Stephen joined the commercial litigation department of JMW in April 2021.

Stephen has worked in commercial litigation for over 25 years. His experience has been gained working within business itself as in-house counsel for a tech company, with large regional legal practices, and in heading up litigation departments at law firms based in the North West.

During the course of his career, Stephen has advised a wide range of clients on a broad spectrum of disputes, providing robust, pragmatic, and practical advice to assist clients in resolving their litigation problems. Stephen has particular expertise in advising on issues relating to:

• partnership, shareholder, and director disputes
• tort and commercial contract disputes
• professional negligence claims
• intellectual property disputes
• land disputes
• commercial property dilapidation disputes and evictions.

• "I approached JMW after not a very good experience with my previous solicitor and I have to say - what a difference. Stephen Topping was amazing. His advice and help was second to none and helped put us at ease. Eventually, we succeeded in obtaining our monies owed but it was not a straight forward case. Thank you once again, Stephen. We would 100% recommend you and JMW."

• JMW conclude multiple grazing agreements for £3 million farmland - JMW Solicitors

• Stephen is a Higher Court Advocate and exercises his Higher Court rights of advocacy where appropriate to provide continuity of representation for his clients. He also maintains close ties with external specialist Counsel to ensure that his clients’ prospects of success in any litigation are maximised.

Stephen has in the past served as an infantry soldier with the Army Reserve and has undertaken active service in a combat role. The insight gained from that experience has provided him with a grounded, level-headed and unflustered approach when dealing with the slings and arrows of litigation.

Outside work, Stephen participates in triathlons, though his knees would prefer it if he didn’t.