‘Simply no one better’: Prominent Black UK lawyer Courtenay Griffiths dies aged 69 | Barristers

Tributes have been paid to the “legendary” defence barrister Courtenay Griffiths KC, one of many first Black legal professionals to realize the celebrated queen’s counsel standing within the UK, who has died on the age of 69.Griffiths, who was born in Jamaica, was concerned in among the most notable prison instances of his time, together with the PC Keith Blakelock and Damilola Taylor homicide trials and the Brighton bombing.Impressed by the authorized profession of Norman Manley, the QC who went on to turn out to be Jamaican premier, Griffiths was known as to the bar in 1980. In 1998 Griffiths, a graduate of the London College of Economics, was appointed as queen’s counsel, now king’s counsel, the award figuring out the nation’s most pre-eminent and senior legal professionals.In 2007 he represented the previous Liberia president Charles Taylor in his battle crimes trial in The Hague. Laurie-Anne Energy KC, a barrister at 25 Bedford Row, mentioned: “[Griffiths] epitomised brilliance, mind and fearlessness in equal measure.“He thought-about it his responsibility to open doorways and supply alternatives to those that won’t in any other case have them. He was unapologetic about altering the panorama of the bar. As an advocate, there was merely nobody higher.“He commanded the eye of anybody and everybody within the courtroom. However behind the advocate was a mild, variety, selfless man who cherished the regulation.”Griffiths was given an honorary doctorate from Leeds Metropolitan College in 2005. He spent most of his profession at Backyard Courtroom and 25 Bedford Row chambers, and in addition sat as a recorder – a part-time decide.The ITV Information senior correspondent Ronke Phillips mentioned: “To look at Courtenay Griffiths in motion on the Previous Bailey was compelling.“He was a talented advocate. Sharp, intelligent and, when wanted, witty. Like all nice barristers, he handled the courtroom as if he was the main man in his personal drama.“His exchanges have been usually devastating for witnesses, however these of us on the press benches have been delighted. Courtenay was attraction itself. Critical about his work however by no means too critical to be pleasant and at all times with a twinkle in his eye.”In 2020 Griffiths was handed an excellent achievement award on the Authorized 500 Awards and was given a lifetime achievement award on the UK Variety Authorized Awards in 2018.Writing on X, Jacqueline McKenzie, a solicitor and companion on the regulation agency Leigh Day, mentioned: “By means of his observe at Backyard Courtroom and 25 Bedford Row Chambers, he acted in main prison and human rights instances, within the UK and abroad, and left an indelible mark of greatness on our occupation, and on the world.”Amina Graham, a barrister 2 Hare Courtroom Chambers, wrote on LinkedIn: “He demonstrated the significance of illustration for me in my pursuit of a profession on the bar.“I labored with him throughout my time on the Particular Courtroom for Sierra Leone the place he represented Charles Taylor … a formidable advocate and an inspiration to so many.”