Tim Dutton CBE KC
Barristers’ leader who founded a renowned advocacy training course
Just over 10 years ago, I received an email from Tim Dutton, a leading barrister with a commanding presence whom I had met and admired when he was chair of the bar in 2008.
He wrote:
I am letting friends and colleagues know some personal news as it helps to avoid what can be excruciating awkwardness when we meet from time to time and you notice changes.
Over the summer I had a diagnosis confirmed that I have motor neurone disease. In time it will cause me to become disabled but at present, although mobility is reduced, I continue to work flat out, albeit not at quite the pace of a few years ago.
The good news is that my brain function will remain intact although walking etc will become increasingly difficult.
That was in November 2014. Last week, Dutton died. He was 68. He leaves a widow, the barrister Sappho Dias, and a daughter, Pia Dutton.
His chambers published this tribute:
Fountain Court Chambers mourns the death of our dear colleague and friend, Timothy Dutton CBE KC, head of chambers between 2008 and 2013.
Tim was widely recognised as the outstanding barrister of his generation in professional regulation and discipline. A tireless champion of the legal profession, his diverse contributions to maintaining the independence, standards and strength of the bar include serving as leader of the South Eastern Circuit, chairman of the bar and chairman of the Association of Regulatory and Disciplinary Lawyers. A firm believer in the transformative powers of advocacy training and of people coming together to enjoy music, the South Eastern Circuit’s advanced international advocacy course and the Bar Choral Society form part of his lasting legacy.A man of uncompromising principle, Tim brought an extraordinary warmth, humanity and understanding to his dealings with all people. Solicitors and clients sought him out because he was an advocate of the first order who had seen everything before. His juniors loved working with him because he never let the work, however demanding, get in the way of being a decent human being. To his opponents in court he was formidable but unfailingly courteous and fair.
When Tim was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2014, he met the challenge undaunted, continuing to practise at the highest level for 10 years until his retirement only a few months ago, defying the expectations of even the most optimistic clinicians. Tim’s strong constitution, extraordinary willpower and the love and devotion of his wife, Sappho, and daughter, Pia, made this possible. His cheerfulness and optimism in the face of adversity were infectious; time spent talking to Tim could reduce a seemingly intractable problem to manageable proportions. His wisdom, courage and reassuring voice never faltered.
We express our gratitude for chambers’ association with Tim and for the inspiration he has given us. His memory lives on in the countless lawyers whose values have been shaped by his influence and example.
The South Eastern Circuit — one of six geographical circuits that barristers may join — also paid tribute:
Tim was leader of South Eastern Circuit between 2004 and 2006. He was an extraordinary leader, regarded as one of the most outstanding the circuit has ever known. He was a man of unwavering conviction, continually fighting for his beliefs and renowned for his compassion and gentlemanly demeanour.
Tim was truly dedicated to the bar and a champion of the profession; he was an inspiration to many; he led by example. It was Tim’s vision and passion that led to him being a founder of advocacy training for the bar of England and Wales.
Tim was fearless as our leader in promoting our interests. He took the time to listen to all. [He was] a charming and charismatic leader whose focus and care for the juniors set him above others.
Dutton established the advanced international advocacy course at Keble College that has since been named in his honour, the circuit added:
His singular purpose was to nurture and develop the finest advocates which he achieved and the course continues to achieve. His advocacy training was in demand across the world.
Tim was truly exceptional. His passing is a profound loss and his absence will be deeply felt by everyone on the circuit.
And, I should add, by everyone who knew him.
Thank you, Joshua:
Would that I had met him!
Immediately upon reading your column- as though natural, inevitable even- Donne’s unmatchable line returned to me, as though always hovering :”Every man’s death diminishes me.” My apologies for his reference to “man”, but then it was of that age.
When illnesses and adversity visit us all- as visit they assuredly will- we would all do well to draw on what I learn was his attitude when confronting the inevitable with industry, resilience and fortitude.