Profile of Mark Watson-Gandy

When I started out, small businessmen were an unfashionable cause and I felt they needed a voice.

Professor Mark Watson-Gandy, born in 1967, was called to the Bar in 1990. He specialises in banking, insolvency and private international law. He practises at Chambers of John McDonnell QC, 13 Old Square, Lincoln’s Inn.

What brought you into the law?

Like many young lawyers, I hoped to be able to make a difference for other people. When I started out, small businessmen were an unfashionable cause and I felt they needed a voice.

What is your typical day?

I start work at 9.30 am.

If I am in court, the Court hours are from 10.30 am until 4.00 pm. The bulk of my court work is based in the High Court in London. Of course, the court hours don’t reflect the preparatory work that goes into any hearing.

If I am not in court, I will be behind my desk at Chambers writing opinions, drafting pleadings, skeleton arguments or contracts. Conferences with clients these days are increasingly by tele-conferencing as it saves cost and time.

In practice I rarely finish work before 7pm.

In the evenings in the Autumn, I lecture on the law relating to corporate finance transactions for solicitors and bankers on a masters programme at a local university.

What voluntary work do you do?

I advise one professional body on their position to proposed changes in the law and another on regulatory matters. I am also a regular contributor to a couple of magazines. I think it is important to raise awareness amongst people about the legal issues that concern them.

What would you change in the law?

I would encourage simplification and codification. By and large people try to work within whatever the law provides. To do so, they need to be able to readily find out what the law is.

For further information or contact with Prof. Mark Watson-Gandy please contact Toby Craig at the Bar Council's Press Office on 020 7222 2525.