John Cooper, a barrister at 25 Bedford Row, acts for nine of the 14 families of the servicemen who died when the Nimrod XV230 burst into flames in Afghanistan in 2002. The official report by Charles Haddon-Cave, QC, found the Ministry of Defence, BAE Systems and RAF officers officially responsible for the safety failures, and, unusually, named them.

What were the main challenges in this and the possible implications?

The families were taking on the might of one of the principal ministries of government, not only legally but also politically. It was essential to keep the focus upon the failings of those who owed a duty to these men. The title of the Haddon-Cave review says it all — “A failure of leadership, culture and priorities”. Hopefully, no more young people will be sent to war with inadequate equipment.

What was your worst day as a lawyer?

Having gained the acquittal of my lay client in my first Crown Court trial at Aylesbury, my sense of justice was cruelly shattered when, after the verdict, the defendant said that he had committed the crime. It destroyed my sense of professional satisfaction.

What was your most memorable experience as a lawyer?

Achieving an acquittal in the first murder trial in which I had led, all the more memorable as the defendant was a vulnerable, abused woman who killed in self-defence.

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

My parents, who always told me that it did not matter what you did in life as long as you did your best and enjoyed it; the Bencher who called me to the Bar at Middle Temple and told me to “be bold” and my clerks for keeping my feet on the ground.

Why did you become a lawyer?

We had no lawyers in the family, but before I went to secondary school I had made it clear that I wanted to be a barrister. There is nothing more objectionable than the arrogance of power; that is why much of my career has been spent protecting the vulnerable from that abuse.

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

There is too much doom and gloom about the Criminal Bar. Despite the savage and reprehensible treatment by politicians of legal aid, provided you have the talent, the determination and the stamina to succeed, then you will. If you doubt any one of those qualities, do something else.

If you had not become a lawyer, what would you choose and why?

An actor.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Representing different people with the same problems.

l_tsang@hotmail.com

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