Martin Edwards, a barrister of more than 11 years’ standing, has emailed Legal Week to endorse last week’s editorial comment , in which I suggested that training for barristers and solicitors should be fused to encourage would-be barristers to start out their careers as solicitors before crossing over to the Bar.
This is precisely what Edwards, a planning specialist, did. He spent 15 years as a solicitor at a number of leading City firms before joining 39 Essex Street. Since then he has, in his own words, “never looked back”. What is more, there are a number of former solicitors at 39 Essex Street, including Jeremy Morgan QC, formerly of Bindman & Partners. The experience of Edwards and those of his colleagues who also crossed over to the Bar defy the stereotype that solicitors only become barristers in the twilight of their careers.
