Christian Fox
November 2019 (Middle Temple)
Date of call
November 2019 (Middle Temple)
Qualifications
Law LLB (Hons) – Birkbeck College, University of London
Law LLM (distinction) – City, University of London
BPTC (VC) – City, University of London
Appointments
ADR-ODR Commercial/Civil Mediator
Since joining Becket Chambers in 2021, Christian has developed a busy practice across a number of Civil law areas, and appears regularly in the County Court and the High Court. He has also appeared in the First Tier and Upper Tribunal for property and the First Tier Tax Tribunal.
Previously, he was legal counsel at a boutique property management firm of Chartered Surveyors in central London, dealing with complex commercial and residential landlord and tenant disputes, including super-prime commercial rent review arbitrations and service charge disputes.
Before working in law, Christian was a dairy farmer and soldier. He served on a number of dairy industry bodies at board level and is a past Chair of the Dairy Council. He retains a special interest in agricultural matters and has extensive business experience which helps him relate well to commercial clients from all sectors.
He has always been interested in the Law, and worked at a magistrates’ court whilst at school, before serving in the armed forces. When the opportunity arose to study for his law degree and bar exams whilst working, he took it, relishing the chance to pursue his lifelong interest.
Christian is particularly aware of the emotional impact that legal issues can have, especially where residential property is concerned. His life experience has taught him to remain calm under pressure, which his clients invariably find reassuring.
In court, he has a firm but not over-emphatic advocacy style, ensuring that full attention is paid to the evidence given by witnesses. His analytical approach ensures that he is always well-prepared and has all the facts at his fingertips.
He is available for a short zoom meeting to see what scope there may be for a simple solution to your problem before you decide to instruct him.
Christian particularly welcomes work in the areas of commercial and residential property, including boundary disputes, matters involving rights of way and easements – all matters which are complex and legally challenging and can become long-standing if not carefully managed.
He regularly acts for either landlords or tenants in disputes, and has experience of breaches of lease, unlawful eviction and service charge disputes in commercial as well as residential property.
He has a special interest in complex commercial property cases, agricultural tenancies, service charge disputes and leasehold enfranchisement, and also acts in complex possession cases involving obstacles to a landlord seeking possession.
He appreciates the emotional aspect of land law matters, particularly where residential property and boundary disputes are concerned, and is always happy to be instructed to assist a party at mediation, providing sensible advice about settlement.
In a previous role as legal counsel for a boutique property management firm of Chartered Surveyors in central London, his work involved some of the most expensive retail property in Europe (for example in super-prime areas like Bond Street, London) encompassing a range of issues including rent review disputes and interpretation of lease terms.
One particularly interesting case concerned a well-known building in central London with a roof-terrace restaurant, and a dispute over whether the landlord or the tenant was responsible for replacing the roof on which it was located. The case encompasses a range of complex, overlapping issues concerning the terms of the lease, such as whether the landlord could terminate the lease to carry out the work, or whether they had to work round the tenant in occupation. In complex cases like this, Christian is able to offer a written opinion, or to carry the case through to court.
He regularly acts for either landlords or tenants in disputes, and has experience of breaches of lease, unlawful eviction and service charge disputes in commercial as well as residential property.
He has a special interest in complex commercial property cases, agricultural tenancies, service charge disputes and leasehold enfranchisement, and also acts in complex possession cases involving obstacles to a landlord seeking possession.
He appreciates the emotional aspect of land law matters, particularly where residential property and boundary disputes are concerned, and is always happy to be instructed to assist a party at mediation, providing sensible advice about settlement.
In a previous role as legal counsel for a boutique property management firm of Chartered Surveyors in central London, his work involved some of the most expensive retail property in Europe (for example in super-prime areas like Bond Street, London) encompassing a range of issues including rent review disputes and interpretation of lease terms.
One particularly interesting case concerned a well-known building in central London with a roof-terrace restaurant, and a dispute over whether the landlord or the tenant was responsible for replacing the roof on which it was located. The case encompasses a range of complex, overlapping issues concerning the terms of the lease, such as whether the landlord could terminate the lease to carry out the work, or whether they had to work round the tenant in occupation. In complex cases like this, Christian is able to offer a written opinion, or to carry the case through to court.
Christian is happy to receive instructions in contract and commercial matters and is adept at producing advice having read complex papers in a short timeframe.
He acts in a range of contract and commercial matters including:
Christian has particular experience of disputes relating to the residential building sector (builders, civil engineers, sub-contractors), schools and nurseries, energy services and contracts for provision of office equipment, as well as company director disputes and nuisance.
He always recommends taking advice as early as possible and will advise you before you commence proceedings to ensure you are able to plan ahead, understand the implications of all stages of litigation and get best value from representation in court.
He acts in a range of contract and commercial matters including:
- breach of contracts (such as non-delivery of goods or services, faulty goods, or non-payment for goods or services)
- matters involving sub-contractors
- interpretation of contracts
- termination of contracts
- claims for damages
Christian has particular experience of disputes relating to the residential building sector (builders, civil engineers, sub-contractors), schools and nurseries, energy services and contracts for provision of office equipment, as well as company director disputes and nuisance.
He always recommends taking advice as early as possible and will advise you before you commence proceedings to ensure you are able to plan ahead, understand the implications of all stages of litigation and get best value from representation in court.
Christian has a growing practice in contentious trusts and probate matters.
He is regularly instructed in matters relating to claims for financial provision under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
He also advises and assists clients in disputes about the validity of wills, applications for the removal of executors and trustees, proprietary estoppel, undue influence and constructive trust claims.
Christian has helped both executors and trustees, as well as potential beneficiaries.
He has a particular interest in helping his clients to reach agreement at mediation. Lengthy and expensive litigation reduces the value of an estate, benefitting no-one, and can impact on family relationships and wellbeing. Christian is keen to help his clients to avoid both the unnecessary expense and the potential emotional impact.
He is regularly instructed in matters relating to claims for financial provision under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
He also advises and assists clients in disputes about the validity of wills, applications for the removal of executors and trustees, proprietary estoppel, undue influence and constructive trust claims.
Christian has helped both executors and trustees, as well as potential beneficiaries.
He has a particular interest in helping his clients to reach agreement at mediation. Lengthy and expensive litigation reduces the value of an estate, benefitting no-one, and can impact on family relationships and wellbeing. Christian is keen to help his clients to avoid both the unnecessary expense and the potential emotional impact.