Jeremy Weston, QC, of St Ives Chambers, Birmingham, acted for Derby City Council in the landmark High Court case that ruled that laws protecting people from discrimination because of their sexual orientation “should take precedence” over the right not to be discriminated against on religious grounds. The case related to a Christian couple who opposed homosexuality and had applied to be approved for fostering.
What were the main challenges in this case and possible implications?
Absorbing vast amounts of case law and its interplay with domestic and European equality legislation. The case confirms the overwhelming need to value diversity, and that this right is highly protected.
What was your worst day as a lawyer?
When acting for a local authority in care proceedings, the father took exception to the outcome and headbutted me. On a lighter note, in another care case, I was acting for a father who suffered from a paranoid personality disorder. When I asked him in evidence-in-chief whether he accepted that diagnosis, he told me he did not, and that the problem “was that everyone had it in for him”. Not one of my best days in court.
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What was your most memorable experience as a lawyer?
On March 1, when I opened the envelope and found that I had been appointed Queen’s Counsel. It has been a dream that at times I thought would never be realised but after many years of hard work, I have achieved that goal.
Who has been the most influential person in your life and why?
My parents and my wife have plainly had a big influence on my life. As far as the law is concerned, I have been fortunate to be able to learn from some exceptional advocates in chambers, including Julia Macur, QC (now Mrs Justice Macur, DBE) and my present head of chambers, Michael Keehan, QC.
Why did you become a lawyer?
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I was undecided in my career choice until I did A-level law outside my schooling and fell in love with the law.
What would your advice be to anyone wanting a career in law?
Know what you want to achieve and go for it! It is a fantastic career and each day brings with it new and exciting challenges.
If you had not become a lawyer, what would you have chosen and why?
I love cooking. I would have become a chef (albeit one that shouted a lot and never kept his kitchen tidy).
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Where do you see yourself in ten years?
At this chambers, where I’m privileged to be part of a talented and devoted team, continuing to realise that, however much you think that you are at the top of your game, there’s always a surprise around the corner and something else to learn.