The law's middleman
David Grief, chief executive of Essex Court Chambers Duxton, sheds light on his profession - the English world of barristers' clerks - "aides" who not only manage the lawyers' work diaries and run their firms' business, but often are also their confidants and counsellors. Fifty years on, Mr Grief is one of the most esteemed in the trade.
Add BT as a preferred source
AT the attic unit of a nondescript shophouse along Duxton Hill, the floors are neatly but furiously lined with stacks of legal documents and news printouts, with only a sporadic empty spot.
Often the first in the building to be abuzz with activity at 7.30am on weekdays, this office is where you'll find David Grief, chief executive of Essex Court Chambers Duxton, at work. Mr Grief, who relocated from London to Singapore a year ago to manage the chambers, is still not quite used to his C-suite title. He identifies more with "senior barrister's clerk", a designation he has held over the past five decades of his professional life.
"I am a senior clerk. But because the term 'clerk' tends to be regarded outside the legal world in Singapore as an inferior and administrative profession, it was thought it's better that I call myself a CEO. But I still regard myself as a senior clerk," Mr Grief tells The Business Times.
Decoding Asia newsletter: your guide to navigating Asia in a new global order. Sign up here to get Decoding Asia newsletter. Delivered to your inbox. Free.
Copyright SPH Media. All rights reserved.
