Our 'Focus On' series continues with a profile of Sam White and his growing practice.
the pastI came to the Bar relatively late. I grew up in the South East of England, before moving to China for my teenage years and then going to University in Durham to do PPE (Politics, Philosophy and Economics). It was only when I finished my degree that I decided to go and do the GDL, and decided to become a barrister. This was driven primarily through finding the theory of law interesting and looking to be able to engage with the research and argumentative side of the law, rather then the more administrative side. I also felt that I would struggle to work a case through and then hand it off to someone else; I wanted to be the person people trusted with a case.
After doing the BPTC I worked for a number of years working to build advocacy as a County Court Advocate, but also discovering that I much preferred Civil law to other areas. I had mostly been exposed to Family law at that point through the Personal Support Unit. I was drawn to Civil because of the more research-driven approach and legal application over factual disputes being paramount, which are more common in Family and Crime. This led me to apply for Civil pupillages, ultimately leading me to gain pupillage and join 25 Canada Square Chambers, which has enabled me to gain access to (and work alongside others doing) interesting and complex Civil litigation.
the presentOver the course of a typical week I will normally do 4-5 final hearings mixed in with a variety of other work including applications and other interim hearings. I also do a significant amount of drafting including skeletons, advices on quantum and pleadings. For example recently, I have done a set of particulars of claim for a construction case and I have just accepted a set for a PTSD/damages claim following a data breach by a council.
From being a Member of Chambers, I have acquired access to high quality clients at a relatively junior end of my career. I also like our practice areas as even at this relatively earlier stage at the Bar I feel that I have developed a specialty on which I can speak with some authority. I have also already moved house once, and I am likely to do so again while with Chambers, and therefore the national reach of Chambers is super useful.
the futureI am looking to expand out into more complex work, albeit in the same field. For example, I am interested in the secret commission work we have coming in. I am also looking to write more for the site, with a view to expanding our reach in the areas in which we specialise. I am also likely to be moving to the Midlands during the coming months and will look to establish myself in that region.