he was called to the bar (middle temple) in 1969 and elected a bencher in 2001. his trial and appellate practice included work in various jurisdictions, such as the isle of man and bermuda, and appearances pro bono in death penalty cases before the judicial committee of the privy council (which serves as a court of last resort for some commonwealth realms). he is a founder and former head of london's doughty street chambers. he chaired disciplinary appeals at university college, london and the football association.