Undergraduate degree:
BA Hons Law Kent
Post Graduate degree:
LLM Bristol
Areas of Practice:
Employment and Discrimination
Family
Civil Litigation
Sports Law
Profile:
Stephen transferred to the Bar in 2002 having practised as a solicitor from 1980 until 2002. He specialises in employment law and family law.
As a solicitor Stephen developed an extensive employment law practice particularly in the education and farming sectors, and was recognised as a leading practitioner by Chambers Directory. He combined this work with an extensive family law practice, particularly in the field of public law. Stephen was a member of the Law Society's children's panel for 14 years.
Since transferring to the Bar, Stephen has maintained his interest in the fields of employment and family law.
In employment law, Stephen appears regularly in Employment Tribunals, the Employment Appeal Tribunal and the High Court. He is frequently instructed in cases involving unfair and wrongful dismissals, contractual disputes, whistle blowing and TUPE. In his discrimination work he is regularly instructed in sex discrimination, equal pay claims and disability discrimination cases.
Stephen's master degree is in employment and European law.
In his family law practice, Stephen conducts public and private law cases. He has continued his work in the public law area. He is regularly instructed by local authorities. He regularly conducts ancillary relief cases to final hearing.
Stephen also has a particular interest in the application of law to sporting and educational contexts and is a lecturer at the University of Bath in these subjects.
Notable Cases:
De Clare Johnson v MYA Consulting Limited UKEAT/0306/07 - vicarious liability of a company for the acts of the Managing Director's husband and so for breach of the fundamental term of trust and confidence caused by his acts.
Enfield Technical Services Limited v Payne (2007) IRLR 840 - illeglity of contract
As a Solicitor:
C & G Homes v Sec of State for Health (1991) 2 WLR 715 : (1991) 2 All ER 841
R v City of Bath College ex parte Bashforth [1999] ELR 459
Quotations from Directories:
'Stephen Roberts, a former solicitor, 'has an impressive intellect and business acumen'.'
(Legal 500 2007)
'Stephen Roberts "strikes a chord" with clients. He is lauded for his "experienced, mature outlook" and for being "good value."'
(Chambers 2007)
Memberships:
Employment Lawyers Association, Employment Law Bar Association, Industrial Law Society. Family Law Bar Association, Justice.
