Halcyon Chambers

02/09/2026

Article drafted by Christine Rutkowski - Unreasonable Conduct Costs - [Orton v. Barclays Bank UK Plc [2026] EWCA Civ 1025]

Article by Christine Rutkowski [Orton v. Barclays Bank UK Plc [2026] EWCA Civ 1025] The Court of Appeal have considered the approach to be taken to the costs provision under CPR r. 27.14(2)(g) – namely the ‘unreasonable behaviour’ exception to the standard costs neutral approach ordinarily app...

09/07/2026

URGENT: Telephone Lines

Unfortunately, we are experiencing some technical issues our end, and our main phone line (0121 237 6035) is down.

It seems this may be affecting some of our direct numbers also.

Please contact the clerks on our alternative number of 0121 728 0573.

Unfortunately, we are experiencing some technical issues our end, and our main phone line (0121 237 6035) is down. It seems this may be affecting some of our direct numbers also. Please contact the clerks on our alternative number of 0121 728 0573.

10/06/2026

Emma-Justine Michaux drafts article - Permission is now required to appeal decisions of Lay Justices: is this a sensible reform or an unwelcome impediment?

20/05/2026

Another Home Office win for Counsel Tony Muman.

Counsel Tony Muman appeared on behalf of the Secretary of State for the Home Department in a Civil Penalties appeal today in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne.

The case concerned the question of whether the worker had the right to work in a supplementary employment role with a second employer and also for the type of work he was doing. In part, the issue turned on the intricacies of being a chef versus being a cook.

In dismissing the appeal, His Honour Judge Thomas observed that it is right that the civil penalty was punitive in nature, that the Home Office was right to issue one in these circumstances, and that the Home Office were right to set it at £40,000 in part for a wider deterrent message to be sent. HHJ Thomas also ordered the Employer to pay the Home Office costs in full.

Tony Muman acted for the Home Office instructed by Danielle Cavannagh and the excellent team at Keoghs Solicitors. Tony is an expert in civil penalty cases and acts for both Home Office and Employers.

  Counsel Tony Muman appeared on behalf of the Secretary of State for the Home Department in a Civil Penalties appeal today in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. The case concerned the question of whether the worker had the right to work in a supplementary employment role with a second employer and also for the ...

05/05/2026

Halcyon Chambers are delighted to announce that Simon Haywood has joined Chambers from a well-known Chambers in Birmingham.

Called to the Bar in 2024, Simon will continue to accept instructions across all areas of Civil and Commercial Law.

To instruct Simon, please contact the clerks on 0121 237 6035 or by email at [email protected]

  We are delighted to announce that Simon Haywood has joined Chambers from a well-known Chambers in Birmingham. Called to the Bar in 2024, Simon will continue to accept instructions across all areas of Civil and Commercial Law. To instruct Simon, please contact the clerks on 0121 237 6035 or by ema...