Meet Daniel Ralphson

18th Jun 2025

Author: Butcher & Barlow

From contested bail hearings to cherry blossom dreams, meet our newest Property Litigator.

We recently welcomed Daniel Ralphson to Butcher & Barlow’s Property Dispute Resolution Team. With over 15 years of experience in neighbour disputes, a fondness for quirky cases, and an allotment to unwind in, Daniel brings both legal acumen and personality to the Firm.

We sat down with Daniel to learn more about his journey into law, the cases that have stayed with him, and how a Labrador named Laszlo keeps him grounded.

Daniel, what first sparked your interest in the law?

To be honest, it was less of a lightbulb moment and more of a natural progression. I never had a grand plan to become a Solicitor, but I have always been drawn to the cut and thrust of litigation. I am competitive by nature, so the adversarial aspect of dispute resolution probably drew me in.

And what does a typical day in your role look like?

One of the best parts of this job is that no two days are the same. You start your morning with a coffee, perhaps thinking you will have a calm day catching up on emails, and then suddenly you are knee-deep in a boundary dispute or emergency injunction. It certainly keeps things interesting!

Can you tell us about any memorable cases you have worked on?

There have been many, but one that stands out involved a client who acquired possessory title to a hunting lodge. She had not paid rent for over 30 years, which you might think would be a bad thing, but in this case, it worked in her favour. It was an unusual and ultimately successful outcome—definitely one for the books.

What are your aspirations for the future?

In the short term, I want to continue developing as a top Property Litigator and build a reputation as a leader in my field. Longer term, I am passionate about mediation and would love to refine the skillset needed to become a Mediator. Helping people find resolution without the stress of court proceedings is something that really appeals to me.

Any career highlights or particularly quirky disputes?

One of the highlights has to be appearing in the Court of Appeal—even though we were unsuccessful, the experience was invaluable. As for quirky disputes, dealing with neighbour dispute means there is no shortage! From arguments about fence heights to very creative forms of boundary marking, some of the things neighbours do to each other never fail to make me chuckle.

Is there one case that sticks in your mind more than others?

Yes, when I was a Trainee, I worked on a case where our client had been wrongfully imprisoned for murder. He served almost 20 years before being released. Reading through the evidence and his statement was incredibly intense and it is something that has stayed with me throughout my career.

Can you remember your first time in court?

Maybe not the very first time, but I do vividly remember a contested bail hearing at Liverpool Crown Court. It did not look promising, and I suspect I was sent in because the odds were not great. But I managed to secure bail for my client, which felt like a real win and definitely gave me a confidence boost early in my career.

Have you had any moments that brought you back down to earth?

Absolutely! On the day I qualified, I was feeling on top of the world. I left the office with a bounce in my step, only to find my car had been clamped due to an out-of-date tax disc. Trying to sort that out discreetly while avoiding the gaze of any passing Partners was a humbling end to what had been a very big day.

What do you get up to when you are not working?

Outside of work, I spend a lot of time with my Labrador, Laszlo, who keeps me on my toes. I also have an allotment, which has become my little haven. It is a great way to unwind and reconnect with nature after a busy week.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Japan in springtime, hands down. I would love to see the cherry blossom in bloom. I am an avid gardener and have always been drawn to the peaceful design of Japanese gardens.

Finally, what advice would you give your 15-year-old self?

Do not be afraid to fail. We often learn the most when we don’t succeed. Resilience is key, and every setback is a stepping stone.

 

Thank you Daniel for taking time to speak with us. We are delighted to have you on board and are looking forward to seeing more of your expertise and energy you bring to our clients and the team.

Daniel can be contacted on 01606 334309 or email dralphson@butcher-barlow.co.uk