The incoming legal head at The Crown Estate reveals his scientific background & legal inspiration
Commercial property lawyer Rob Booth joined The Crown Estate in-house team from Herbert Smith Freehills and will replace Alex Peeke as head of legal in July.
What was your route into the profession?
Biology; of course. My A-levels were the three sciences and maths and I considered medicine before picking my favourite of the sciences to study at university. Medicine seemed too long a time commitment to an 18 year old me; but one degree, a conversion course, an LPC and a two year training contract later...I was a solicitor at Herbert Smith.
Personally, I think there is a lot to be gained from law firms looking beyond those studying the law at university for their future trainees, solicitors and partners. Non-lawyers, and particularly scientists (who are always in danger of being typecast as IP lawyers only) bring a different perspective to a rounded team.
What has been your biggest career challenge so far?
Delivering in the in-house role well, after success in private practice. Fully embedding yourself in a business and committing to a brand was a big change from working in the City. Thankfully, I was helped in making that move by getting a job at an organisation with core values that I genuinely believe in, in the form of The Crown Estate.
As a commercial property lawyer, there was also need for me to broaden my approach to cater for the needs of a modern business. The Crown Estate is a landlord primarily, but a good working knowledge of the law surrounding our corporate functions, and the peculiarities of being a statutory body charged with turning to account some of the most iconic property assets in the UK are all needed in my role to help me, and my team keep the business on its strong upward trajectory.
Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?
I have had the benefit of some excellent mentors in my career as a solicitor to date, both within The Crown Estate and while at Herbert Smith. However, “inspiration” is a strong word; requiring someone rather more iconic, and I will therefore plump for Lord Neuberger of Abbotsbury. An incredible rise to the top and a commendable liberal agenda. I also had the pleasure of practising with his son Max at Herbert Smith.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?
Pro triathlete.
Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?
Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee, USN, JAG Corps. It’s all about the uniforms and that legendary contretemps with Jack Nicholson.
What change would you make to the profession?
I would move us on a generation, so that the more diverse, junior end of the legal profession is in power and is utilising that diversity for the good of the law and legal practice.
How do you relax?
On my turbo trainer.
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