Geoffrey Robertson, QC, head of Doughty Street Chambers, acted for the author Sir Salman Rushdie, who received unreserved apologies from the publisher and ghost writer for allegations made in a book by Ron Evans who was his police protection officer. Four thousand copies of the book have been pulped and a declaration of falsity was accepted, but no damages were sought.

What were the main challenges in this case?

Salman is a celebrated champion of free speech and it was necessary to nail these demonstrable lies in a manner consistent with his principles. We sought no damages, although a jury might well have awarded a six-figure sum. That way, Sir Salman obtained speedy, effective and authoritative redress, without subjecting publishers to the chilling effect of an expensive trial and heavy damages.

What was your worst day as a lawyer?

The day when, despite my advocacy, or (more probably) because of it, I had a client sent undeservedly to prison. He was a first offender, and had pleaded guilty on my advice to stealing an almost out-of-date tax disc from a car that appeared to be (but was not) abandoned. In the cells afterwards, the probation officer thought it more necessary to counsel me than my client.

Who has been the most influential person in your life and why?

I was often junior to John Mortimer and he became a sort of forensic father, teaching by example that the art of cross-examination is not to examine crossly and that you should not become emotionally involved in the fate of your clients. Jeremy Hutchinson was my other role model: courageous, unfazed by judges and a joy to work with.

What was your most memorable experience as a lawyer?

Probably arguing Pratt v AG of Jamaica, the decision that requires commutation of death sentences if there has been a prolonged stay on death row. It resulted in hundreds of commutations.

Why did you become a lawyer?

Because it is the only job that offers utter independence. You live on your wits (and off them) and I would not exchange this freedom for careers of greater wealth or status.

What would your advice be to anyone wanting a career in law?

Think twice. Success comes only through hard work at unreasonable hours in arcane language, often in tedious company and on behalf of unprepossessing clients. If it’s money you want to make, become an estate agent or manage a hedge fund.

Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time?

Going on that mythical fishing expedition that judges always seem to think I’m going on when I apply for discovery.

l_tsang@hotmail.com

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