Occasion

Arrogance

False Modesty

1.    Just instructed

“He was wisely advised in instructing me – but let’s face the facts, who else could he have gone to?”

“I was very surprised to get the case”

2.    Do I do Pro Bono work?

“Certainly I do.  I’ve got a sign outside my room giving free advice – “Legal Aid Next Door”

“When I can get it”

3.    Discussing an acquitted defendant in the Bar mess

“The evidence was extremely strong… (pause for effect) but I got him off”

“He was acquitted – I can’t understand it – it was certainly very little to do with me”

4.    Whilst propping up the bar at ‘El Vinos’

“In reality, there are only half a dozen of us at most in the premier division of defence barristers”

“Should I really be doing this case without a Leader?”

5.    My best win ever?

“There are so many to choose from – it’s hard to say”

“Unfortunately, my last acquittal is well ‘spent’ ”

6.    Views on a star pupil

“I taught him all he knows – but not all I know”

“I’d be completely lost without him”

7.    Asked about the ability of a colleague not generally held in the highest esteem

 “Let’s put it this way – he’s not exactly seeded at Wimbledon”

“Well, I guess you could say he’s a safe pair of hands”

8.    Am I busy? 

“I’m supporting half of my chambers with cases I’ve been forced to return”

“I’m struggling on, you know how it is”

9.    On receiving thanks after a conference with his client just prior to trial

“You won’t thank me when you receive my bill”

“Don’t thank me – I haven’t done anything yet” (quote favoured by the legendary Victor Durand QC)

10. To a new instructing solicitor

“Let me put my cards on the table. There are two things I never touch in life – Beaujolais and Legal Aid”

“Any crumb from

your table”

11. Asked at a dinner party if there are any cases in the pipeline

“I don’t know where my next case is coming from – but I know it’s coming”

“Nothing special – usual boring rubbish”

12. Autobiography title

“Lonely at the Top”

“Famous Cases I was almost involved in”