Profile of Tim Kevan

I was attracted to the Bar by the opportunities for specialism and advocacy which it offered.

Tim Kevan, born in 1970, was called to the Bar in 1996. He specialises in personal injury, sports, consumer, internet, employment and general common law. He practises at 1 Temple Gardens, Chambers of Ian Burnett QC.

What brought you into the law?

I came into the law to represent ordinary people with their day to day legal problems which arise in the civil law. I was attracted to the Bar by the opportunities for specialism and advocacy which it offered. As the son of a social worker and a teacher from a small town in Somerset I had no idea what to expect from the Bar and to some extent the image presented could have been a little intimidating. However, my experience was quite the opposite. I found that I was positively encouraged to apply for scholarships and also I felt that my background helped in my receiving them.

What is your typical day?

I am in court about two or three days per week. I cycle to the train station and then cycle the other end to court wherever it happens to be that day. Trials generally last half a day to a day. When not in court I go into Chambers and do advices and other paperwork for solicitors along with conferences with clients. Great fun and never boring. In the evenings, living in Soho, it's often out for a drink, to the theatre or for a run in Hyde Park. At weekends, I go off surfing and mountain-biking in the West Country.

What voluntary work do you do?

I’m currently in the process of setting up an e-mentoring scheme for lawyers to help those in prison. I’ve also helped with the homeless in Soho. When I was at Cambridge I did auxiliary nursing in my holidays and have found that this experience helped in dealing with these people. I also lecture extensively, have written four legal books and numerous articles and edit my own personal injury newsletter which now has an email circulation of over nine thousand. I’m currently writing three more books, one of which is a motivational book for lawyers.

What would you change in the law?

Faster and more efficient access to justice. More encouragement and incentives for the legal voluntary sector.

For further information or contact with Tim Kevan please contact Toby Craig at the Bar Council's Press Office on 020 7222 2525.