Tell us a little about yourself and your practice
“I have a broad practice of general commercial and property law. Shareholder and partnership disputes, insolvency, contractual problems and the like form the core of my work but I am often asked to step out of my comfort zone. Court advocacy is what I enjoy the most and being at the “coal face” in court is what is most motivating for me.”
What is your first memory of wanting to be a barrister?
“I did not know what the future held for me when doing A-levels (which were primarily science based) save that I thought it unlikely that I would become a scientist. I settled upon a law degree on the basis that it would give me some transferable skills and I could defer having to make a decision about what to do. It was only mid-way through my law degree that I realised I actually quite liked the idea of law as a career. As soon as that point became clear there was never any doubt that the route for me would be at the Bar.”
Is there a certain case that stands out to you in your career? If yes, why?
“I was involved in two related company cases (unfair prejudice petitions) concerning Specsavers stores. Both involved relatively long trials of about 3 and 4 weeks and were very intensive. They were certainly my biggest cases at the time and the learning curve was steep but rewarding. Both were factually and legally interesting and have led to more work in a similar vein.
I also fondly remember my first substantive hearing in the Court of Appeal which was Hills v Niksun. Albeit in a very modest way it is nice to have been involved in a case which has helped shape a small area of law (concerning the ability and limitation of a contractual decision maker to exercise discretion).”
What’s your favourite thing about being a barrister?
“Self-determination. The freedom of self-employment is generally a good thing. Whilst it comes with costs and downsides the upsides are powerful. Having been self-employed in this way for more than 20 years I am not sure I could cope with the alternative.”
What do you do to relax?
“I love gruelling endurance challenges involving some or all of the disciplines of swimming, cycling and running. Some might not consider it relaxation. However, not thinking about work-related matters is a form of relaxation, or at least mental decompression, and the longer and tougher the event the more it demands one’s full mental and physical faculties. Whilst that takes place the rest of the world recedes (at least temporarily). Sometimes that can be a joyous thing.
Past endeavours have included 100 mile running races and ultra triathlons. The most recent escapade was to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats in less than 4 days.”
If you weren’t a barrister, what would you be?
“Desperately trying to find gainful employment in some capacity. The idea of politics is interesting but even more precarious than the Bar. Perhaps the difficulty in answering this hypothetical question is good sign that being a barrister is what I am meant to be!”