The new Matrix commercial silk ponders an alternative career treading the boards
Paul Nicholls QC joined Matrix Chambers from 11KBW in September. Paul has a strong commercial reputation and practice in employment law cases with a commercial element and related commercial law work. He also practises in public and procurement law.
What was your route into the profession?
I first thought of becoming a barrister when I was about 11 or 12 and was interested in being an actor. I had a role in Oliver in the West End. My parents delicately suggested that perhaps acting might be a challenging career and it seemed to me that the Bar was the closest thing (even if you had to write your own lines). At university in the late 80s, in common with most of my contemporaries, I was attracted by City law firms, but when I did the BCL at Oxford I met others who planned to go the Bar and I realised that this was the best route for me.
What has been your biggest career challenge so far?
An on-going challenge is striking a balance between work and the rest of life. I do find it hard not to check my e-mails. Matrix has a set of core values. We spoke about them in my interview and I did confess that I fell down on their "achieving work life balance" value.
Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?
I learnt a lot from my first pupil supervisor, Alistair McGregor QC. He had a great ability when making his submissions to explain to the judge what the other side would say and why they were wrong, so by the time his opponent started, the judge already knew the arguments and the answers to them. And he had the ability, which I certainly don’t, to conduct all his advocacy, including long and detailed cross examination, without a single note!
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?
I am sure I am unemployable. Perhaps I would be a largely unknown actor, spending much time between roles.
Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?
That has to be Rumpole. I read him lots as a child and am pleased to see he has stood the test of time; Benedict Cumberbatch played him on Radio 4 recently.John Mortimer created such entertaining stories and memorable characters. One disadvantage of not practising in crime is not having such salacious dinner party stories.
What change would you make to the profession?
I am worried about the cost of entering the profession. I interview candidates for Inner Temple scholarships for their Bar School year and am struck by a combination of the debt they bring and the costs of the courses which they have to undertake. I do believe that it must be possible to impart the necessary knowledge via shorter and cheaper courses.
How do you relax?
My wife would say not at all. I can’t lay claim to any particularly exciting or unusual recreational activities but if I can overcome my children’s objections, I enjoy taking them on long walks (even if there is no wifi!).
