CityGate Chambers Limited is one of only approximately 70 BSB regulated entities. It is owned and managed by Stephen Hines.
Stephen was called to the Bar in 2014 having qualified as a solicitor in 2009. Shortly after qualifying as a solicitor, he was granted Higher Rights of Audience as a Solicitor Advocate (All Proceedings, All Courts) and is a former partner of a top 200 law firm, where he remains as a consultant advising on key industry developments. He has been praised by peers and clients alike for his clear, practical and thorough advice, and complimented by members of the judiciary on his written and oral advocacy.
Stephen is Immediate Past President of FOIL (the Forum of Insurance Lawyers) - the representative voice of the defendant insurance lawyer community. This position gives Stephen a leading and influential role in the legal insurance industry, helping to inform and shape government policy on a wide variety of issues, like fixed costs regimes, whiplash reform, pan-European insurance issues (like those arising out of the Vnuk case) and the discount rate. As a result of his involvement with FOIL, Stephen is a member of the MedCo Education and Training subcommittee and a member of the Ministry of Justice Whiplash Reform Programme Guidance and Support Sub Group.
Barristers who do not undertake direct access (also known as 'public access') work, and even many of those that do, actually have little interaction with their individual clients. When undertaking work directly for members of the public, Stephen makes use of his experience as a solicitor when speaking with individual clients to understand their needs and take their instructions. This also enables him to better represent them in court should the need arise. This sets him apart from many other barristers undertaking direct access work and Stephen prides himself on being able to put clients at their ease.
Outside of industry, Stephen is Co-Chair of the governing body of his children's school.
Stephen has a busy home life and loves to spend time with his wife and four children and, whenever time permits, he enjoys playing golf, squash, football and taking part in outdoor pursuits.