I had put off typing up this column until I was certain that the world would not come to an apocalyptic end on 21 May. No, not the launch of ABSs, but the day of ‘Rapture’ predicted by Harold Camping, an American (of course) evangelical broadcaster who, at 89 years old, is perhaps closer to … Continue reading
Author Archives: kevinpoulter
Ready For Your Close Up?
What better way to spend the bonus bank holiday than spring cleaning? I don’t mean polishing the dining table, or even sorting out the bottom drawer of the office filing cabinet though. No, what I mean is a virtual spring clean. As soon as the unfeasibly good weather fades, I’ll be turning my eye to … Continue reading
Interview with Ken Clarke QC, The Lord Chancellor
Interview with Ken Clarke, for the Junior Lawyers Division In this exclusive interview for the JLD on 9 June 201, Ken Clarke talks to Kevin Poulter about his job at the Ministry of Justice, the state of legal education, the future of the profession and what he considers to be a good night out. Continue reading
TV Times
I’ve not been arrested. I’m not corresponding from a cold damp rent-free cell. Nor do I have a couple of pots of Fortnum & Mason’s jam – sorry, conserve – in my larder plundered from the famous store, sadly. The reason for all these circumstances is that I was unable to join the thousands marching … Continue reading
Farewell To God’s Own County
Lawyers of Yorkshire, I have a confession. After 32 years of living in the south, east, north, west and south (again) regions of God’s Own County, I am moving to London to seek fame, fortune, employment and streets paved with gold. Failing that, a wealthy banker will have to do. Having been raised well on a … Continue reading
Costume Drama
I was recently on a train journey, dressed in my ‘normal’ clothes and flicking through a legal mag when a po-faced lady sitting opposite me enquired if I was heading to an interview. After clarifying that I wasn’t, nor that I was still at university (her next question) I explained that I was in fact … Continue reading
Where Did The Day Go?
The problem with having time between jobs is that it is very easy to fill it with mundane activities and then, before you know it, the day has gone. One of the (few?) downsides to being a lawyer is the necessity for time-recording. For those working in-house, this is where our working day is split … Continue reading
Movin’ On Down
I’m pleased to report good news – of sorts – for me at least. Since my last missive and against the odds, a residence has been secured in the fine city of London. Not only a residence, but one which has space to swing at least one goldfish (Rufus) and store sufficient Henderson’s Relish to … Continue reading
No Quick Thaw In This Career Freeze
If you thought 2010 was tough on lawyers, just wait for 2011. Gloomy predictions will continue to become a reality for many firms and individuals across our region. Already reeling from an economic recession that has taken its toll on partner profits and employee head counts, cuts to the legal aid budget will place an … Continue reading
Down big smoke bah’t flat
By ‘eck, what’s a lad to do? City firms are rejecting candidates because of their regional accents? Well, that’s great timing, just as I pack up my belongings in a gingham sack, throw them over my shoulder and head down to London in search of my fortune amid the streets paved in gold. That’s right, … Continue reading
Kevin Poulter 