NLJ PROFILE: Gareth Rees QC, King & Spalding

What was your route into the profession?

A bit of parental expectation for a professional qualification after an arts degree took me to a conversion course in 1977 which was the first Common Professional Examination at Central London Poly or the University of Westminster in new money. I flirted with journalism after I qualified but soon realised that I might succeed at the Bar in the early 1980s so joined the fast expanding criminal Bar.

What has been your biggest career challenge so far?

After 30 years at the Bar I felt that was quite enough time in one job. The usual escape route from the Bar is the Judiciary; that wasn’t for me so I had the challenge of finding an alternative role. I became Executive Counsel at the Financial Reporting Council, which was a great experience and a challenge in itself. Now joining King & Spalding as partner is the next great challenge.

Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?

All those brilliant lawyers who fight important but unfashionable causes for low financial reward.

If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?

Lead guitarist in a mildly successful 1970s rock band. I’d like to think we would still be touring the world today.

Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?

Everyone thinks of Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mocking Bird for good reason but  I am enjoying Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman in Better Call Saul, even if he missed the ethics lectures.

What change would you make to the profession?

There has been progress on access since I began in the early 1980s but that is slipping because of legal aid cuts. Also, while there has been some positive movement in recent years, attitudes must continue to change to ensure that more women are retained and encouraged to progress up the career path in the profession. That needs firms and chambers to see the long-term gain.

How do you relax?

Getting older makes it much easier to relax as many pressures seem to have subsided but it’s being with family or close friends that is best, along with watching Rugby Union which remains my passion.