Jack Sheard
@jpsatthebar.bsky.social
Pupil barrister at 42BR with a love for housing law. Editor at @justicegap.bsky.social, contributor for @legalactiongroup.bsky.social Magazine. Often found explaining chess to my dog.
Bizarre (but commendable) to see the BBC doing a live report on possession hearings across the UK:
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cy...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cy...
BBC reports live from court as more people face losing their homes - special report
Court figures show the number of mortgage repossession orders in England and Wales reached a five-year high in 2024-25.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 19, 2025 at 1:50 PM
Bizarre (but commendable) to see the BBC doing a live report on possession hearings across the UK:
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cy...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cy...
Astounding.
This is an appalling judgment to read. Two Chief Constables found in contempt of court for misleading the court about the existence of video footage. But this was only discovered when the matter made it to the Court of Appeal. Incredible perseverance.
www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWC...
www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWC...
Judges set to decide fate of police chief constable guilty of contempt of court
Exclusive: Ivan Balhatchet, Northamptonshire’s chief constable, could face up to two years in jail or a fine for repeated failure to obey rulings
www.theguardian.com
November 14, 2025 at 8:36 AM
Astounding.
Reposted by Jack Sheard
This is seriously the biggest change in tenancy law in 37 years. A huge thing, which will change renting short and long term.
Renters' Rights Act day is announced! (Partly). It is 1 May 2026. The last valid section 21 notice (except for social landlords) will be served on 30 April 2026. The end of 37 years. Plus more.
nearlylegal.co.uk/2025/11/rent...
nearlylegal.co.uk/2025/11/rent...
Renters Rights Act Day! - Nearly Legal: Housing Law News and Comment
And Lo! The appointed day has been announced! And it is 1 May 2026. Well, partly… On 1 May 2026, the following provisions will come into force: The end of assured shorthold tenancies, fixed terms and ...
nearlylegal.co.uk
November 13, 2025 at 11:00 PM
This is seriously the biggest change in tenancy law in 37 years. A huge thing, which will change renting short and long term.
Reposted by Jack Sheard
Reeves let out a home in a selective licensing area (all rented properties in that area must be licensed) without a licence. Blames letting agent (depending on contract, she may have a point), but an up to £30,000 civil penalty & a potential rent repayment order.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
October 29, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Reeves let out a home in a selective licensing area (all rented properties in that area must be licensed) without a licence. Blames letting agent (depending on contract, she may have a point), but an up to £30,000 civil penalty & a potential rent repayment order.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Jack Sheard
'Only a ten-minute walk from the High Street'. The horror!
And from a Lib Dem MP.
And from a Lib Dem MP.
October 28, 2025 at 9:20 PM
'Only a ten-minute walk from the High Street'. The horror!
And from a Lib Dem MP.
And from a Lib Dem MP.
Last night, I played my first chess game for my club in ages, having gone into retirement during the bar course. They were much stronger team, but I fought hard and got an unexpected win.
Excitingly, I later discovered my opponent was a titled player! I’ve beaten a master over the board!
24. Ng3!
Excitingly, I later discovered my opponent was a titled player! I’ve beaten a master over the board!
24. Ng3!
October 28, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Last night, I played my first chess game for my club in ages, having gone into retirement during the bar course. They were much stronger team, but I fought hard and got an unexpected win.
Excitingly, I later discovered my opponent was a titled player! I’ve beaten a master over the board!
24. Ng3!
Excitingly, I later discovered my opponent was a titled player! I’ve beaten a master over the board!
24. Ng3!
Reposted by Jack Sheard
📚From the pages of October’s Legal Action Magazine
@jpsatthebar.bsky.social suggests how practitioners might respond to an arcane piece of legislation popular with landlords who are trying to intimidate tenants.
🔍 Delve into the full story. Only in October’s Legal Action!
@jpsatthebar.bsky.social suggests how practitioners might respond to an arcane piece of legislation popular with landlords who are trying to intimidate tenants.
🔍 Delve into the full story. Only in October’s Legal Action!
No cause for distress
Jack Sheard suggests how practitioners might respond to an arcane piece of legislation popular with landlords who are trying to intimidate tenants.
swiy.co
October 28, 2025 at 4:01 PM
📚From the pages of October’s Legal Action Magazine
@jpsatthebar.bsky.social suggests how practitioners might respond to an arcane piece of legislation popular with landlords who are trying to intimidate tenants.
🔍 Delve into the full story. Only in October’s Legal Action!
@jpsatthebar.bsky.social suggests how practitioners might respond to an arcane piece of legislation popular with landlords who are trying to intimidate tenants.
🔍 Delve into the full story. Only in October’s Legal Action!
📚From the pages of October’s Legal Action Magazine
@jpsatthebar.bsky.social suggests how practitioners might respond to an arcane piece of legislation popular with landlords who are trying to intimidate tenants.
🔍 Delve into the full story. Only in October’s Legal Action!
@jpsatthebar.bsky.social suggests how practitioners might respond to an arcane piece of legislation popular with landlords who are trying to intimidate tenants.
🔍 Delve into the full story. Only in October’s Legal Action!
No cause for distress
Jack Sheard suggests how practitioners might respond to an arcane piece of legislation popular with landlords who are trying to intimidate tenants.
swiy.co
October 28, 2025 at 8:53 PM
Reposted by Jack Sheard
📚From the pages of October’s Legal Action Magazine
@jpsatthebar.bsky.social suggests how practitioners might respond to an arcane piece of legislation popular with landlords who are trying to intimidate tenants.
🔍 Delve into the full story. Only in October’s Legal Action!
@jpsatthebar.bsky.social suggests how practitioners might respond to an arcane piece of legislation popular with landlords who are trying to intimidate tenants.
🔍 Delve into the full story. Only in October’s Legal Action!
No cause for distress
Jack Sheard suggests how practitioners might respond to an arcane piece of legislation popular with landlords who are trying to intimidate tenants.
swiy.co
October 15, 2025 at 11:21 AM
📚From the pages of October’s Legal Action Magazine
@jpsatthebar.bsky.social suggests how practitioners might respond to an arcane piece of legislation popular with landlords who are trying to intimidate tenants.
🔍 Delve into the full story. Only in October’s Legal Action!
@jpsatthebar.bsky.social suggests how practitioners might respond to an arcane piece of legislation popular with landlords who are trying to intimidate tenants.
🔍 Delve into the full story. Only in October’s Legal Action!
My latest article for Legal Action Group - a guide to how to counter "draconian" double rent provisions faced by tenants who've given notice - was published last week. It was a lot of fun to research - It is not often that you get to deal with statutes from 1737!
www.lag.org.uk/article/2172...
www.lag.org.uk/article/2172...
lnkd.in
October 6, 2025 at 12:50 PM
My latest article for Legal Action Group - a guide to how to counter "draconian" double rent provisions faced by tenants who've given notice - was published last week. It was a lot of fun to research - It is not often that you get to deal with statutes from 1737!
www.lag.org.uk/article/2172...
www.lag.org.uk/article/2172...
Reposted by Jack Sheard
In case you missed it: The reality behind “last minute” legal challenges to removal | Sonia Lenegan
The reality behind “last minute" legal challenges to removal - Free Movement
Last week the Home Secretary expressed outrage at “vexatious, last minute claims” made by people seeking to prevent their removal to France. She is hardly the
freemovement.org.uk
September 30, 2025 at 11:31 AM
In case you missed it: The reality behind “last minute” legal challenges to removal | Sonia Lenegan
Returning to this app to discover that @barristersecret.bsky.social knows of my existence!
September 30, 2025 at 6:50 AM
Returning to this app to discover that @barristersecret.bsky.social knows of my existence!
I am delighted to begin my pupillage with @42br.com this week - I'm just so excited to get started at such a welcoming set. I'm looking forward to an intense, challenging and rewarding year - I can't wait to see what's in store!
September 30, 2025 at 6:45 AM
I am delighted to begin my pupillage with @42br.com this week - I'm just so excited to get started at such a welcoming set. I'm looking forward to an intense, challenging and rewarding year - I can't wait to see what's in store!
It would be worth reading Shani v Ozekhome for the artistic quality of the red hat alone, but the multi-car pile up of legal catastrophe is hilarious to read. A real page-turner!
www.bailii.org/uk/cases/UKF...
www.bailii.org/uk/cases/UKF...
September 15, 2025 at 7:54 PM
It would be worth reading Shani v Ozekhome for the artistic quality of the red hat alone, but the multi-car pile up of legal catastrophe is hilarious to read. A real page-turner!
www.bailii.org/uk/cases/UKF...
www.bailii.org/uk/cases/UKF...
I recently represented some acquaintances in a Rent Repayment Order, where the landlord had failed to obtain an HMO license. The property was not fire-safe, and contained electrical hazards which led to one tenant being electrocuted by a bathroom light switch.
LinkedIn
This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn
lnkd.in
September 15, 2025 at 2:25 PM
I recently represented some acquaintances in a Rent Repayment Order, where the landlord had failed to obtain an HMO license. The property was not fire-safe, and contained electrical hazards which led to one tenant being electrocuted by a bathroom light switch.
Reposted by Jack Sheard
The Supreme Court has handed down its Dartmoor wild camping decision in the case of Darwall and another v Dartmoor National Park Authority.
May 21, 2025 at 10:23 AM
The Supreme Court has handed down its Dartmoor wild camping decision in the case of Darwall and another v Dartmoor National Park Authority.
Very proud to win first prize in the Property Bar Association's Essay Competition: "100 years on from the passing of the Law of Property Act 1925, is the Act’s approach to formalities fit for the modern era?"
May 1, 2025 at 9:35 AM
Very proud to win first prize in the Property Bar Association's Essay Competition: "100 years on from the passing of the Law of Property Act 1925, is the Act’s approach to formalities fit for the modern era?"
Reposted by Jack Sheard
The Spectator on @gardencourtlaw.bsky.social:
'…lawyers of undoubted intellect and skill…’
‘…idealists, gifted advocates and politically passionate…’
‘…radically effective…’
‘…no doubting the skill or zeal…’
‘…Garden Court racks up victories…’
www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-...
'…lawyers of undoubted intellect and skill…’
‘…idealists, gifted advocates and politically passionate…’
‘…radically effective…’
‘…no doubting the skill or zeal…’
‘…Garden Court racks up victories…’
www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-...
The radical barristers who really lay down the law in Britain
The facade of Garden Court Chambers in Lincoln’s Inn Fields is reassuringly traditional. The barristers who work there occupy buildings which were once home to the Earl of Sandwich and the Tory prime ...
www.spectator.co.uk
May 1, 2025 at 8:24 AM
The Spectator on @gardencourtlaw.bsky.social:
'…lawyers of undoubted intellect and skill…’
‘…idealists, gifted advocates and politically passionate…’
‘…radically effective…’
‘…no doubting the skill or zeal…’
‘…Garden Court racks up victories…’
www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-...
'…lawyers of undoubted intellect and skill…’
‘…idealists, gifted advocates and politically passionate…’
‘…radically effective…’
‘…no doubting the skill or zeal…’
‘…Garden Court racks up victories…’
www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-...
Reposted by Jack Sheard
I don't know if there is a case to be brought before the European Court of Human Rights - but we have already asked the question of a KC. And, yes, if there is a decent case for a trans person to bring, we will help them bring it.
If a trans person takes this to the ECHR will the Good Law Project help them? Not a gotcha, a genuine question I’m hoping for a yes on.
April 16, 2025 at 3:44 PM
I don't know if there is a case to be brought before the European Court of Human Rights - but we have already asked the question of a KC. And, yes, if there is a decent case for a trans person to bring, we will help them bring it.
Reposted by Jack Sheard
📣London Borough of Hounslow concede breach of disabled child’s right to education during 19 month search for school place📣
Garden Court Chambers #EducationLaw Team members Gráinne Mellon, leading Alex Temple, represented the client.
Read on here 🔽
gardencourtchambers.co.uk/london-borou...
Garden Court Chambers #EducationLaw Team members Gráinne Mellon, leading Alex Temple, represented the client.
Read on here 🔽
gardencourtchambers.co.uk/london-borou...
April 16, 2025 at 4:38 PM
📣London Borough of Hounslow concede breach of disabled child’s right to education during 19 month search for school place📣
Garden Court Chambers #EducationLaw Team members Gráinne Mellon, leading Alex Temple, represented the client.
Read on here 🔽
gardencourtchambers.co.uk/london-borou...
Garden Court Chambers #EducationLaw Team members Gráinne Mellon, leading Alex Temple, represented the client.
Read on here 🔽
gardencourtchambers.co.uk/london-borou...
Reposted by Jack Sheard
Is Kilmar Abrego Garcia alive? Because the amount of resistance to addressing his being trafficked gives the distinct impression that either he is dead or what they have done to him is so unspeakable that they cannot afford for him to be freed, seen, or spoken with.
April 16, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Is Kilmar Abrego Garcia alive? Because the amount of resistance to addressing his being trafficked gives the distinct impression that either he is dead or what they have done to him is so unspeakable that they cannot afford for him to be freed, seen, or spoken with.
More well-informed people than me will have better comment on the sad impact for trans people of the decision today in For Women Scotland v Scottish Ministers [2025] UKSC 16.
However, they are far from the only people affected. This decision also impacts non-binary and gender fluid individuals.
However, they are far from the only people affected. This decision also impacts non-binary and gender fluid individuals.
supremecourt.uk
April 16, 2025 at 7:22 PM
More well-informed people than me will have better comment on the sad impact for trans people of the decision today in For Women Scotland v Scottish Ministers [2025] UKSC 16.
However, they are far from the only people affected. This decision also impacts non-binary and gender fluid individuals.
However, they are far from the only people affected. This decision also impacts non-binary and gender fluid individuals.
I recently represented my first client for SIRG - at an Independent Review of a decision to exclude a child. It was a 6-hour hearing (my longest yet) - but the Panel decided to quash the exclusion and direct the school to reconsider. An excellent result!
April 4, 2025 at 2:33 PM
I recently represented my first client for SIRG - at an Independent Review of a decision to exclude a child. It was a 6-hour hearing (my longest yet) - but the Panel decided to quash the exclusion and direct the school to reconsider. An excellent result!