Anthony Barnfather, Head of Regulatory - Regulatory Team of the Year Winner
Firstly, where do you work and what is your role?
Pannone, Head of Regulatory
Why did you choose a career in law?
I was a police officer for a number of years in the UK and Bermuda. It was then I started thinking was I smart enough to do a degree like my school friends had. I knew I did not want to be a police officer forever. I questioned authority too much and was quite liberal. I undertook my law degree part time. It was hard work but I really enjoyed it.
What attracted you to your particular specialism?
With a background in criminal law it was a natural progression. However, it is an exciting and interesting area of law. I would struggle to maintain interest in other areas.
What is the most enjoyable part of your job?
Taking a bigger and better resourced opponent on and winning.
What particular challenges are you or have you faced in these tougher times?
Often with any private money restrained, an individual lawyer will represent a client on low legal aid rates taking on a prosecutor with much more resources. It is becoming an ever increasing challenge but challenge breeds motivation and contributes to the satisfaction in what I do as well
What do you think will be growth opportunities for the legal profession over the next couple of years?
A shift to qualified paralegals working in a much more systemised way. There will be further consolidation in the mid market. In my area, US style deferred prosecution agreements will provide a new regulatory landscape for lawyers to participate in.
What’s been your most enjoyable or high profile recent piece of work?
Perhaps not enjoyable but rewarding and worthwhile. Acting for four individuals who are the most decent human beings and fending off a misguided and chaotic prosecution by the authorities against them.
What inspires you when it comes to your work?
The adversity many people face and yet manage to overcome the challenge of a difficult case.
Do you work by a particular mantra or motto in your business life?
As well as doing things right. Have the courage to do the right thing!
Can you give one piece of professional advice to your peers?
Keep up with and understand the law. More importantly apply it well to the facts of the case and explain your conclusions in a manner that the client understands.
A good lawyer takes time to understand the client’s position and gives advice at the level the client wants. Too many lawyers still populate advice with superfluous legal padding which would score marks in an exam but the client does not value never-mind want to pay for!
