Stephen obtained a BA from University College London. He qualified in 1990 and became a partner at Payne Hicks Beach in 1999. He has published a number of articles in the legal and business press and delivered seminars on dispute resolution and insolvency. Stephen specialises in commercial litigation and contentious trusts and probate disputes. His practice increasingly has an international element including acting for overseas trustees in connection with both UK and international litigation. Stephen has particular expertise in relation to the interaction between trust disputes and disputes involving companies which form part of trust structures. His practice also embraces financial services disputes particularly in the context of trustee, beneficiary disputes.

His insolvency work includes acting for accountancy firms with an emphasis on asset recovery both nationally and internationally.