James Rickards
Name: James Rickards
Chambers: One Crown Office Row (Brighton Annexe)
University: Newcastle University
Subject: geography
Graduated: 1999
Working as a barrister outside London
When applying for tenancies I was keen to improve my quality of life by moving out of London but not at the expense of my professional horizons. My prospects in Brighton easily match, if not exceed, the current careers of many of my peers in London. I am frequently instructed to appear in London but much of my court-based work is very local; this means that I can spend more time in chambers working on my outstanding paperwork or get out of bed later. Meanwhile my London opponent will have spent all morning on the train.
Life in a Brighton set
My main practice areas are contractual disputes, property disputes and occupational pensions – most of my cases are disputes involving money or land. Some of my clients are private individuals; others are companies. I occasionally have conferences in chambers to meet them and discuss matters but most of my client contact is by phone or e-mail. I am in touch with solicitors a good deal, often on a daily basis, and frequently work closely with regulatory bodies. Typically I work on my own, rather than being led by a more senior barrister, and tend to have between 20 and 30 cases on the go at any one time. I spend most of my time in chambers, going to court two or three times a week. Recently I have often been getting into chambers before 7.00 am and leaving at 10.00 pm, plus working most weekends. However, sometimes it is far more relaxed, particularly on Fridays when I can leave by 2.00 pm.
What’s great about Brighton
It is fantastic to live by the sea: I can leave chambers and within ten minutes be on the beach indulging in my hobby, kitesurfing.