The Serjeants' Inn Silk salutes the judges who make rulings against the state in favour of human rights
Chris Daw QC joined Serjeants' Inn from 25 Bedford Row in October 2016. Chris specialises in serious crime, commercial fraud, business regulation and professional discipline.
What was your route into the profession?
I spent some time in management consultancy, marketing and PR, before a law degree and the Bar Vocational Course. During my academic career I continued to do some consultancy work in the commercial world. Many years later I took a year long sabbatical from the Bar to work in a financial services business I had co-founded. I have found exposure to the “real world” of business not only financially rewarding but immensely beneficial to the quality of advice I can provide to commercial clients.
What has been your biggest career challenge so far?
In one high profile case for a well-known public figure, the evidence was captured live on high definition television from 12 different angles. The media made up its mind long before the trial. The challenge was to strip away the hype outside the courtroom and present a winning case against the weight of public opinion. Very much against the odds the client was acquitted.
Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?
Rather than one individual I would say all those judges prepared to make rulings against the powerful institutions of the state in favour of human rights. The US Supreme Court in Roe v Wade (abortion rights) and more recently in Obergefell v Hodges (same sex marriage). Hopefully the UK Supreme Court will do the same in the Brexit appeal.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?
It would be a path to financial ruin but I would love to open a restaurant.
Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?
Richard Gere as Martin Vail (Primal Fear) captured perfectly the moral ambiguity of success as a criminal defence lawyer; when we do a phenomenal job for a client he might literally “get away with murder”.
What change would you make to the profession?
I am passionate about social mobility. Reaching out and drawing in talent from non-traditional backgrounds would provide a massive infusion of talent and innovation for the next legal generation.
How do you relax?
Eating in the sorts of restaurants I would like to own!
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