Features

Job title: Barrister, DeKoven Chambers 

DeKoven Chambers specialises in commercial disputes arising out of complex international transactions.   

What have been some of the highlights of your career?
Several matters that I was instructed on in the ‘90s (acting for the liquidators of BBCI, acting for the administrators of KWELM, acting for Equitas and the Society of Lloyd’s of London, and acting for the administrators of Barings) were very important to my career at Shearman & Sterling and in creating expertise in cross border insolvency. 

Following  R v Riat & Others and  R v Ibrahim, Oliver Weetch, who appeared in  Riat for the appellant (Wilson) whose conviction was quashed, considers the law relating to hearsay evidence  

With its recent twin judgements of R v Riat & Others  [2012] EWCA Crim 1509 and R v Ibrahim  [2012] EWCA Crim 837, the Court of Appeal have finally dealt with the fallout from the long running spat over the correct approach to hearsay evidence which had been taking place between the British and European courts. 

Andrew Hood on the tax implications of ceasing your self-employed status.  

When leaving the Bar whether on retirement, or to take up either a judicial appointment or a position of employment as a barrister, you will no doubt remember to deal with the major issues such as the ongoing relationship with Chambers, informing your business contacts and notifying the Bar Council. But there are, of course, also tax and financial implications which need to be considered. 

David Hislop QC on the consequences of legislation drafted in haste  

On the 18th September 2012 the European Court of Human Rights gave judgment in the case of James, Wells and Lee v The United Kingdom (Applications nos. 25119, 57715/09 and 57877/09) . 

This case is an important reminder for those responsible for the continued detention of long term prisoners that a failure to afford rehabilitation schemes and an effective system of review may lead to findings that the continued detention is unlawful and that compensation is due. 

Sean Jones QC and Professor Dominic Regan review the wines on offer this Christmas.  

We are back with a range of recommendations again. Not a dud amongst them. Last year we saw every major supermarket chain run a “ Buy 6 get 25% off” promotion and the serious buyer should look to swoop on these deals. 

Sean Jones QC and Professor Dominic Regan review the wines on offer this Christmas.  

We are back with a range of recommendations again. Not a dud amongst them. Last year we saw every major supermarket chain run a “ Buy 6 get 25% off” promotion and the serious buyer should look to swoop on these deals. 

Chambers’ security arrangements come under scrutiny 

November 12, 2012: “James Bond: The writing is on the wall. Q: Along with the rest of him.” Ian Fleming  

After the magic of Henrietta Briar-Pitt’s wedding to Ernst Pennington, we have now all been brought back to earth by autumn rain and the start of the new legal year with even less work at even worse rates. All we have to look forward to is quality assessment where some old judge will extract his revenge for some ancient perceived slight in a Siberian robing room by marking you down as fit only to defend guilty shoplifters. I cannot work because Mrs Ernst Pennington (nee Briar-Pitt) has departed to the French Riviera on her honeymoon and some unknown person has locked away all the files pertaining to the case of R. v. Grimble, my next major outing in the Criminal Division. 

Andrew Otchie shares his experiences following a recent trip to Ghana and offers his reflections on its legal history and legal profession.  

In May 2012, the sudden and unforeseen passing away of my Father made it necessary for me to undertake a long overdue trip to Ghana, and experience its very different culture, traditions, and legal system. While many practising at the Bar of England & Wales may have had some experience in dealing with Ghanaians in this jurisdiction (a diaspora which has in many ways assimilated to British customs and routines), an experience of the way of life in West Africa can often come as something of a culture shock, even to those of African heritage. I found myself in the midst of the unfortunate, although all too common situation, of trying to administer the property of someone who had died without leaving a will, and the ensuing problems that can be further complicated by differing applications of common, and customary law. 

A New Media Forum, Wider World Web, was staged at the European Parliament’s Plenary Chamber in Brussels in June. The event was devised by Professor Peggy Valcke, research professor at Leuven University, and Siobhan Grey of Doughty Street Chambers.   

On 27th June 2012 The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn, Leuven University (Belgium) and the Centre for Media Pluralism and Freedom (Florence, Italy) came together to stage a New Media Forum, Wider World Web, at the European Parliament’s Plenary Chamber in Brussels. The forum focused on media diversity, with an emphasis on the digital media, and how Industries such as News, Books and Music were adapting to the changes led by the digital world. The event was an opportunity to start a fresh debate about policy initiatives in relation to the democratic public interest requirements of media pluralism while recognising the business needs of media enterprises. 

Graham Cunningham, a member of the Bar Council’s IT Panel, offers a guide to IT equipment for technophobes.   

From time to time one reaches a technological crossroads. We have reached one such crossroads at the present time.