I offer expertise in disputes about property, including forfeiture of leases, possession proceedings, renewal of business tenancies, boundaries, rights of way, party walls, trespass, adverse possession and nuisance.
My approach
I am very easy to get along with and build good rapport with clients.
I like to meet face to face.
I give candid, easy to digest advice so that there are no surprises and you know where you stand.
I usually set fixed fees, so that you know exactly how much you will have to pay.
My work
1. In Goldhill Finance Limited v Berry I appeared for a mortgagor who had obtained an order suspending a warrant for possession. When the mortgagee took possession despite the order, purporting to rely on its Common Law rights, the court held that its having done so in such circumstances rendered the relationship with the mortgagor unfair under the Consumer Credit Act.
2. In Roshan v Bharj I appeared for the successful defendants in a case concerning the beneficial interests in a property used as a Sikh Temple.
3. In Dawoodi v Zafrani I appeared for the claimant who successfully sued the defendant developer for damages in trespass and nuisance. The claimant’s garden subsided as a result of the negligence of the defendant’s contractors, who had demolished the adjacent house and excavated a basement for a new house without a party wall agreement, without supporting the claimant’s land and had erected scaffolding on the claimant’s land without his consent.
4. In Maloney v Gosal I appeared for the successful applicants who were applying for the right to buy their home. The court held that an increase in the market value of a property was not a change in circumstances within the meaning of subsection 12(7) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987.
5. In William Old International Limited v Arya I appeared for the successful defendants in a case concerning the construction of an express easement.
About me
I have been in practice as a barrister for more than 35 years.
My degree was in Russian, Swedish and Law.
I worked in commerce in Hong Kong and South Africa before starting practice.
I am also a mediator and arbitrator.
Outside of work, I enjoy acting, improvisation and fitness; pastimes which help keep my mind sharp.
What my clients say
"Stephen has supported me over the last twelve months with a commercial litigation matter. From the outset, Stephen has been most exemplary, first spending time with me in Chambers to review the matter and then supporting me with the various stages of litigation. He has been extremely approachable and presented the complex stages with clarity and care. His communication has been prompt, clear and supportive, I would not hesitate in recommending him." - Jake Elsley
“We have instructed Stephen Boyd continually over the past four years for a number of matters. He always provides excellent client care both in terms of his rapport and the support that he offers. Stephen always exceeds our expectations resulting in successful outcomes every time. He clearly has an aptitude for the work he does. Not only is Stephen pragmatic, he is charismatic. He has been for the past four years, and will remain our first point of contact”, Mr & Mrs Bharj"
Stephen Boyd is an exceptional barrister. Initially, I was stuck in a rut trying to find a legal representative to assist me with a ‘David and Goliath’ type legal matter relating to misrepresentation against a large property corporation. Prior to meeting Stephen, I had wasted a great deal of time and money with legal professionals who were experts at telling me that I ‘did not have a case’. A solicitor then told me that Stephen was the best barrister that she had worked with. Stephen concluded that I had a cast-iron case against the company, which led to my day in court. Following that case, I have recommended Stephen to friends and associates, who have praised his performance in court, and I have used him to assist me with other legal challenges. Stephen is both fearless and bold with an attention to fact and detail. If I were faced with a legal challenge in the future, I would use no other than Stephen Boyd." - Adrian Brissett
"Re: action concerning misrepresentation in respect of the purchase of a buy to let apartment from a very large British building company and their refusal to accept responsibility. Stephen had been recommended by a friend. His modus operandi is consistent: be sure of your facts; substantiate them with clear evidence; do not exaggerate and leave him to present your case in court where he will prove himself not only eloquent and self-assured but armed with all the necessary information. He will always advise mediation as being better than court and also assists in this role." - Mr and Mrs Walker Bucks
Professional & academic
I have a B.Sc (Hons) from Surrey University and obtained the degree of barrister from the Inns of Court School of Law.
I was called to the Bar in 1977, but started to practise in 1982.
I have a postgraduate certificate in Sports Law from King’s College, London.
I am a CEDR-accredited mediator and a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
Memberships
Chancery Bar Association
Commercial Bar Association
Property Bar Association