Mike Gray, Solicitor and Founder of Gray & Co Solicitors shares his story…
In a few sentences, tell us a bit more about you…
I qualified as a solicitor in 2000 having completed a Law Degree and Legal Practice Course in Manchester. I hold the Higher Rights qualification which allows me to conduct advocacy in the Crown Court, Court Martial and the Court of Appeal. I am an owner of a specialist criminal law firm, Gray & Co, with one office in Chester. We are a team of 10, with 8 criminal solicitors.
What was your route into law? Did you always want to be a criminal lawyer?
From childhood I have been drawn towards a sense of justice. My parents have often recounted me conducting a trial involving my younger brother and sister over a missing Snoopy watch and recording the proceedings on a tape recorder! I was 8 years old. I was determined to become a solicitor and after A Levels went I straight onto read Law at Manchester Metropolitan University. After finishing my degree and completing the Legal Practice Course, I secured a training contract with a law firm in Manchester and then moved out to Chester when I qualified as solicitor. I have been a criminal solicitor since I qualified in 2000 and I have not regretted a day of it.
Tell us a bit about your first ever job in a law firm…
My first job in a law firm was as a Trainee Solicitor. As a trainee, I was expected to stay late one evening a week to give free legal advice at a drop in clinic. I will never forget that! That was where I learnt very early on that solicitors are required to do far more than give legal advice. Every imaginable problem came through the door and most advice was really more relevant to social work than legal advice.
What makes you so passionate about criminal law?
It is a huge responsibility to be in a position to give advice and represent people whose lives are often in turmoil and the work put in directly affects the outcome. It is a privilege to do such an important job where people rely on you to get them through what is usually the most difficult period in their lives. The role is also a fundamental part of a fair criminal justice system in a civilised society. It is rewarding knowing that the effort put into each case can make such a huge difference to the outcome for the client.
So, if you didn’t become a criminal lawyer, what do you think you would have become?
A car mechanic. It was a close run thing – my best friend at school and I loved tinkering with cars. My friend took up an apprenticeship at a local garage after finishing his GCSEs and I headed to sixth form college chasing my goal to become a solicitor. I remember at the time thinking that maybe I should have left school with him – but now, no regrets.
What made you join the CLSA?
The CLSA were at the forefront of the challenge to the major change to legal aid proposed by the then Justice Secretary, Chris Grayling. It would have decimated criminal law practices across the Country had it come to fruition. I felt that the CLSA were fighting for the survival of the profession and I wanted to lend support to the fight.
And when did you join the CLSA committee? and what is your role on the committee?
I joined the CLSA committee in 2013. I have had the honour of working alongside some of the most incredible people, all of whom have dedicated their careers to helping others caught up in the criminal justice system. I am now Treasurer, but far from the hardest working on the committee. The younger committee members are inspirational with their motivation to continue to assist the profession with raising issues that directly impact on the ability to do such an important job within the criminal justice system.
Are you attending the conference this year? What are you looking forward to?
Absolutely. The conference is the opportunity for members from across the Country to meet up with like minded professionals. The guest speakers are promising to be interesting and informative and the social aspect is fantastic. My entire team will be coming along.
What would you say to someone thinking about a career in criminal law?
If you are looking for a career where no 2 days are the same, you are not chained to a desk, where you can put forward submissions in a Court room that will often impact on a defendant’s future, where you can research and make legal submissions, where you can attend police stations and ensure that an individual’s rights are protected – then do not hesitate. I have had a rewarding 24 years and counting.
Is there anyone in the criminal law world that inspires you most?
Helena Kennedy QC – when I was a young law student I was inspired by her advocacy. I was lucky enough to meet her when she came to a CLSA conference in recent years.
How do you prepare yourself for a day in Court?
Not to think about what lies ahead.
What types of criminal cases do you work on?
All the various general criminal offences you can think of. I also represent military personnel in Court Martial which has taken me all around the world.
How do you switch off and enjoy a work/life balance when dealing with upsetting or stressful situations?
Sometimes it is hard, but I make the effort to try and switch off at home. Home is 20 miles away from my Chester City Centre office in the countryside – that makes it easier to switch off. My local pub, The Yew Tree, also helps.
What do you like to do with your spare time, outside of work?
Sailing – if I am not working, I am sailing my boat off the North Wales coast.
Get to know Mike – some quickfire questions…
Favourite criminal / legal based Film:
Witness for the Prosecution (1957) Agatha Christie
Favourite criminal / legal based TV Series:
Rumpole of the Bailey – John Mortimer
What podcast/s are you listening to at the moment?
Putin
Do you have a favourite genre of music?
Guitar – all types
Who would play you in a movie about your life?
I would love Richard E Grant to play me, just to meet him
Who is the last person you called?
Duty Solicitor Call Centre
Have you read any good books recently?
Unfortunately, no spare time
Where is your favourite holiday destination?
Rozel, Jersey
What is your favourite cuisine?
Seafood of any kind
What is your favourite tipple?
Cheshire Cat (Weetwood Brewery, Cheshire)
What 3 items could you not live without?
Mobile phone
Cheshire Cat
Seafood
