Best QCs in the business going head to head

15 February 2002

Best QCs in the business going head to head

A BARRISTER who also works as a farmer will argue the case for a full public inquiry into foot-and-mouth at the judicial review hearing in Londons High Court next week.

Richard Lissack QC, who is representing the three law firms involved in bringing about the legal case for a public inquiry, also owns a thoroughbred stud and runs a 101ha (250 acre) farm in Wilts.

Among the most highly regarded silks in the country, Mr Lissack has appeared in a succession of high-profile cases. These include the inquiries into the Ladbroke Grove and Southall Train Crashes, the Bristol Royal Infirmary inquiry and the Harold Shipman inquiry.

He also has extensive experience in rural affairs issues, in particular hunting, and was involved in the Burns Inquiry into hunting with hounds.

Called to the Bar in 1978, Mr Lissack is described as a specialist in public inquiries, corporate crime, commercial and criminal litigation, clinical negligence and personal injury. He is married with three children.

But Mr Lissack faces a formidable opponent. In a move that has been interpreted by law specialists as showing how strong the case is for a public inquiry, DEFRA will be represented by the Attorney General Lord Goldsmith QC.

Lord Goldsmith is the governments leading legal adviser. He deals with issues of legal policy and all major international and domestic litigation involving the government.

Created a life peer in 1999, Peter Goldsmith was born and brought up in Liverpool. The Cambridge graduate was called to the Bar in 1972 and practiced from Fountain Court Chambers in London.

He has held a number of posts in international legal organisations, including council member of the International Bar Association and co-chairman of the IBAs Human Rights Institute.

He also acted as the PMs personal representative to the Convention for the European Charter of Fundamental Rights. &#42

RICHARD LISSACK QC

&#8226 Born in 1957.

&#8226 Married with three children.

&#8226 Runs stud and farm in Wiltshire.

&#8226 Enjoys eventing, racing, hunting and farming.

&#8226 Employment history

&#8226 Called to the Bar, Inner Temple in 1978.

&#8226 Recorder since 1999 (assistant recorder from 1992).

&#8226 Queens Counsel since 1994.

&#8226 Adviser on TV and radio programme content.

PETERGOLDSMITH QC

&#8226 Born in 1950.

&#8226 Married with three sons and one daughter.

&#8226 Lives in London.

&#8226 Employment history

&#8226 Called to the Bar, Grays Inn in 1972.

&#8226 Queens Counsel since 1987.

&#8226 Crown Court Recorder since 1989.

&#8226 Deputy High Court judge since 1994.

&#8226 Her Majestys Attorney General since June 2001.