Stephen is a highly regarded employment lawyer, known for his strategic approach to resolving difficult workplace challenges. He specialises in complex employment law work, helping businesses design bespoke solutions to their employment and HR issues. As well as assisting with day-to-day HR matters, he works on intricate Tribunal cases; restrictive covenant enforcement; corporate transactions and TUPE; termination negotiations and restructuring projects.

He advises leading businesses across professional services, education, hospitality, healthcare, and motorsport—both regionally and throughout the UK.

After qualifying in Teesside in 1998, Stephen built his career at a major regional firm in Newcastle upon Tyne before leading the employment law team at a respected commercial practice in York. In 2015, he returned to Teesside to head the employment group at the region’s largest independent commercial law firm.

Stephen prides himself on his ability to blend technical legal knowledge with commercially focused, sensible advice. Recognised consistently in Chambers & Partners and Legal 500, Stephen's clients praise him in the 2025 Chambers & Partners guide as "valued counsel" providing "outstanding levels of advice, support, and guidance." The latest Legal 500 refers to his "unfailingly fine" advice.

Beyond employment law, Stephen has strong expertise in data protection, advising on subject access requests, policy frameworks, direct marketing compliance, ICO investigations, and data breaches. An experienced speaker and trainer, he can provide in-depth training strategies, or engaging ad-hoc sessions, on all aspects of employment and data protection law.