Top QCs visit Wellington

Two of the country's most eminent barristers have by turns challenged and entertained audiences of Wellington parents, teachers, pupils and friends recently  as part of the Wellington College Association programme.

Michael Mansfield QC was invited not to speak about the law, but about his deeply held conviction that a good comprehensive school system with no private education is the best option for children in any society. In a challenging and thought-provoking address in front of an audience comprising mostly fee-paying parents, he argued his case with all the skill that has made him one of our most respected human rights lawyers. A lively but even-tempered question and answer session followed.

Sir John Mortimer QC regaled his audience with tale after tale of his life and times as a barrister, author, and scriptwriter. Now 83, he has an utterly lucid recall of incidents, people, places and comments which fuel a stream of anecdotes and witty asides. From describing his beloved Rumpole - "saying the things that I think" - and recounting the joy of bringing Brideshead Revisited to our television screens as its scriptwriter, he left those listening with an even greater respect for his humour, sharp analysis and talent.

Click here for 'Wellingtonian' review