The new director of Just Costs Solicitors calls for a reversal of the erosion of the legal aid system
Glenn Newberry has been appointed as director and head of the London office at Justs Costs Solicitors.
What was your route into the profession?
I went from University, a building degree, into a job as a “trainee law costs draftsman” at a firm in Cardiff called Severn Legal Services. After nearly six years there, I moved to my first in-house role at a medium-size West Midlands law firm and from there, to Eversheds, Clifford Chance and then back to Eversheds. I took my professional exams while working. The route to being a costs lawyer is analogous to a legal executive with on the job training and part-time study.
What has been your biggest career challenge so far?
In 2002 I became head of costs at Clifford Chance which at the time was the world’s biggest law firm. Not only a change in culture but the move required me to up-root my family from a sleepy South Wales village to the bustling South East (and another sleepy Essex village). I had never worked in the City before let alone, for a magic circle firm. Having been “technical manager” of the costs team at Eversheds for four years, my expertise was recognised and rarely questioned, this was different. Partners did not want just answers, but reasoned explanations. My predecessor had been incumbent for nearly 20 years and lawyers do not like change. Winning hearts and minds was a real, but ultimately satisfying, challenge.
Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?
When I was at Clifford Chance I got the opportunity to work pro bono on a couple of death row cases. During one case I got the opportunity to meet two lawyers who travelled the world fighting death row cases. The passion they showed, and the sacrifices they made, were truly inspirational.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?
Something connected with sport. I love photography so possibly sports photography or journalism. That, or a cricket coach. I am an ECB level II qualified coach, and coach my local club’s under 15s (Miskin Manor Cricket Club). Coaching, both in sport and in business, is something I am really passionate about.
Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?
My favourite author is John Grisham and he has created a number of very good fictional, or part fictional, characters, difficult to pick my favourite. Possibly Rudy Baylor in The Rainmaker or someone a bit more up to date, Harvey Specter in Suits.
What change would you make to the profession?
Reverse the erosion of this country’s legal aid system. Step-by-step the availability of state aid for legal representation has disappeared. The squeeze has become even more acute over the past 18 months with the dissolution of legal aid for family matters. Financial disputes and even personal injury, can be funded in other, imaginative ways, but the same cannot be said of family matters.
How do you relax?
In the summer I play and coach cricket, practice on Wednesday, a junior game on a Thursday and then I play myself all day Saturday. In the winter I go to the gym and watch US crime dramas.
