The battle continues as list of firms and lawyers over whom he can no longer adjudicate grows and grows
Just when he might have needed more friends in high places it has been revealed that members of Blackstone Chambers are not the only lawyers who will not be appearing in front of Mr Justice Peter Smith any time in the foreseeable future.
Also subject to what is quaintly referred to as “a listing arrangement” is Addleshaw Goddard, who fell out with the judge after the firm declined to offer him £750,000 a year to come on board. A decision which left the judge and Titanic enthusiast “extremely disappointed” and one which he blamed on “the bean counters”.
Shortly thereafter, his behaviour while presiding over a case involving an Addleshaw Goddard partner was described by Lord Justice Judge as “intemperate” and “somewhat extraordinary”. And according to The Lawyer (£), the “listing arrangement” may have been in place for nearly a decade.
The magazine states that sources inform them cases for Peter Smith J “are not allocated on a normal basis” as they have to be “scrutinised” carefully to ensure there are no potential conflicts with the lawyers involved. This strongly suggests that the list of lawyers and firms who enjoy a listing arrangement with the judge is not a short one.