What was your route into the profession?
At the time, the route I took was unconventional. I started work as an outdoor clerk. This would involve me being ‘out of office’ for a substantial part of the day, issuing court applications, delivering and receiving briefs from chambers, and sitting behind counsel in court.
I then progressed to working as a paralegal, initially in criminal law and later moved into family law. I eventually obtained my legal qualification and have now been in the Court of Protection department for over ten years.
What has been your biggest career challenge so far?
Finding the right balance between home and work life. Studying and working full time while raising a young family all at the same time was a very difficult thing to do. Making the right adjustments round the family was challenging.
Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?
Anthony Gold, who sadly passed away in January 2020. He was senior partner at the time and he interviewed me, guided me and encouraged me. I am forever grateful that he saw something in me.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?
I harboured a dream like most youngsters at the time—to be a professional footballer for Arsenal.
Sadly, that dream is no longer a reality.
Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?
Horace Rumpole (Rumpole of the Bailey). This was a TV series created and written by the barrister, John Mortimer. It starred Leo McKern as Horace Rumpole, a middle-aged London barrister who defended a broad variety of clients, often underdogs.
What change would you make to the profession?
As the member of the firm’s Equality, Diversity & Inclusion committee, improving diversity is a cause close to my heart. I am pleased with the progress made at the firm but there is still work to do.
How do you relax?
Yoga is my preferred choice of exercise and I make sure to do it a few times a week. I also enjoy outdoor pursuits such as golf (room for improvement), hiking and other sports.
I very much enjoy watching Arsenal, at home and at the Emirates a few times a year. It’s been much more enjoyable watching them this season—so far anyway!
Donovan Lindsay is a partner at Anthony Gold specialising in Court of Protection work, & president of the South London Law Society.
