Retirement – Ian Albutt
Amongst the many ‘things’ we face or encounter in life at the Bar there are some which provide a moment for reflection, pride and not a little awe. The career in and devotion to Chambers of Ian Albutt is for me (and I suspect many others) one of those remarkable things. It is brought into focus as, having given his notice some months ago, this Tuesday the 24th June was his last day as a member of Chambers.
Ian first came to Chambers for a mini pupillage in 1978. He was called in 1981 and became a tenant before Chambers moved to Gray’s Inn in 1992 from 8 New Square. When he wrote to me to give his notice of retirement from Chambers earlier this year he noted (amongst other matters expressed in a typically modest manner) as follows:
“I have enjoyed every moment of being a member of Chambers. My only reason for resigning now is because I simply feel I have done enough.
Being a member of Chambers has been the highlight of my professional life. I wish Chambers every conceivable success in the future.”
Ian (I have for several years affectionately called him (with his permission!) ‘The Father of Chambers’) has quite simply been a wonderful member of our Chambers. He is universally admired. On a personal note – from the time when I was a pupil in Chambers, to when as a very junior barrister I was against him at inquiry and throughout my career Ian has been the kind of barrister one aspires to be. Historical records (of a kind!) support this view. In a work entitled “The Chambers of Marshall Hall: 125 years” by Malcolm Spence QC (written in 2005) the author noted:
Ian is an extremely agreeable man, especially over dinner accompanied by a Rioja recommended by him, and tremendously successful!
In Chambers he has been constantly supportive to all levels of call and given so very much to the life of Chambers over decades. And not just with devastatingly witty killer one liners in Chambers meetings often puncturing pompous moments and causing uncontrollable laughter (in the days before screens and mute buttons) but with years and years of being a mentor to others, being a superb and admired practitioner and a person who understands the importance of Chambers collegiality and supporting each other. Many members have benefitted enormously from his guidance, advice, leadership and friendship.
On behalf of Chambers, I would like to wish Ian great happiness for the future and thank him for all he has done for us.
Tom Cosgrove KC
Head of Chambers Cornerstone Barristers