Lamb Limelight is a weekly spotlight on the people that define Lamb Chambers.
We know that everything in life is about people. Our dedication to focusing on the individuals both within and beyond Lamb Chambers is what sets us apart from other chambers. From this series, we hope that you learn more about the people that make Lamb Chambers consistently the go-to set.
Our first spotlighted barrister of the series is Winston Jacob. Enjoy his Q&A:
Tell us a little about yourself and your practice.
“I joined Lamb Chambers as a third six pupil before accepting an offer of tenancy in early 2011. After initially undertaking work in all of Chambers’ practice areas, I have developed a practice in property and commercial law. My recent cases have included a number involving the statutory right to manage, including an appearance in the Supreme Court earlier this year. I also undertake some disciplinary work and I regularly accept instructions from the Bar Standards Board in disciplinary proceedings against barristers for professional misconduct. I was appointed as a Deputy District Judge in May 2020.”
What is your first memory of wanting to be a barrister?
“At school as a 16-year-old, one of my friends told me about his father’s job as a barrister. It sounded like an exciting job and first put the idea in my head. As a result, I decided to do a law degree. ”
Is there a certain case that stands out to you in your career? If yes, why?
“In February 2024, I appeared in the Supreme Court as sole counsel for the Respondent to an appeal concerning statutory interpretation and the right to manage legislation in the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002 (A1 Properties (Sunderland) Ltd v Tudor Studios RTM Co Ltd). Being able to appear in the Supreme Court without leading counsel was obviously a great opportunity. I was surprised by how relaxed and informal a tribunal it was. The Judges are all incredibly knowledgeable and just want to reach the right decision. They appear far less concerned about formality and status than some lower tribunals. It makes advocacy before them a far more enjoyable and relaxed affair (at least in my limited experience!)”
What’s your favourite thing about being a barrister?
“I love winning an argument; particularly, in a case where the likely outcome is unclear. It is always a great feeling to get a good result in court and getting to celebrate with a happy client. I sometimes think being a barrister is the work equivalent of competitive sports.”
What do you do to relax?
“My wife and I have two small children at home (2 and 4 years old), so I haven’t had any real time to relax in a few years! But I used to like reading (non-law) books and going to the cinema and theatre. I am hoping to do more of those once the kids are a little older.”
If you weren’t a barrister, what would you be?
“I was always good at Mathematics. During the first year of my law degree, I came very close to abandoning the subject and transferring to a Maths degree. Had I done a Maths degree, I think I might have tried to get work as a quantitative analyst in the finance industry, analysing financial data to assist in investment decision making. It sounds like an interesting use of maths in the workplace. Or maybe an astronaut. That would be fun…”
