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31 January 2014 / Sir Geoffrey Bindman KC
Issue: 7592 / Categories: Features
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Spread the wealth

Geoffrey Bindman QC calls for fairer funding for legal education

I had the privilege of taking my law degree (in fact two of them) at Oxford University. As a result I receive the beautifully printed and illustrated Oxford Law News —the annual report of its Faculty of Law, recording the very impressive achievements of faculty members and alumni, many of whom are among the most distinguished legal scholars, judges and legal practitioners in Britain and overseas.

Hart-beat

In my student days in the 1950s I had the good fortune to sit at the feet of such eminent scholars and teachers as Herbert Hart, FH Lawson, Rupert Cross, and others whose published works are still greatly valued. Of course, I do not suggest that the law teaching elsewhere was any less good.

When I graduated, the City law firms and barristers’ chambers were still quite casual about recruitment. My own experience was probably typical. At the time I was looking towards a career at the Bar. I “ate dinners”. I chose Gray’s Inn because

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Bell Yard Kysen—Liz Giles

Bell Yard Kysen—Liz Giles

Bell Yard Kysen appoints senior legal PR and ex-government communications adviser, Liz Giles

Clarke Willmott—Lee Edwards

Clarke Willmott—Lee Edwards

Clarke Willmott boosts Southampton commercial property team with addition of partner Lee Edwards

Lime Solicitors—four promotions

Lime Solicitors—four promotions

Lime Solicitors announces four promotions

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A polished legal defence may owe more to artificial intelligence than legal merit—and creditors risk paying the price in delay and expense
An indemnity costs battle with a £20m gap could reopen an important question: what weight should an approved budget carry?
The Environment Agency can prosecute offences beyond environmental legislation where proceedings support its statutory functions, the Divisional Court has confirmed
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