January 23rd: Today's Feature

January

Dr John Anthony Roberts QC (17 May 1928 - 26 June 2016) was born in Sierra Leone. He is the first person of African ancestry to be made a QC in England and Wales

Early Life

His family history is deeply rooted in both the United States and Liberia. His great grandfather, Joseph Jenkins Roberts, was born in Norfolk, Virginia, USA, and went on to become the first President of Liberia. Meanwhile, his grandfather, John Anthony Roberts (Snr.), was born in Liberia and worked as a cable engineer in various countries, including Brazil, America, and England, during the late 19th century.

Growing up, John's father, John Anthony Roberts (Jnr.), was of Brazilian descent, while his mother, who was born in Freetown, Sierra Leone, came from a lineage of "liberated" Africans who chose to return to Africa after the abolition of the Slave Trade. In the 1940s, John began his professional career as a Costs Clerk for Taylor Woodrow in Sierra Leone before transitioning to work as a Civil Servant.

John's fascination with airplanes was sparked during the Second World War when he witnessed the presence of the Royal Air Force (RAF) in Sierra Leone. This led him to make the life-changing decision to move to the UK in 1952 and join the RAF. Initially, he trained as an accountant and later qualified for aircrew duties. Over the course of his service, John traveled extensively, serving in various regions such as Europe, the Near East, the Far East, and the South Pacific. In 1962, he was offered a position in the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Service by the Prime Minister of Sierra Leone, where he worked in the Air Traffic Control Services Department until 1964.

Marriage & Return to England

Following their marriage in 1961, John returned to England in 1964, with his wife, Eulette, who hailed from Jamaica, and their son Tony, who was born in Sierra Leone. John continued his career as a Civil Servant in the UK until 1969. During this time, he pursued his passion for law and began studying part-time at the Inns of Court School of Law. In 1969, he was Called to the Bar at Gray's Inn and later became a Master of Bench in 1996. Additionally, in 1972, he became a Member of Lincoln's Inn, further solidifying his reputation

as a distinguished legal professional. John's motivation to study law stemmed from his genuine desire to help people, a characteristic that has defined his career and made him a respected figure in the legal community.

In 1970, John played a pivotal role in establishing Chambers at 9 Stone Buildings, Lincoln's Inn. However, his ambition and determination led him to venture out on his own in 1975, when he decided to set up his own Chambers at 2 Stone Buildings. One of John's core values was to ensure that his Chambers reflected the true diversity of society. With this in mind, he made sure that his team consisted of members from various backgrounds, including Asian, white, African, and Caribbean individuals. This commitment to inclusivity and representation was a testament to John's progressive mindset.

Climbing the Ladder of Success

John's journey took another significant turn in 1992 when he was appointed as a High Court Judge in The Supreme Courts of the British Virgin Islands and Anguilla, both British West Indies Dependent Territories. This prestigious position allowed him to preside over numerous high-profile cases, including those involving homicide. John's expertise and fair judgment made him a respected figure within the legal community, and his contributions to the justice system were widely recognised.

Alongside his remarkable legal career, John also made significant contributions to legal education and community organisations. In 1983, he was appointed as an Assistant Recorder, a part-time judge of the Crown Court, and later became a Recorder in 1987.

His dedication to legal education extended beyond the borders of England, as he was called to the Bars of ten other countries, including Jamaica, Sierra Leone, Trinidad & Tobago, and Barbados, among others. This exceptional achievement may very well be a record in itself.

Furthermore, John's commitment to nurturing future legal professionals was evident through his role as a Bencher of the Council of Legal Education in Sierra Leone and his tutoring on Advocacy at the Inns of Court School of Law in London. Additionally, his involvement in various associations, such as the British West Indian Ex-Servicemen and Ex-Service Women's Association and the British Caribbean Association, showcased his dedication to supporting and uplifting the community.

A remarkable individual, John received numerous honours and accolades throughout his life. In 1991, he was granted the esteemed title of Honorary Citizen of Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Five years later, he became a Freeman of the City of London, a prestigious recognition. In 2000, he was bestowed with the honour of being an Honorary Citizen of the British Virgin Islands. Additionally, in 1996, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate at City University. These achievements highlight his exceptional contributions and impact on various communities.

John's professional journey was equally impressive. At the age of 70, he retired from the Bench as a Recorder, as required. Later, at 80, he bid farewell to his private practice. Despite retiring, he remained an active member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, serving as an arbitrator. He also continued his association with Warwick Court Chambers as a door tenant. John's dedication to his legal career and commitment to justice were evident throughout his life.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, John possessed a vibrant and multifaceted personality. He had a deep passion for music, excelling as a pianist, organist, guitarist, and choir singer. He firmly believed that one is never too old to learn and enjoyed reading, dancing, and music. John's diverse interests and involvement in various organisations, such as the Guild of Freemen and the RAF, where he was a former boxer and sprinter, showcased his zest for life.

Death

Although he passed away at the age of 88 in June 2016, his legacy as a trailblazer and advocate for equality and diversity lives on. John's multifaceted contributions to the legal field and society as a whole have left an indelible mark on the legal profession.