Areas of Practice

Background

Steven is a very experienced advocate who honed his trial skills, notably the clear presentation of evidence and robust cross-examination during the first fifteen years of practice when he predominantly appeared in the Crown Court.  He is always at ease when handling difficult witnesses or dealing with sensitive issues.

Civil Litigation

For the last seven years Steven has practiced exclusively in the civil courts.  He has a national practice representing Claimants and Defendants alike and can bring his balanced experience to bear on issues in a in a straightforward, approachable and effective manner.

He has a wide range of experience in personal injury litigation including complicated medical presentations, fatal accidents, claims against the police, credit hire, LVI and fraud.  Steven is regularly instructed in cases of high value; drafting comprehensive schedules of loss and participating in joint settlement meetings.

He has conducted a number of successful civil appeals from the County Court.    Steven has experience of clinical negligence and dental negligence claims; industrial disease work and ‘on the field’ sports injuries. He has regularly appeared in the Criminal Compensation Injuries tribunal.

Steven can accept instructions by e-mail and will endeavour to ensure a quick turnaround of advice or documents. He is happy to advise informally pre-issue.  Steven is content to conduct conferences with clients in chambers, via Skype or Microsoft Teams; at the offices of instructing solicitors or by home visit.

He has recently given a number of practical seminars on subjects ranging from the Development of EU Law on Road Traffic Litigation; Fundamental Dishonesty; Updating on Developments in Civil Litigation and Maximising Claims at Stage 3.  Seminars can be tailored to the needs of your organisation and can be arranged via Neil McHugh.

Mediation

Steven recently undertook training to become a mediator and draws upon over 20 years of practice to deal with a wide range of disputes by understanding and evaluating issues.  Steven will work to reduce conflict and find ways to focus parties on identifying effective solutions in a cost effective alternative to litigation.  Please e-mail him directly at steven.ball@7hs.co.uk for further information.

Inquests

Steven has a wide range of experience in the Coroner’s Court including representing the interests of the police and deaths whilst in custody.

Regulatory Work

Steven’s practice includes experience of cases involving Health and Safety; Trading Standards; Vehicle Inspectorate; Local Authority Prosecutions in the Crown Court; Care Standards Tribunal and Licencing.

Criminal

In 2005 Steven was one of the youngest barristers in the country to be appointed to Grade 4 – the highest category of junior prosecutor.

Steven has prosecuted cases on behalf of a range of agencies.  In addition to the Crown Prosecution Service, he has prosecuted cases on behalf of DWP; Local Authorities, The Probation Service; the Legal Department of the Chief Constable of Merseyside and the Health and Safety Executive.

His historical caseload has involved serious crime: murder, rape, historical sexual abuse, conspiracy to supply drugs and money laundering. He has undertaken cash forfeiture hearing and has experience in football banning orders and cases involving police misconduct and issues related to disclosure and public Interest immunity.

Over the years he has appeared in the Court of Appeal, the Administrative Court [Judicial Review] and the High Court [Appeals by way of Case Stated]