In memoriam

[mandragora]

Just over a year ago I want to an annual legal shindig, popularly known as the Touts' Ball. Why? Oh, it's all to do with counsel touting for work, of course. On the table next to mine was a young solicitor, who was looking a tad bit harried, as she was trying to attend the shindig and an engagement party and a birthday party, all at the same time.

On 7 July 2005 she was on a tube train that was blown up near Aldgate. She died. Her name was Fiona Stevenson

Last night, the Touts' Ball came round again. Before dinner started a short address was given by the senior partner of the firm Fiona had worked for. I was sitting next to a colleague who at the time worked for the same firm as Fiona. They shared an office. My colleague's hands were clenched tightly together on the table during the address.

It was the only time in the entire evening (including the post dinner speeches) when the room was completely silent, except for the voice of the senior partner of Fiona's firm. During the speech, I glanced up to the top table, to see a solicitor I know who is defending one of the people who is alleged to have perpetrated the terrorist plot on 21 July 2005, when the bombs didn't go off. His client is obviously a different person to those who committed suicide and murder on 7 July 2005. But. I know his feelings about it all. I suspect I know what everyone in that room was feeling last night. But I also know that he will defend his client to the best of his ability, because that's his professional duty. It's what we do, you see, and you have to set personal feelings aside, even when you're mourning the loss of a colleague.

Fiona Stevenson. I wish you were still here.

Comments

[moth1.livejournal.com]

That was a moving and thought-provoking post. Thank you.

[mandragora1.livejournal.com]

And thank you for commenting.

[beledibabe.livejournal.com]

Amen.

[mandragora1.livejournal.com]

Yes. Her family were at a memorial service in Regents Park at the same time, for the one year anniversary, and knew that she was going to be remembered at the dinner. They were pleased that she is so well remembered, which is a small moment of good.

[jacquez.livejournal.com]

I...got nothing.

It's just awful, is all, & I'm so sorry.

[mandragora1.livejournal.com]

There's not really much to say, is there? It was a terrible incident and all we can hope is that there aren't more. There probably will be, but we can hope.

[pat-t.livejournal.com]

How heartbreaking. And how true about the legal aspect. It makes you wonder *how* he could defend someone who would kill someone. But I understand about duty. If that person had come into our ER needing medical attention, we would have to give him the best care we could.

[mandragora1.livejournal.com]

As to the 'how', I think 'innocent until proven guilty' is very, very important in any justice system. To protect the innocent everyone must have a fair trial, which means that the lawyers must do their best for their clients. Even when on a personal level we want nothing more than for them to spend the rest of their lives in prison.

The medical profession is the same, I think. You treat them all - the murderers, the rapists, the terrorists etc - to the best of your ability. Because you're professionals and that's where your duty lies. People often ask criminal defence lawyers 'how can you' and duty is one part, as is the fact that although sometimes you're defending the innocent, other times you're actually defending the guilty. We don't judge - the judge or jury does that.

[pat-t.livejournal.com]

Very well said. Sometimes doing the right thing is easier than others. I believe Darius said something to that effect too. But it is so true. And it is the right thing. Otherwise the system just fails for everyone.

[britta54.livejournal.com]

Here, have a hug - O.

Have some more, OOOOO. Pass them around.

[mandragora1.livejournal.com]

Thanks, hon.

[mmapmaker.livejournal.com]

Thank you for sharing this.

[mandragora1.livejournal.com]

And thank you for commenting.

[pinkdormouse.livejournal.com]

HUGS

Thanks for sharing.

[mandragora1.livejournal.com]

Back atchya, and thanks for commenting.

[elistaire.livejournal.com]

I don't have anything to add, but I read this post, and it has made me thoughtful and it's good to be reminded.

[mandragora1.livejournal.com]

Thanks for this. I'm typing just having seen the news about Mumbai. Those bastards, whoever they are. Just. Bastards.

[maddy-harrigan.livejournal.com]

Wonderful post. Thank you.

http://halfthecabinetarenotasses.blogspot.com/2006/07/cry-havoc-and-let-slip-dogs-of-war.html