The new Law Commissioner reveals his route into the profession
Experienced city solicitor Stephen Lewis joined the Law Commission on 1 January to lead its work on commercial and common law. For the last 10 years he has been a consultant at Clyde and Co, working within the firm’s international insurance and reinsurance group. He joined Clyde and Co after almost 20 years as a partner at Clifford Chance.
Stephen has over 30 years' experience working in litigation and dispute resolution and, since 1983, has been primarily focusing on insurance and reinsurance. He has been a member of the Committee of the British Insurance Law Association since 1995 and was chairman from 2010-12.
What was your route into the profession?
I didn’t really have a choice. I can’t count and I can’t stand the sight of blood! Seriously, though, I did PPE at Oxford, which was fantastic but which didn’t indicate a clear career path. My inclination for spirited debate on virtually all subjects made law a natural choice.
What has been your biggest career challenge so far?
Obtaining and enforcing certain LCIA arbitration awards. In my 35 years of practice I had never come across a case where our opponents simply refused to pay a penny of the sums awarded against them, with the result that it became necessary to enforce four arbitration awards against them in Zambia.
Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?
Sir Sydney Kentridge QC. A very wise man and a supremely able and persuasive advocate.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?
Musician (if I had any talent!). More likely an academic researching or teaching political theory or philosophy.
Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?
Atticus Finch. A brave and principled lawyer with a clear moral focus.
What change would you make to the profession?
I would make it easier for economically challenged youngsters to join the English Bar. At present, despite the Bar’s invitation to such youngsters to join the profession, it is in practice impossible for them to do so, given the current financial structure of the profession.
How do you relax?
I listen to classical music, opera in particular, read and take long walks on Hampstead Heath.
