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diligently and (unfortunately, given the kicking I was later handed out by two of his judicial colleagues at the full appeal!) granted my application for permission to appeal.
After only seven years in the Court of Appeal, David was appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court. He now sits, usually with four other Justices, in appeals which may come from anywhere in the UK and in appeals to the Privy Council from all those territories, such as the Cayman Islands, Bermuda and the BVI, for which it is the final court of appeal. David describes this work as being hugely varied, challenging and also very rewarding. All of the hearings are live-streamed, but, as David explained to us, a great deal more goes on outside court, with a lot of reading and legal research, plus a good deal of vigorous debate between the Justices before and after the hearings, and before draft judgments are prepared.
Despite only having been in post for a relatively short period, David has already produced the lead
judgment in a number of matters, including the case of Wells v. Devani, the most recent judgment on oral contracts (something that an amazing number of people continue to believe cannot exist).
We asked what he gets up to in his spare time. The answer is that he has very little of it! When not actually working in the Supreme Court, he is in great demand to deliver lectures and talks at home and abroad, is the Chair of the Advisory Council of the Centre for Commercial Law Studies of Queen Mary University of London (which has awarded him an honorary LLD) and has recently joined the Advisory Board of the Science Museum. Sadly, this means that while he remains a member of Walton Heath and Luffenham Golf Clubs, he very rarely gets time to blow the dust off his clubs. He lives in London with his wife and family, and when work allows, enjoys all the opportunities that gives for the theatre, film and art. His daughter has recently qualified as a solicitor at a City firm and his son is just setting
out in the world of broadcast journalism.
When asked what strengths are essential for aspiring lawyers, he points to good analytical and communication skills, good judgment, creativity, a willingness to work very hard, stamina and good health. For him, the family of the self-employed Bar was ideal, as he did not want to work for anyone else. It is very much hoped that among his other commitments, he will be persuaded to come back to Oundle to share his views and experiences in person with current pupils.
David may be in the Supreme Court for another six years. He will sit on many cases, involving the trickiest issues, which will shape the law and society more generally. He says he feels very privileged to be there. Notwithstanding his success and brilliance, in many ways he is a typical OO, sharing most of the traits that make OOs much liked around the world – humour, self-deprecation and a genuine belief in doing what is right.
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THE OLD OUNDELIAN 2018 –2019