What was your route into the profession?
Having decided towards the end of school that the Bar looked fun (freedom to work as much or as little as you wanted; constant intellectual challenges; captain of soul/master of fate etc… hmmm, it is not really as simple as that), I opted to take the quickest possible route into the profession: law at university, Bar finals at Inns of Court School of Law, and straight into pupillage (and then tenancy) at 5 Essex Court—where I have remained for the last 27 years, now as head of chambers.
What has been your biggest career challenge so far?
Chambers works on some of the most high-profile cases in the UK, right at the cutting edge of law. For example, we recently represented the chief constable of South Wales Police in the world’s first-ever judgment on the use by law enforcement agencies of automated facial recognition technology. As head of chambers, I feel it is important that we communicate our extensive legal experience to clients beyond the police service, as well as continue our strong relationship with forces across the whole of the UK. The cases we work on set legal precedents that affect the healthcare market and technology companies as well as the wider arena of data protection and employment. As a barrister first and foremost, the business development aspect of chambers probably presents my biggest challenge—but as a team we are committed to tackling that challenge head on!
Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?
Jeremy Gompertz KC(although he is now no longer in practice). Jeremy was head of chambers in my formative years at the Bar. He led me in the Stephen Lawrence inquiry and the Hutton inquiry (which led to the development of my public inquiry practice). Now is not the time to eulogise about Jeremy—suffice it to say that I (and a number of others in chambers) would often confront tricky issues, especially ethical or professional conduct issues, with the question: ‘What would Jeremy do in this situation?’
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?
Not sure. Perhaps something that allows freedom to work as much or as little as you want, provides constant intellectual challenges, and would permit me to be captain of my soul/master of my fate etc.
Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?
I know it is a little corny, but it is Atticus Finch—as a man, as a lawyer, and as a father. As a man, Atticus is humble, has a quiet moral certainty, is unaffected by what other people say or think, and is rooted in his beliefs. As a lawyer, Atticus believes in justice (and the justice system), has complete integrity, and has electrifying cross-examination skills. As a father, he treats his children as his equals, as adults, and is always honest with them; I also like the way his courtroom skills and language creep into his home-life (something I have sought to adopt with my 13-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter).
What change would you make to the profession?
Implementing the recommendations of the Bach Commission on access to justice.
How do you relax?
With my lovely family.
Jason Beer KC is head of chambers at 5 Essex Court, and specialises in public inquiries, inquests, public law and police law.
