11 Dec Confessions of a Clark
We both met in a crowded café in the centre of London. Simon sat upright and alert in a smart ash coloured suit behind a steaming cup of coffee, looking confident and ready to answer my questions. When telling me about his professional and personal life he often used both his hands and body to display his emotions.
Simon sounded passionate when he told me he was once a Barristers Clark who worked in London dealing with legal cases ranging from business claims to murder trials. Yet he still manages to juggle his professional life with his personal life.
He started in the year 1987 working as a Junior Barrister’s Clerk at Queen Elizabeth Buildings where he would jump start his career working towards the more superior role of a Senior Clerk.
Simon has looked up to many people during his life both personally and professionally, yet the person he looks up to the most would most certainly be his father “not just because he was my dad, and a lovely man, but because he was a fantastic Senior Clerk. I learnt a lot from him”. His dad was very well respected in the industry and that is something that Simon is very proud of.
Simon pictured with his wife and dog Alfie.
Working as a Senior Clerk meant taking big responsibilities for many things especially being in the Magistrates Courts, Crown Courts and Appeal Courts. Simon said, “I had 6 clerks, and 45 Barristers,. Our job was to get them in court, defending or prosecuting. We organised their work, money and diaries. I basically ran a law firm”.
Whilst being asked about the most interesting case he has dealt with during his career, he suddenly became very engaged as he sat up straight-backed as he explained about the 2011 London Riot Cases. He said, “we had to prosecute over 2500 cases, it was a very difficult challenge but we did it and I was always proud of how many cases we managed to prosecute!”.
When Simon isn’t busy working he always finds time for himself and most importantly, his family and friends. He has a downy soft, energetic and cute Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Alfie whom he adores. Simon said, “I love to take my dog out for walks in my free time, not only because it allows me to get some fresh air but because I love having bonding time, he’s like another kid to me!”.
One of Simon’s life-long friends said, “Simon is a perfect role model, he is hardworking and is determined to try his absolute best. He is such a lovable and loyal person who adores his family”.
Although Simon was enthusiastic when talking about his dog, he showed great passion when speaking about his garden. It’s somewhere where Simon can be creative and work his magic. He spends his time in the garden mostly in the summertime, as in the Winter it can be quite nippy. He explained, “I like to have my garden a particular way, – I become very protective over it. Maybe it’s a man thing?” He then proceeded to laugh while he sipped his coffee.
It was great to meet up with such an interesting character who was so willing to show such emotion and passion whilst talking about his life.
