In other news, SOME leaders know how to make a positive announcement. The tuckstore is restocked #LambBuilding #HeadOfChambers #Tuckstore

Always the same - basic rights eroded in the name of doing us all a favour, if only we understood. Rights are not often removed in big chunks - it is by little losses which are tolerated on the basis that “it could be worse”, until the erosion is complete. #NoToLammy

I was once briefed in the Chancery Div. I was told it was a to assist on a criminal law point in an IP case. Transpired it was a full-blown contempt hearing. Judge refused to adjourn. I floundered through it, missing lots of big points. I felt like David Lammy should feel today

#LambBuildingTuckshop #HeadOfChambersDuties REPLENISHMENT COMPLETED

Interim order discharged, full re-stock complete #LambBuildingTuck #HeadOfChambersDuties #ActuallyIDoNotEatThemAsIHaveGivenUpSweetsAndPuddings

Interim top up c/o M and S.. #LambBuildingTuck #HeadofChambersDuty

Back from my hols and into action - priorities set & first important obligation satisfied. The Head of Chambers’ Tuckstore is fully replenished

A fascinating discussion with my optician on Friday (Whitby & Co, Fleet Street -marvellous) about the effect of our cases on those of us who are instructed in child murders and other such highly emotionally charged cases. After explaining how there is SO much to focus on…

Next year when, all being well, I become Treasurer at @middletemple I get to have a shield on the wall. Each shield has a motto - usually English or Latin,sometimes other languages. I shall be the first to have a German motto “Man lernt nie aus”. - “ you never stop learning”

#LambBuilding #HeadofChambers #Tuckstore #NormalServiceResumed

#HeadOfChambers #pastoralduties #Tuckstore The #HeadOfChambersTuckstore on the 1st floor is now restocked. Another job jobbed

If you received good news today re: pupillage then MANY congratulations. If you didn’t, take time for a deep breath and feel sorry for yourself - it’s allowed- then 2nd big deep breath and look realistically at what you did well & what you didn’t. Be realistic

#ProgrammesOfMyChildhood Scary one this time. Properly creepy &pretty grown up. Iain Sutherland being sinister brainwashing village folk into his pagan cult. Great casting, disconcerting ending and beautifully filmed & all before the 5.45pm news. Children of the Stones🗿🗿

#ProgrammesOfMyChildhood The gorgeous and enthralling Susan Stranks (post Magpie) ably assisted by “Itsy and Bitsy”. 10 minutes of pure joy which led to hours of endless frustration when I couldn’t reproduce her masterpiece. But still I loved her and…PAPERPLAY

Time for a seriesthis time it’s “Programmes of my Childhood” - who remembers these guys? Comedy, music, mayhem and the feeling of what a bad trip must be like - even though you’re only 8. Great cartoons too in the show - The 3 Musketeers and the Arabian Knights. Let’s hear it for THE BANANA SPLITS

#LAMBBUILDING #HEADOFCHAMBERSDUTY #TUCKSUPPLY With a bit of an Easter feel, the TuckStore is replenished. Happy holidays y’all xxxx

When the rule of law is under threat the only way forward is to double down and insist on due process. Lawyers cannot be timid or embarrassed about this. We must stand together, educate, explain and remain resolute.

Which PR person allowed Reform to choose a slogan made famous by Jimmy Saville? (today’s newspaper)

Just because I’ve given up sweets doesn’t mean my Head of Chamber’s duties are neglected #LambBuilding #TuckSupply

It is now obvious that we can no longer rely on the US to provide any consistent or reasoned support to many of the values we hold. Like it or not, our future lies in a strong Europe &the sooner we realise this the better. Brexit is not just a failed notion it is now dangerous

So, the American way of diplomacy - sit you in a room with a lot of media and then start attacking you. Did it to Keir but, of course, Trump et al nothing as bad as the Court of Appeal when they have got their teeth into you, so he coped. Now bullying Zelensky. #NastyNazis

Series 6 of Unforgotten on ITV - amazing story, amazing ensemble performance. Gripping and totally satisfying. Thanks everyone

Question - Are Summer Balls still a thing in this country? Do people still like going to them?

Genuine question: in education terms does the “Russell Group” remain permanent and static - i.e once in always in & if not in, never included? Some very good law schools are in non RG universities and not all RG law schools are of equal quality. What should guide students?

Simor Speaks Sense!

Do NOT. I repeat DO NOT USE AI in your pupillage applications. That’s it. Full stop

Trump seems to be hell-bent on the practice of limiting aid to those who either agree with him or will bend to his will. To make aid to California conditional on non-related changes is abhorrent. His attacks on providing medicines to those who need it is inhumane. #Idespair

Meanwhile…, over here in sane social media….!

Looking forward to visiting Cambridge University on 8th February 2025 for the Middle Temple careers session. Presentation by barristers & judges at 5pm-6pm followed by drinks & nibbles from 6pm-7pm. At Clare College. If you are at Cambridge & interested in the Bar, come & say “Hi”

A simple reminder by the European movement:

Had some new profile/web pics taken. When did I get so old & fat :(

I think Kemi Badenoch’s attack mode is misjudged. It is the job of the Leader of the Opposition to criticise, press for details & clarity and challenge BUT what this country needs is not broad brush, inaccurate mud throwing or Elon mirroring. We need intelligence & gravitas

My best love, thoughts and prayers to everyone in Southern California, including my lovely friends there.

Does anybody else have that “going back to school” feeling today?

Elon Musk is using Twitter to seek to undermine our political stability. Bad boy! Reform is not a serious political party - it thrives on prejudice and scapegoating and the use of propaganda. I don’t think we need another 1930’s German-like experience thank you. THINK!

Basic news! Unlike the Tories who self-imploded, Labour have a significant majority which will enable them to govern a full 5 year term. I hope they will cease worrying about keeping their naysayers happy and do the right thing - there are few popular decisions, I fear.

Congrats to @akulith.bsky.social and @gerardmcdermott.bsky.social who have been elected as Middle Temple’s readers for 2026, my year as Treasurer. I couldn’t be more pleased to have these special friends by my side

ADVENT CALENDAR - DAY 24 KNOW WHEN TO STOP! - don’t spoil something good by trying to achieve something better. Once you have what you need to make your point, bank it and move on. Also, it’s good to finish on a high! Hope you’ve enjoyed these. Merry Christmas and HNY ❤️

ADVENT CALENDAR - DAY 23 WINNING/LOSING IS NOT THE ONLY TEST OF A GOOD ADVOCATE MY TEST: Did you know your case?Maximise your good points? Face up to the difficulties? Speak well? Fight your corner hard but wisely? Give your client your best? Great advocates still lose cases

ADVENT CALENDAR - DAY 22 HAVE A CLEAR AND STRONG OPENING PARAGRAPH. Give the listener (and yourself) immediate confidence that you know what you’re doing and where you’re heading. Think carefully about the structure and wording. Make sure you make an impact!

We CANNOT have our politics governed by overseas funding & manipulations. Time to set up a proper independent review of funding and put in clear and enforceable rules about transparency of funding & acceptable donations

ADVENT CALENDAR - DAY 21 THE PRESS - don’t have an antagonistic or dismissive attitude to them in court. Court reporters do an important public service. Know what you are (& are not) allowed to say and be polite. Also they are excellent on the law re: reporting restrictions

ADVENT CALENDAR - Day 20 DON’T IGNORE WEAKNESSES IN YOUR ARGUMENT - think about how to mitigate them, counter them or put them into context. It can be very effective if you put YOUR spin on a weakness in your case before your opponent does (assuming they’re able to spot them).

ADVENT CALENDAR - DAY 19 REMOTE HEARINGS ARE A WAY OF LIFE - make sure you have good internet connection & check how you look on cam before going “live”. Ensure you speak CLEARLY & not too quickly. Remember that you won’t be able to pick up some of the normal physical cues.

ADVENT CALENDAR - DAY 17 (apologies for forgetting to open yesterday ) MODES OF ADDRESS IN COURT - GET THEM RIGHT. It damages your credibility before the court. Know whether it’s My Lord/Lady, Your Honour, Judge, Sir or Madam or something else. If in doubt ask the clerk

ADVENT CALENDAR - DAY 18 YAWNING- DO IT DISCREETLY. Put your hand over your mouth, do not make a noise, do not pull a face. It is not only rude to do otherwise, it is distracting and signifies that you can’t be bothered to listen. So many people ignore this and cause offence

ADVENT CALENDAR -DAY 16 It takes EXPERIENCE to be able to construct questions “on your feet”. Prepare your questions in advance. Get the wording right. Use precise language. Don’t be afraid to have notes - just don’t be tied to them.

ADVENT CALENDAR -DAY 15 IT’S MUCH HARDER TO KEEP IT SIMPLE - it is often easier to resort to jargon, complex words or structures which sound impressive BUT can disempower the listener & put a barrier between you. A capacity to make ideas accessible to all is an invaluable skill

ADVENT CALENDAR -DAY 14 QUESTIONS STARTING WITH ‘DID’ USUALLY LEAD TO A YES/NO ANSWER -sometimes a don’t know/maybe. Do you want a “yes/no answer? In x-i-c have you laid the groundwork for the question so that it’s not leading? In xx do you know what their answer will be?