The head of strategic litigation at DAC Beachcroft commends mastering the art of simple explanation
Andrew Parker, partner and head of strategic litigation at DAC Beachcroft, has been appointed as the solicitor member to the Civil Justice Council by the Lord Chancellor for three years.
What was your route into the profession?
I studied languages but did not want to go into the limited career choices they then offered. As part of my university entrance for languages, I took lessons in logic from an Irish history teacher; that told me that building and demolishing arguments was an interest and a strength. The law suddenly became an option and after two stints of work experience (including operating an old fashioned plug-in switchboard) I switched degrees in my second year.
What has been your biggest career challenge so far?
Mastering the art of simple explanation—and getting colleagues to do the same. Soon after I qualified and in the process of buying my own house, the young couple selling the property handed me a letter and said: "We've had a letter from our solicitor. Can you tell us what it means please?" It was just four lines long but it was full of jargon which meant nothing to them. It’s a question I have never forgotten and I hope it never applies to anything I write.
Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?
Sir Rupert Jackson, for his work rate and his commitment to deliver a project on time, as well as for his analytical and debating ability. I was privileged to work with him on the Jackson Review in 2009—knowing that he completed his final report with typing skills no better than mine makes the achievement all the more remarkable. Apart from Sir Rupert, anyone who is in our London office before my usual 8am arrival time.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?
I love cricket but was never anywhere near good enough to play at any real standard, so I'd throw my knowledge of the game and its history into being a radio commentator. I grew up listening to John Arlott, Brian Johnston, Henry Blofeld and others (sometimes even in school lessons); I still admire their ability to paint a picture in a few well-chosen words, but always to let the game do the talking—something I would seek to emulate. Of course, the travel to other cricketing countries around the world would also be a draw!
Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?
It has to be Horace Rumpole, not just because he is a maverick who somehow still plays just within the rules, but also because cover drawings of him look like my father.
What change would you make to the profession?
A nostalgic return to the days when a solicitor's written (and usually oral) word was to be trusted without further thought. I see an unacceptable number of examples of firm promises not then kept and positive assertions being subsequently proved wrong. I'd also like to see more lawyers putting their clients' interests above their own—there are many who do that, but in too many cases I see the profit of the firm or its backers being put first.
How do you relax?
Walking with my wife in North Norfolk, England's own "big sky country". Local seafood on the pub menu would make the occasion perfect.
