The new Anthony Gold partner calls for a more positive approach to ensuring a diverse profession
David Emmerson has joined the Anthony Gold family department as a partner in the London Bridge office.
What was your route into the profession?
When I left college, I really was not sure I wanted to practice law but a friend of my father, who was the then managing partner of Kingsley Napley encouraged me to give the profession a go. He told me to apply to firms as a court clerk in a litigation firm and I joined a firm in East London and loved it. This firm had the most incredible range of wardship and criminal clients and I have been hooked ever since. So I went off to Lancaster Gate to take my solicitor’s final exam and articles thereafter.
What has been your biggest career challenge so far?
It is a constant one of wanting to do the very best for clients who trust you for advice and guidance during the challenging times they have when their relationship breaks down. Each client is different and needs an approach which suits them in terms of the level of guidance and support you need to offer.
Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?
No single person stands out but I have been lucky to work with some very impressive solicitor and barrister colleagues over the years.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?
Apparently, the opportunities for me becoming a professional footballer, cricketer or actor are fading fast. More realistically I would be happy doing any career where you are working with and helping people. So something that would enable me to do all the things I detail below when trying to relax
Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?
It would be a combination of Tulkinghorn from Bleak House with his assured authority and unflappability and more than a little of the Joe Pesci character from My Cousin Vinny with his drive, enthusiasm and never give up approach.
What change would you make to the profession?
Encourage more diversity. The situation has certainly improved substantially from the time when I entered the profession and I have friends and colleagues who hold senior judicial and professional positions who represent diversity. There is much more that can be done by people taking a more informed and positive approach to diversity. If you do take such a positive approach, you rarely regret it and are usually rewarded. The profession simply has to reflect the make-up of society as a whole much more than it does at present.
How do you relax?
By doing a variety of things such as walking in the hills or along coast. I enjoy cycling, going to gigs, films and the theatre. We all have such a stressful and responsible job that it is very important to do different active things for relaxation. I enjoy watching and playing football and cricket, though a developing ankle problem restricts my performance and appearances. I was lucky enough to meet Pele last year when he was over here being interviewed for a documentary about Bobby Moore. I find cooking is something that helps me switch off and it is lovely preparing a meal for friends. An ideal weekend would be walking in the Lake District, an early film at Zeffirellis and then a wonderful meal with family and friends.
