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15 April 2020 / Patrick Allen
Issue: 7884 / Categories: Opinion , Profession
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Labour under Keir Starmer: reasons to be cheerful?

Sir Keir Starmer’s appointment marks the return of an effective opposition, says Patrick Allen
Sir Keir Starmer QC was finally appointed last month as leader of the Labour Party with the ending of the interminably long election process.

This is welcome news for the country and all who care about progressive causes. For the past four months we have had no effective opposition to the government and the last leader presided over the worst result that Labour has achieved in an election since 1935.

But the legal profession should be especially pleased that Keir Starmer will now occupy one of the most influential roles in politics. Starmer is someone with an intimate knowledge of the legal system and the courts and has every chance of becoming Prime Minister.

Legal career

Starmer brings many good qualities and wide experience to the role of leader of the opposition. First, his legal background and training. He enjoyed an eminent career at the bar, becoming a QC at the age of

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Katten Muchin Rosenman—Charlotte Hill

Katten Muchin Rosenman—Charlotte Hill

Katten strengthens financial markets and funds group in London

Hugh James—Keith Cundall & Lee Hart

Hugh James—Keith Cundall & Lee Hart

Hugh James expands national Serious Injury team with two new Partners

HFW—Rémi Ducloyer

HFW—Rémi Ducloyer

HFW continues Paris office growth with public law Partner hire

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A little-noticed provision of the Crime and Policing Act 2026 has fundamentally expanded corporate criminal liability
Artificial intelligence is transforming legal practice, but careless reliance on it is creating growing professional risks
The law offers cohabiting couples surprisingly greater protection after one partner dies than when they separate during life
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