Sean Kelly

Sean graduated from Selwyn College Cambridge with a degree in natural sciences and law and undertook specialist company law pupillages in London. Sean won a Gray’s Inn Entrance Scholarship and the William Shaw Award. Since moving to the North, Sean’s practice has developed into two major areas, company law, partnership and LLPs and professional negligence relating to solicitors, accountants and architects. Sean is known for his attention to detail, thorough preparation and ability to think around a problem. As well as litigating, he has an extensive drafting and advisory practice.

• Acting in respect of dispute over sale of medical practice premises worth over £2 million;
• Advising solicitors on formation of trust corporation for deputy appointments;
• Acting for Dubia based property company in fraud claim against former agent;
• Acting for college in professional negligence action against solicitors concerning overage payment clause;
• Acting for former partners in dispute over change of accountancy policy for WIP;
• Acting for solicitors in dispute with law cost draftsmen;

Faulkner v Bennett [2011] EWHC 3702 (Ch) Amendment to articles of company associated with members’ club Re Taylor [2007] Ch 150. Commencement of proceedings against bankrupt. Chancery Bar Association
Northern Chancery Bar Association
Professional Negligence Bar Association
Association of Partnership Practitioners
Sean is an accredited mediator and is registered for public access instructions.

What the Directories say:

Recommended as a leading individual (Chancery) by Chambers and Partners UK Bar Guide 2014, who state:

Focuses his respected practice on commercial chancery matters. He is well versed in disputes relating to professional partnerships and LLPs, and also handles professional negligence claims.

Expertise: “His biggest strength is that he is not only very strong on paper, but he is also a very strong advocate, providing effective examinations and presentation at trial. He does not sit on the fence; he provides a firm view on merits from the outset.”
“He is very technical and he is very good at breaking down a problem into its constituent parts. He is also authoritative and knowledgeable in court.”

Recent work: He was involved in Faulkner v Bennett, concerning the validity of a special resolution of a holding company for the expropriation of the shares of deceased members of a members' club.