M & S PROFILE: Michael Salter

Barrister Michael Salter, the head of Employment at Ely Place Chambers, has recently been appointed as a fee-paid judge of the Employment Tribunals (England & Wales).

What was your route into the profession?

I never wanted to be a lawyer. I was fortunate to have a fantastic tutor for A Level Law who really captured your attention and made the subject entertaining. He recommended I apply to university and after that it was pretty much the traditional route: I read Law at Brunel University undertaking a four-year degree which included one-year at work in solicitors firms, then I attended City Law School, or as it was known then the Inns of Court School of Law, after which I read the BCL at Brasenose College, Oxford before commencing pupillage at 10 King’s Bench Walk.

What has been your biggest career challenge so far?

Answering the same questions time-after-time: “do you wear one of those things on your head” and “how can you defend someone you know is guilty”. Owing to a split in chambers before I joined I ended up undertaking a criminal pupilage, so moving away from that after pupilage and two-years of tenancy was a challenge. This required a move of Chambers but was one which, I am pleased to say, members of my then Chambers were fantastically supportive of. It all worked out well though as in joining Ely Place in 2008 I joined those civil practitioners who left 10 Kings Bench Walk.

Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?

I do not think there is one person who I can say has inspired me at any stage. Along with many others Lord Denning has a place in my heart for making my degree interesting and infuriating in equal measure, but otherwise I cannot point to one person.

If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?

I had always intended to follow my parents into the military and had never contemplated anything other than that. If I was 18-21 again would I do that; I think I would. Other than that I can safely say I have no idea!

Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?

Legal fiction is not really my read of choice. I do enjoy the CJ Samson books so its either Mathew Shardlake from those books or, most likely, Judge Dredd. On my appointment I came into possession of a replica Judge Dredd badge with my name on it….

What change would you make to the profession?

I would try and solve the age-old issue of access to the profession. Having been the last of the unfunded pupillages I had to rely on the support of my parents to enable me to undertake my time at 10 King’s Bench Walk and to go to take the BVC. For which I cannot thank them enough. Whilst funded pupillages are a great thing they have meant that the number of pupillages has reduced and, coupled with fees for university and Bar School, increasing means many incredibly able applicants are put off applying.

How do you relax?

I am an avid fan of American football and, having played for 13 or so years, like shouting my views at the TV on a Sunday night. I have music on regularly when in Chambers so that plays a large part in my relaxation.

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