The Bar is often regarded, as Geeklawyer has observed before, by the public as a public school playground. Smug, self satisfied and aloof. Fortunately only the proles think that, so it hardly matters. But if it were a bad thing our Northern colleagues are doing their bit to etch away this image of the Bar.
And heavens, what a ‘bit’ they are doing in Leeds these past few weeks. Everyone has blogged about the peculiar activities of Northerner Lord Chief Justice of Mr Justice Peter Smith. A complex man it would seem and one Victorian Maiden has, in happier times, received kindnesses from, though of a salubrious and appropriate kind obviously.
There is also feverish speculation that the eccentric MysteryQC is from the North, and has peculiar hobbies such as breeding whippets and bare knuckle boxing in disused factories.
And Simon Myerson QC is from Leeds where he practices law from Park Court Chambers (16 Park Place Leeds) collects bad jokes and does ladies hairdressing on slow days (no appointment necessary on Thursdays).
But all of these inestimables are topped easily by one Christopher Dunn of Sovereign Chambers (46 Park Place Leeds - hey! wait…). As the best man at a wedding he not only gave the speech but provided additional entertainment by exposing himself to women and children, and then beating another guest senseless and inflicting serious injuries on him when the latter complained. What a scamp.
Mr Dunn is apparently a martial artist an ex-copper and in his younger slimmer days was a member of the Royal Marines Reserves and a “Weekend Walt” with the 23rd Territorial SAS. Mr Dunns’ practice includes “murder, serious sexual offences, and serious assaults“.
Evidently.
Clearly however Leeds is a dangerous place to be. Gangs of marauding feckless criminal barristers hanging out on street corners in Park Place. If the consequences of the decay of legal aid were ever to be amply demonstrated then this is it. All of this could have been avoided by proper rates, and by confining Solicitor Inadequates to their proper domain. Oh, and not giving tenancies to polytechnic graduates 
Update: props to young Mary Julian for alerting Geeklawyer to the news that Dunn has now been cleared of all charges. Geeklawyer is a bit surprised, but then not knowing all the facts has never impeded him from having an opinion before 
As someone who works in Leeds, I can’t help but agree that the legal quarter is a no go zone for many locals. It makes Chapletown appear tame. Personally I don’t venture outside of the university grounds for fear of these legal types.
You say that like there’s something wrong with being smug, self-satisfied and aloof.
Dear Mr Greeklawyer,
I know not why you believe I hail from the North. I may say to you that the vast, rolling parklands of my Estate do not easily fit with your images of bruisers, manufactories and nudity. I fear these things are yourinterests.
I most certainly agree that Barristers are dangerous. However, Mr Dunn was, I believe, a policeman first. I must speak to the Chief Constable this instant
How dare you manipulate stories to show how “bad” the North of England is. Your anti-northern views are a disgrace to not only Northerns but Southerners aswell. England is one, the World is one, clever comments from a not so clever anti-northerner creates tasteless banter between tofts.
Mary Julian aged 15
Mary
I’m very sorry. In all the madness I forgot that it’s real people I’m talking about, real people I’m damaging.
I feel thoroughly ashamed.
As recompense I’ll do your law GCSE homework for the next 3 months. Email me the questions. Perhaps A grades in everything except crime will ease the pain.
K? peace out.
lol deal
Not Guilty on all accounts apparently reported.