Britain’s most senior judge holds one of the most influential positions in the law. The post of Lord Chief Justice is now even more powerful than before, given the new constitutional role of the judiciary with its own department and responsibilities under his leadership. Lord Phillips, a fit 70 who looks a decade younger, recently achieved a significant coup in securing a new framework with the Justice Secretary: this gives judges a clear say in the running of the courts and enshrines their independence. His career is exemplary: Master of the Rolls, law lord, Lord Chief Justice — and just recently announced to be the next senior law lord. He first made his mark in running the complex three-year BSE inquiry and before that the Maxwell and Barlow Clowes trials, showing a flair for keeping trials well-managed. A moderniser, he has pushed through reforms to cut delays and costs in the civil courts, he dislikes wigs and gowns and sought to scrap the divisions of the High Court. He made headlines when he did a stint of community service under cover. Hot on fitness, he walks, mountain treks, cycles and swims — even in winter — in the ponds on Hampstead Heath.

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