy. He really helps us through the complexities of Commercial Law."
~ Cloud Enterprise Ltd

"Very approachable and accommodating. Joseph brings a clever thinking process to complex issues, offers excellent support and is unshakable under pressure. Despite facing a most formidable opponent (Mr Ben Hubble QC, "Head of 4 New Square Chambers") in the High Court, Joseph was successfully able to argue for an adjournment."
~ Udrive Solutions (Gibraltar) Ltd

"Joseph is an excellent lawyer and a person of considerable integrity."
~ Adam Heatherington

Tracey McIver

Non-practising Solicitor and Practice Manager

Tracey has worked exclusively in the legal profession for over 30 years, focusing on Debt Collection and enforcement, including insolvency.

She headed up a large solicitors' practice and had responsibility for compliance, regulation, HR and practice management together with running a legal practice.

This wealth of knowledge and experience lends itself well to her role as Practice Manager at JSC Chambers.

Tracey Johnson

Assistant to Joseph Chiffers

Tracey has had a career as a Personal and Executive Assistant spanning over 25 years. Having worked in industries and businesses ranging from cake manufacturing to major computer game developers, Tracey has amassed all the skills necessary to assist Joseph and members of the Chambers with their workloads and responsibilities.

Furthermore, Tracey has the experience and inter-personal skills to deal with client queries with empathy and efficiently.

Nicholas Copello

Practising Barrister

Nicholas graduated with a BA from Royal Holloway College, University of London after reading ancient history and philosophy. He then proceeded to obtain a Masters degree conversion in law and studied the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) at the University of Law in Birmingham in 2020. Nicholas was called to the bar in 2021.

Prior to his pupillage, Nicholas worked at a Birmingham solicitor's firm in which he gained advocacy and litigation experience on a wide range of civil matters.

Nicholas completed his pupillage with JSC Chambers in 2023.

Nicholas is interested in the links between philosophy, history and the law, and uses this knowledge and interest to inform his arguments and legal reasoning. He feels passionate about the law and his commitment to protecting clients' interests.

Notable cases

At an early stage in his career, Nicholas has excelled in some extremely challenging cases, including:

1. Mustafa v Saleem & Chaudri

Nicholas obtained urgent injunctive relief and then succeeded at a 6 day trial, involving complicated issues around unlawful forfeiture of a commercial lease, unlawful use of utilities and allegations of the use of fraudulent evidence.

2. Doran v Estuary

Nicholas successfully represented the client at trial, in a complicated dispute over staircasing provisions in a long lease, and whether a surveyor’s report complied with the formalities of the contract.

Emanuela Ackon

Pupil Barrister

Emanuela is a dedicated Consultant at Chambers bringing a wealth of experience and a client-focused approach to her role. Prior to joining Chambers, she worked as a County Court Advocate across the North West, where she represented clients in a range of civil and commercial disputes. Earlier in her career, Emanuela worked as a Paralegal and Legal Executive at several respected firms to provide tailored legal solutions.

Emanuela’s academic achievements reflect her commitment to excellence in the legal field. She earned a postgraduate degree from Manchester Metropolitan University, completing the Bar Professional Training Course with Very Competent. She also holds an undergraduate degree in LLB (Hons) Family Law from London South Bank University, graduating with a 2:1. Emanuela was Called to the Bar in 2021.

Emanuela’s professional journey has equipped her with strong analytical, advocacy, and problem-solving skills, which she continues to apply to her consultancy role. She takes pride in offering practical support to clients, ensuring their needs are met.

Outside of work, Emanuela enjoys spending quality time with her family and is an active member of her local church. She is passionate about community service, representing a diverse group of women and advocating for their voices to be heard through various initiatives.

Everton Wedderburn

Senior Civil Clerk

Everton joined JSC in February 2025. He brings circa 22 years of clerking and commercial experience to JSC. This includes a period of almost 28 years at 36 Bedford Row and a position as head of commercial clerking at the Barrister Group.

Everton’s experience allows him to quickly understand the needs of professional and lay clients; he will go the extra mile for clients and will only make well informed and honest recommendations for counsel.

Gurmair Singh
Pupil Barrister - Practising

Gurmair’s experience encompasses a wide variety of civil and commercial litigation, contractual and employment matters. These include consumer credit, multi and fast track proceedings, personal injury disputes, housing matters and landlord and tenant disputes.

With the ability to communicate in seven other languages outside of English. Gurmair receives instructions from both firms and individuals based within Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region. Having attended over 3,000 hearings, his advocacy has enabled him to develop professional relationships with a plethora of domestic solicitors which has resulted in a loyal profile of firms.

Gurmair also receives regular drafting, mediation and advice instructions in relation personal injury, housing, and commercial debt proceedings.

Notable cases

2023 Sheen v Kama Financial Solutions Limited Case Number: 1600830/2022 (5 day employment tribunal) Successfully acted for a claimant in securing a settlement. 2023 Hughes v Sheldon Claim number: J93YX288 (Fast-Track Personal injury matter) Successfully acted for a claimant in securing judgment in excess of £20,000.00.

2022 Salloo v Muller UK and Ireland Group LLP t/a Muller Milk & Ingredients Case Number: 2402410/2023 (Employment directions hearing) Successfully acted in directions and enabled the matter to reach settlement

2019 Cardiff and Vale Health Board v Mrs K & Mr S Re a child (GSC) (ECHR Article 2 Right to life trial) (High Court) Successfully established GSC’s right to additional lifesaving care

Ayah Elomrani
Commercial and Intellectual Property Solicitor

Ayah is a Commercial and Intellectual Property Solicitor with a strong track record of advising clients across a range of sectors on complex legal and strategic matters. Her practice spans both contentious and non-contentious work, with a particular focus on intellectual property, commercial contracts, brand strategy, and reputation management.

She supports businesses at all stages, from start-ups to established brands, on the protection, exploitation and enforcement of their IP rights, while also advising on commercial agreements, licensing, collaborations, and routes to market. Ayah is known for her pragmatic, solutions-driven approach and her ability to align legal advice with clients’ commercial objectives.

Ayah trained at Bird & Bird LLP and later practised in the Commercial & Intellectual Property team at Shoosmiths LLP. She holds an LLB (Hons) from the University of Nottingham, a Distinction on the Legal Practice Course, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Intellectual Property Law from the University of Oxford.

Baha Amlesh
Corporate & Commercial Solicitor

Baha acts for a wide spectrum of clients, ranging from SMEs to FTSE 100 companies and International Private Equity funds, providing strategic advice across mergers and acquisitions, commercial disputes, intellectual property portfolio management, and the drafting of complex commercial agreements. He is also regularly instructed to prepare IP due diligence reports in connection with high-value corporate transactions.

His practice spans both contentious and non-contentious matters, with a particular focus on the protection, exploitation, and enforcement of intellectual property rights. He has advised high-profile clients across a variety of sectors, delivering pragmatic and commercially focused solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of each business.

Baha has significant experience across all core IP rights, with particular expertise in soft IP including trade marks, copyright, designs, and trade secrets, as well as in defamation and reputation management matters. Before qualifying, Baha trained at a leading UK law firm, having previously completed an LL.B (Hons) and an LL.M in International Corporate and Commercial Law at the University of Manchester. He went on to achieve a Distinction in the Legal Practice Course at BPP Law School.

Recent works includes acting as:

Head Solicitor in the acquisition of Dental Directory’s BF Mulholland Limited (regulated by the CCPC)
Head Solicitor in the acquisition of Salisbury FC Limited (regulated by the FA)
Head Solicitor and lead negotiator in the distribution of Revolution Beauty products across 10 exclusive territories
Counsel in Fifth Avenue Entertainment LLC v The Commodores Inc.
Counsel in Gym Shark, Inc. v Gymstar Fitness Ltd
Counsel in Snapchat, Inc. v MapBuzz Limited
Counsel in Get In Law v Tap in Media Ltd

Neil Heffey
Civil Litigation Specialist

Neil brings over 15 years of experience in civil litigation, housing law, and public interest matters to JSC Chambers. Formerly the Practice Manager and Senior Litigator at DDE Law Solicitors, he has supported clients across a wide range of civil disputes, including possession proceedings, disrepair claims, professional negligence, and actions against public authorities.

Renowned for his thorough case preparation and strategic approach, Neil works closely with counsel to prepare detailed bundles, organise evidence, and advise lay clients through complex litigation. He is often called upon to assist in cases where previous representation has broken down, bringing clarity and focus to proceedings at critical stages.

Neil is also an accredited police station representative and continues to offer private support in that capacity. However, his primary focus at JSC is on civil litigation and supporting chambers’ wider objectives through high-quality preparation and procedural oversight.

He is known for his commitment to fairness, client care, and his belief in access to justice—reflected in his longstanding work with community legal projects in Liverpool. Barristers and clients consistently praise his reliability, attention to detail, and ability to “leave no stone unturned.

Chris Brunt
Door Tenant

Chris is a door tenant at JSC England and Wales. He is a dual-qualified barrister, able to practice in both England and Wales, as well as Gibraltar, from Phillips Barristers and Solicitors.

Chris graduated from the UOL London and after completing his bar studies, was called to the Bar of England and Wales by Middle Temple. He was one of the first barristers to complete the Professional Certificate of Competence in Gibraltar Law, and was thereafter admitted to the Gibraltar Bar, where he has appeared in all the courts in Gibraltar, including the Court of Appeal and in the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London, the highest court of appeal for Gibraltar.

The cornerstone of his practice is civil law, advocacy, and written advice across a broad range of practice areas, including professional negligence, personal injury, employment, professional discipline, clinical negligence and contractual disputes.

Chima Umezuruike

Door Tenant

Dual qualified at both the English & Nigerian Bar, I am a highly experienced Barrister with international legal expertise. With a broad Civil Law practice, I regularly appear in the Civil and Family Courts in both the UK & Nigeria, as well as representing clients in complex cases in the High Court and the Court of Appeal in England. I have also appeared in the Judicial Committee of the House of Lords. As an accredited expert on Nigerian Law, I have been involved in many cross-border cases between Nigeria and England. I regularly prepare expert’s reports on Nigerian Law for use in the English Courts and have given expert evidence on Nigerian criminal law and constitutional law in a trial at English Crown Courts.

Sean Middleton

Practising Barrister

Called to the Bar: South Africa (2004), England & Wales (2011), Ireland (2020)

Sean is a practising barrister whose work focuses on family law, insolvency, construction disputes and contractual claims in England and Wales. He also holds rights of audience in South Africa and Ireland, where instructions must be through an attorney or solicitor.

He brings over 20 years’ experience across civil and commercial litigation, including applications and appeals in the High Court and Court of Appeal. Sean is recognised for his ability to move effectively between civil and family work, with strong advocacy and forensic skills.