Legal
The changing face of the legal profession
By Terence Willey of Terence Willey & Co
Terry Willey looks back on a career that began way back in the Swinging Sixties .
I joined the legal profession in 1966 , with one of the oldest firms in the country . The Senior Partner was appointed Sheriff of the County and also a Notary Public , and was therefore a very well-respected man locally . His Partners had equally high profiles , serving on various Legal Councils and Committees and all being highly qualified . The firm specialised extensively in Court and Advocacy work , in addition to a strong Wills , Trusts and Probate Department , with land and property work very much in the minority . Advertising in those days was strictly prohibited . All male employees from junior trainees to the Senior Partner were compelled to wear dark suits and nothing other than white collared shirts and ties . I recall one occasion when one of the trainees risked wearing a striped shirt and was promptly sent home by the Senior Partners to change it ! The whole ethos of the Practice was so different ; each and every employee was obliged to address the Partners as “ Sir ” and to remain always polite and respectful . If this was not the case then employees were quickly dismissed . Smoking was not permitted within the premises , but designated tea and coffee times allowed smokers to take a walk around the town outside if they insisted upon smoking . The Senior Partner worked regularly in Court and employed a permanent dresser whose main job was to dress the Senior Partner for Court and be entirely responsible for his diary – so that all appointments and engagements could only be agreed through him . At the time I was training under a very senior lawyer with the prospect of being offered Articles
( today known as a Legal Contract ). There were four others in a similar position as me , and we developed our own friendships , enjoying our down-time together whilst studying and undertaking our duties throughout the Practice . I recall one very amusing moment when one of my colleagues met me in the upper corridor and had a lighted cigarette in his hand . I warned him that he could be in serious trouble if the Senior Partner caught him , but he assured me that there was no risk as he had left very early for Court and was involved with an entire day ’ s hearing . As we were talking he suddenly heard the Senior Partner ’ s voice as he had returned to the office to collect some papers he had left behind . My colleague immediately slipped the cigarette within his hand leaving enough space for the smoke to expel behind his back . We politely offered our morning greetings , however unfortunately the smoke from his cigarette tracked up the sleeve of his shirt and started expelling through his shirt collar around his neck . The Senior Partner bluntly retorted “ You appear to be on fire Geoffrey !’’
“ Leave the office and don ’ t ever do this again and when you have reflected on your misgivings I will see you tomorrow .” I will never forget the expression on Geoffrey ’ s crimson face , but I am sure there was much amusement inside the Court that morning between the Senior Partner and his colleagues . Times and standards are now quite different of course , with extensive advertising permitted and a profession that is much more user-friendly , accessible and approachable . In an age where technology is advancing rapidly I believe there will always be a place in the market for a family Practice with traditional principles , which in my opinion , has much more to offer the discerning client .
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