Stephen is an Associate in the Planning & Environment Department. Stephen advises on all aspects of Planning and Environmental law including a range of regulatory and enforcement matters, and Licensing matters.

Stephen specialises in the areas of Planning and Environmental Law, providing advice to both private and public sector clients in a wide range of regulatory and enforcement matters. Stephen regularly acts on behalf of Local Councils throughout Northern Ireland in the drafting of complex planning agreements, as well as issuing proceedings in the Magistrates and County Courts relating to planning breaches.

Stephen also specialises in the area of Licensing, regularly advising hoteliers, publicans and restauranteurs in relation to liquor licensing laws in Northern Ireland. He also provides advice in relation to entertainment, amusement and gaming licences.

In addition, Stephen has substantial experience in the area of Judicial Review Proceedings and regularly acts on behalf of clients both issuing and defending challenges before the High Court in Northern Ireland. Stephen also acts on behalf of regulatory bodies and has particular experience with statutory appeals.

Stephen has also advised public sector bodies on corporate governance, guidelines and procedures, training and specialist project work.

Stephen studied Law at the University of Ulster prior to attending the Institute of Professional Legal Studies at Queens University and qualifying as a solicitor in Northern Ireland. During his time at the IPLS, Stephen was awarded the Diageo Prize which is presented to the student who attains the highest standard in the licensing examination. Stephen is a member of the Northern Ireland Young Solicitors Association, the UK Environmental Law Association and the Institute of Licensing. He is also a Committee Member for the Environment and Planning Law Association of Northern Ireland.