Direct access barrister
Steven Hayden
Barrister · Nexus Chambers · Called 2009
I am a criminal defence barrister working from the Chambers of Michael Mansfield KC and fully qualified in 2010. I have represented hundreds of people in both the Magistrates Courts and Crown Courts across a whole of...
Regions served: London and South East
About Steven
I am a criminal defence barrister working from the Chambers of Michael Mansfield KC and fully qualified in 2010. I have represented hundreds of people in both the Magistrates Courts and Crown Courts across a whole of offences. I offer a free 30-minute initial telephone consultation.
My wealth of experience has seen me successfully represent a number of people for allegations ranging from motoring offences to serious violent assaults and for the individual facing any criminal matter there is simply no such thing as a minor offence.
My approach
I am here to guide, assist and help you through it. I engage with everyone I represent in the same way, direct, upfront and honest. I am friendly and approachable, offering a free 30-minute initial telephone consultation. After this, my fees are fixed so that you know exactly what you are spending and what you getting back in return. I have no hidden fees and this upfront approach is one less issue for you to worry about.
I pride myself on my attention to detail and high client care, which allows me to grasp cases quickly and empathise with those I work so hard to represent. It can be very daunting and worrying for anyone facing criminal charges.
About me
I completed my training (known as pupillage) back in 2010 when I practiced exclusively in crime. Throughout the first few years of my career I was regularly instructed in cases ranging from the Youth Court to the Crown Court. Whilst I predominantly defended, I occasionally prosecuted for the Department for Work and Pensions, The London Probation Service and The Crown Prosecution Service. Since then my work has diversified into the areas of civil disputes, personal injury and most recently family law. I receive instructions from local authorities, businesses and individuals. After several years of practicing, my workload is now a mix of attending court and papers-based work from chambers, which would often involve advising clients on evidence and prospects of success.
Notable cases
My practice in crime spans all aspects and there is not a matter that I would be unable, unwilling or incapable of dealing with. I am also Police Station accredited meaning that I can represent Clients at their very first dealings within the Criminal Justice System. I can help you with any of the following:
- First Appearances
- Guilty Pleas
- Not Guilty Pleas
- Driving Offences
- Driving Licence Issues (particularly keeping it!)
- Insurance Issues
- Magistartes Trials
- Crown Court Trials
- Appeals against Convictions
- Appeals against Sentence
- Case Stating Court Decisions
- Any hearings prior to trial
- Advising on any of the above
My work spans all areas of the Children Act, with particular emphasis on Child Arrangement Orders where I regularly attend court for mothers or fathers who are often looking to spend time with their child. This includes, but is not limited to, reintroductions, overnight contact, or just more time with their children. I have been instructed in cases involving parent alienation, enforcement of orders, lengthy absences and quite often there is an element of domestic abuse allegations. In addition to court cases that are between parents (often referred to as Private Law proceedings), I am regularly instructed in cases involving the local authority in care proceedings (often referred to as Public Law proceedings). Notable cases of mine have involved very serious allegations against the parties, challenging the accuracy of drug/alcohol testing, parent alienation and serious domestic violence. My practice in motoring spans all aspects and there is not a matter that I would be unable, unwilling or incapable of dealing with. Contractural disputes can involve a huge range of issues and so the best option really is to get in touch and then, with my free 30-minuter consultation, we can discuss the best way that I can assist you. Small claims proceedings can involve a huge range of issues and so the best option really is to get in touch and then, with my free 30-minuter consultation, we can discuss the best way that I can assist you.
What clients say
Steven and I have worked together for many years and he is our main Counsel for all our PI work. He is dependable and we trust him to get the job done MH, professional client Steven was instructed on a high value PI case involving historic rape, he successfully appealed against a Master's decision not to set aside the Claimant's default judgment and went on to achieve a fantastic result for the Client. His attention to detail was meticulous and we have instructed him on multiple cases since GDC, professional client Steven's attention to detail and ability to grasp the complex issues in a case makes him our primary choice when it comes to instructing Counsel. He is approachable, personable and dependable and we have confidently recommended him to other firms LE, professional client We had never instructed a barrister directly but found Steven very approachable and easy to communicate with. His service was fantastic and we have continued to use him and recommend him to others KH, lay client (direct access) We instructed Steven when a family member was accused of a criminal offence they did not commit. Steven's attention to detail was second to none and his presence in court was powerful and compelling. We appreciated how he was always willing to give his time and how clearly he explained things to us; she was acquitted MH, lay client (direct access) Steven provided a level of support that went beyond my expectations. He believed in me when no one else did and he helped me through the complicated and difficult legal process
MH, professional client Steven was instructed on a high value PI case involving historic rape, he successfully appealed against a Master's decision not to set aside the Claimant's default judgment and went on to achieve a fantastic result for the Client. His attention to detail was meticulous and we have instructed him on multiple cases since GDC, professional client Steven's attention to detail and ability to grasp the complex issues in a case makes him our primary choice when it comes to instructing Counsel. He is approachable, personable and dependable and we have confidently recommended him to other firms LE, professional client We had never instructed a barrister directly but found Steven very approachable and easy to communicate with. His service was fantastic and we have continued to use him and recommend him to others KH, lay client (direct access) We instructed Steven when a family member was accused of a criminal offence they did not commit. Steven's attention to detail was second to none and his presence in court was powerful and compelling. We appreciated how he was always willing to give his time and how clearly he explained things to us; she was acquitted MH, lay client (direct access) Steven provided a level of support that went beyond my expectations. He believed in me when no one else did and he helped me through the complicated and difficult legal process
Areas of practice
- Civil disputes
- Contracts
- Criminal defence
- Debt recovery
- Family (children)
- Family (finances)
- Family & relationships
- Motoring
- Small claims
Direct Access means you can instruct Steven directly, without going through a solicitor first. Barristers are regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB).
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