We were able to hold our meeting in the Common Council Members Dining room at Guildhall to hear our speaker Michael Napier, one of the most respected and notable lawyers of our time. Michael is a former Chairman of Irwin Mitchell LLP solicitors of Sheffield and a past President of the Law Society. We were joined by guests from other The United Wards Club and members of the City of London Solicitors' Company.
Michael gave us a summary of his involvement in representing the victims of major transport disasters, the first main one being the Manchester Airport Crash where he represented the family of the co-pilot, through almost every major incident thereafter. Among other clients there was Charles Bronson, currently up for parole and the subject of a television documentary.
Michael took us though the Saddam Hussain guns for Iraq Babylon event, the Matrix Churchill Court Case and the subsequent Scott Enquiry, the outcome of which was eventually the end of the John Major Government at the subsequent General Election.
Michael took us through his views on Legal Aid availability issues and the John Mortimore (Rumpole) “dirty books” case. Finally, he gave us his book recommendation. The Rule of Law by Tom Bingham. (Amazon £8.99)
There were many questions and answers at the end of his talk and Chairman Lisa gave a vote of thanks for a great speech.
There followed a very good buffet dinner.
A very good evening enjoyed by all