Philip Hackett QC, a specialist in financial regulation, international corruption, and civil and criminal fraud, is the latest name to join chambers at 36 Civil.
What was your route into the profession?
Accidental. A young Jesuit priest, who had fled the seminary, came to the house I lived in. His only possessions were the clothes he stood in, some philosophy and theology books, and a pair of fencing foils. He said, while fencing, 'Let’s become barristers.' I said, 'Yes'.
What has been your biggest career challenge so far?
Each new case seems so. Turning back the tide of prejudice and pre-judgement that accompanied the LIBOR prosecutions was interesting.
Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?
As a (very) impressionable pupil, I sat behind the peerless John Mortimer QC for several weeks, while the court watched, bewitched, wondering what he would do next. Nothing was ever the same again. Otherwise, judges such as Lord Bingham and Lord Neuberger, where justice always runs like a thread through the judgment, whatever the subject matter.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?
Dog trainer.
Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?
Judge Kovitsky in Bonfire of the Vanities.
What change would you make to the profession?
Get rid of the robes.
How do you relax?
Searching for my spaniels.
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