May 19, 2023
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Sir Derek.
Sir Derek played a huge role in chambers life and he will be sadly missed by us all. He was one of those who are fondly known as the Three Musketeers; the others David Cocks and Tony Arlidge. They joined Chambers together and later took silk at about the same time. He was known for his meticulous preparation, an eye for detail and a love of simple straightforward language. He was always impeccably fair. His, at times, direct manner hid someone who was quite reserved, enormously kind and always generous with his time – a true gentleman. Sir Derek was a loyal and dedicated member of chambers. Even after ceasing practice he remained a constant face at chamber’s events. A Lancashire man, he was educated at Clitheroe Royal Grammar School and Keble College, Oxford. He went on to serve as a lieutenant in the King’s Own Regiment from 1954 to 1956. He became a barrister in 1961 and took silk in 1980. With a long history in politics as a Member of Parliament, he also served as Solicitor General between 1992 and 1997. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by us all.
Our thoughts are with his family, Caroline, David, Andrew and Frederick and grandchildren – Georgia, Harriet and Matthew.