Our students enjoyed an engaging presentation from Chris who shared his career journey and how he has become one of the country's leading lawyers and QC. His numerous legal cases have included murder cases, including stabbings and gang crime, armed robbery, drugs and massive fraud - clients have ranged from Footballers, billionaires, models, boxers, doctors to name just a few.
Chris' overwhelming inspiring message to our students was "Do not accept limits on your goals - Accept no limits on your ambition".
Mrs Twist, Headteacher said "This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to meet Chris Daw QC and to hear first-hand not only about the British legal system and how it operates, but to talk about their future careers and aspirations".
Prior to the talk yesterday, form tutors shared some background information and students were tasked with researching additional information and to think of questions they could ask at the end of the talk.
We are very grateful to Chris for taking the time to join us at St Cuthbert's and for sharing his impressive knowledge and expertise.
Chris Daw QC pictured with our Senior Team
Chris Daw QC, pictured with Mrs Twist (Headteacher), Ms Ward (Personal Development Lead) and Mrs Tomlin (Assistant Head of Year 11)
Chris Daw QC
Queen's Counsel (Barrister)
I am one of the country’s leading lawyers, having been appointed Queen’s Counsel (QC / “Silk”) in 2013.
I work on some of the most high profile criminal and fraud cases before the courts; everything from England footballers and world champion boxers to multi-national corporations and billionaires to Chief Constables and other senior police officers (including in the Hillsborough Inquests and criminal prosecutions).
Before becoming a QC I spent 20 years as a barrister in complex and serious crime; from murder to armed robbery to international drug trafficking, sexual offences and serious fraud.
I grew up in Milton Keynes and went to state schools, including a very ordinary comprehensive school, where hardly anyone went on to university, let alone the legal profession. I was lucky to go to a really good 6th Form College and from there to Manchester University, the Inns of Court School of Law and the Bar.
I practise and have homes in both London and Manchester.
I have recently been involved in a number of media projects, from articles in the national press, to live-streamed social mobility events to an appearance on the BBC1 One Show in 2018. In 2019, I have been commissioned to present a 5 part documentary series for BBC1 which will air in October 2019.
I am passionate about raising aspiration levels in the most deprived schools in the country so as to level the playing field in the top universities and professions, especially the law.
I also do some one to one mentoring of fellow barristers and interview for the £1 million scholarship programme of Gray’s Inn.
I would really like to be a stand-up comedian but I am not that funny.
About Speakers for Schools:
Founded in 2011 by ITV’s Political Editor, Robert Peston, our aim is to end educational inequality by giving all young people access to the same prestigious networks available to the top fee-paying schools in the UK. Through talks from today’s influential figures, our S4SNextGen work experience programme linking state school students to industry-leading companies and networked support partners we are helping level the playing field for young people of all backgrounds. And, we keep our services for our schools and students entirely free of charge.