I started at Paisner and then on qualification went off to Norton Rose. I joined Clifford Chance in 2000, which was the big global merger. They were a challenger in M&A. That’s why I chose them.
I started off at Midland Bank in Fleet Street opposite Freshfields. One of six trainees. Later I sent out 86 applications for articles. Four interviews and only one offer would pay my law school. That’s why I went to Paisner. Continue reading “Life during law: Patrick Sarch, White & Case”
I come from a big family. The only male. I have four sisters and was exposed to the talent and influence of women very early on.
My father’s influence led me into law. He had a very small law firm, just himself and another partner. And he was obsessed with me as his successor to get into law but in a different way from him. He was visionary enough to see that the law was going to change and it was better for me to do something different.
When I was 11-years old a teacher asked us to write down what we were going to do when we left school. I said ‘solicitor’. Half the class didn’t know what that was. My uncle was a solicitor and it seemed interesting. He used to do quite a bit of criminal law so I got it in my head I would do that.
Coming out of university I didn’t feel ready to go straight to law school. I wanted to experience the world. Two options: go travelling (but I had no money and a huge overdraft) and the other one was to do something different, so I joined the Avon and Somerset Constabulary.
Continue reading “Life during law: Lee Ranson, Eversheds Sutherland”
My father, who sadly died last year, did his articles. Absolutely hated it. Left as soon as he could. He did briefly work in London and then went to Edinburgh, and carried out his career as a fund manager. He was always much more interested in stock markets than the law. He was a very kind, calm and perceptive man.
I joined SJ Berwin in 1991, qualified in 1993, became a partner in 1999, left in 2004. Came back in 2006. Until the bitter end.
My dad was a cab driver and my mum a factory worker. She was also a photographer’s assistant and met my dad at a wedding. After that she vowed to never drink again because she met my dad.
I went to a local state school in Wembley. I got into Oxford. There weren’t many people who went to university from that school. It was a very varied background; English wasn’t the first language for probably half of the kids at home. But it was a good school and I had teachers that cared.
Continue reading “Life during law: Ray Berg, Osborne Clarke”
I’ve enjoyed every minute as a barrister and a judge. Two careers. I’ve been privileged.
I didn’t want to be a lawyer. Even when I went to Oxford I didn’t know. I thrashed around, then stumbled into the Bar. I wanted to do something in the real world. My father was always starry-eyed about the Bar. I suspect that came into it too.
Continue reading “Life during law: Lord Dyson, 39 Essex Chambers”
I don’t take anything for granted. I’ve been lucky, had some good breaks and people have invested time in me.
I can’t sing or dance. My partner thinks I’m like Carlton from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air when I dance. That’s one reason I went into law. I fancied doing something City-based. I didn’t know what. I came out with my degree and thought: what do I want to do? I applied for a law summer scheme to see what it was like and that was it.
Continue reading “Life during law: Jonny Earle, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher”
I thought I’d be suited to law because I’ve always been interested in people. And discussion and debate and argument.
Continue reading “Life during law: Quentin Poole, Gowling WLG”
I’m the fifth of six children. By child five, your parents are very relaxed. You can do what you want! I grew up in a small town in Ireland. I was trying to decide whether to do law or medicine and two sisters were junior doctors, working through the night. I thought: ‘That looks hard – I’ll become a lawyer!’ Some irony there.
Continue reading “Life during Law: Aedamar Comiskey, Linklaters”
It’s been a long career. I’m amazed at being here 27 years. People think that must be dull but I’ve had time abroad as a trainee in New York, in management in the Middle East, on secondment at the Takeover Panel. I don’t regret any of it.
Continue reading “Life during law: Guy Norman, Clifford Chance”
