Nottingham Post
Saturday, December 03, 2011

Hard graft helps to transform Dominic into future Rumpole

A teenager who was predicted F grades in his GCSEs will next week take the first step towards his dream of becoming a barrister.
Dominic Simon, 17, is to start a [...]]]> http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Hard-graft-helps-transform-Dominic-future-Rumpole/story-14029321-detail/story.html

Nottingham Post
Saturday, December 03, 2011

Hard graft helps to transform Dominic into future Rumpole

A teenager who was predicted F grades in his GCSEs will next week take the first step towards his dream of becoming a barrister.
Dominic Simon, 17, is to start a placement at a top city law firm – barely a year since he was predicted to earn F grades in his GCSEs.

Law story: Dominic Simon, 17, with, from left, Rebecca Smith, his law teacher, Shaun Smith QC, and David Duric, senior clerk.
It follows the Djanogly City Academy student’s nomination for the “most improved” category at the Nottingham Post Student Awards.
After reading his story in the Post, Shaun Smith QC, of No.1 High Pavement Chambers, wanted to get him on board.
Mr Smith said: “Since Greg Dickinson QC and myself became joint heads of chambers we have been looking at ways of involving No.1 High Pavement in the local community – and, in particular, giving opportunities to gifted young people from Nottingham’s inner city schools.
“When I read Dominic’s story in the Post and saw that he wanted to become a barrister I thought it would be not only a good opportunity to help a talented young man but also to begin to forge links with his school, the Djanogly Academy.”
In spite of his predicted F grades, Dominic knuckled down and picked up A grades and is now studying for A-levels in history, law and sociology at the academy.
He was runner-up in the awards category.
He will begin his week-long placement at the chambers on Monday
and will be given an insight into the day-to-day work of a barrister.
He will shadow an experienced barrister in a criminal trial for the week at Nottingham Crown Court. In addition, it is hoped that he can spend some time within chambers and find out how a busy criminal practice operates.
Dominic said: “Being offered this work experience is a dream come true for me. To be able to actually spend a week at No.1 High Pavement Chambers will be amazing and is an opportunity I intend to make the absolute most of.
“I think it shows that hard work and determination can pay off and I intend to continue to apply myself so I can reach my goal of becoming a barrister.”
Mr Smith said the chambers could provide other opportunities to Djanogly students as part of a link up.
He added: “We hope to achieve this by providing members of chambers to attend the school to offer the benefit of their experience both as part of the A-level law course and to help judge debates and moots.
“We also hope to be able to provide further mini-pupillages for gifted law students.”
Djanogly law teacher Rebecca Smith said: “This is a fantastic opportunity that is almost better than winning the award as it will give Dominic an invaluable insight into the world of a barrister.
“Dominic is already very ambitious and I think the experience will fuel this ambition further and make him even more determined to achieve his A-levels.
“We are delighted to be forging links with No.1 High Pavement Chambers as it will provide valuable experience and insight into a career in law – and also raise aspirations of some students who may not have previously considered a career in this field.”

Eight schools from the region represented by Abbot Beyne, Nene Park Academy, Burton and South Derbyshire College, Ashfield School, Montsaye [...]]]> This weekend saw the Nottingham regional heat of the Citizenship Foundation Bar National Mock Trial Competition for schools, co-ordinated by Laura Clarke of Nottingham BPTC and Shaun Smith QC of No.1 High Pavement.

Eight schools from the region represented by Abbot Beyne, Nene Park Academy, Burton and South Derbyshire College, Ashfield School, Montsaye Community College, Kesteven and Grantham Girls School, The Ecclesbourne School and John Taylor High School competed in a round robin series of mock criminal trials at Nottingham Crown Court. Students acted as Barristers, Ushers, Court Clerks, Defendants, Witnesses and Jurors and the trials were presided over by Judges from No.1 High Pavement, Greg Dickinson QC, Stuart Rafferty QC, Shaun Smith QC and Laura Pitman.

Wigs and gowns were very kindly provided by members of the Nottingham Bar, enabling the students to participate in a completely realistic setting.

The event showed once again the never ending fascination with criminal trials and the level of advocacy and acting ability of the pupils was exceptional.

The final between Nene Park Academy and Kesteven and Grantham Girls School was presided over by The Recorder of Nottingham HHJ Michael Stokes QC and the winners Kesteven and Grantham Girls School will now compete in the National Finals.

No.1 High Pavement is proud to be associated with such an enjoyable and worthwhile event and would like to thank HHJ Stokes QC for taking the time to come and judge the final. Good luck to Kesteven and Grantham in the National finals.

Chambers as a whole were identified as “an undisputed premier set on the Midlands circuit for criminal matters”

Individually [...]]]> Independent researchers at Chambers UK have just published the results of their research and we are delighted that Chambers as a whole and a number of our Barristers have, yet again been recommended for their excellence.

Chambers as a whole were identified as “an undisputed premier set on the Midlands circuit for criminal matters”

Individually our Silks were highly praised as were a number of our Juniors:

Peter Joyce QC is identified as having a high profile for his prosecution and defence work, with sources speaking of him as “very decisive, on the ball” and “capable of delivering a devastating argument in court”

Paul Mann QC is described as being able to turn his hand to a variety of serious crime work

Greg Dickinson QC is praised as someone who is “conscientious, detailed and prepares to the Nth degree”

Shaun Smith QC receives recognition for being “a good all round silk” and in particular for his “great client communication”

Robert (Bobby) Egbuna  is praised for “having built a great reputation in the criminal arena” with sources agreeing that he is ”particularly effective in long running cases needing attention to detail”

Mike Evans is described as a senior junior who is “a leading defence advocate who delivers well”

Adrian Reynolds is noted for being a “tenacious advocate and a convincing performer in criminal work”

For more information go to www.chambersandpartners.com/UK-Bar/Editorial/45579