Thomas Rigard-Asquith, double-barrelled for equality.
Half my job consists in running the Management & Leadership Programme under Matt Howgate and Vicky Ling’s strict authority. Andrea Shumaker used to run this before me, so I’ve got big shoes to fill. On a day-to-day basis, this means making sure everyone is attending sessions, has the relevant materials, and is enjoying the course. On a more macro level, it’s deciding where the course needs to go to stay relevant and how it can be re-modelled to reach more legal aid practitioners.
The other half of my job is more policy-based, working for Rohini Teather, Head of Parliamentary Affairs at the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Legal Aid. That involves publishing a monthly bulletin for MPs and other stakeholders, meeting with MPs to convince them of the importance of a functioning Justice system (harder than you’d think), and other fun bits like attending party conference, writing briefing papers, and live-tweeting Justice Committee evidence-sessions.
What is the best bit of the job?
Definitely my colleagues– everyone here was so welcoming from day one (I’m the newest recruit, barely 6 months old in work-terms) and it’s really inspiring to be working alongside people who are so dedicated to the cause they are defending.
What is the worst bit of the job?
I was looking forward to moving into our new offices but then “they” said there were issues with asbestos?!?! I’m now less eager: it’s difficult to get all those tort law asbestosis cases out of my head…
Quick fire questions…
Homeworking or office?
Office for the vibes, home for my bank balance.
Coffee or kombucha?
Coffee.
Posh chocolate or Cadbury’s Dairy Milk?
It doesn’t have to be posh to be better than Cadbury’s.
Last music or comedy gig attended?
Last gig was Headie One a year ago… so I’d consider myself more of a theatre-guy to be honest. Last weekend was a play on the Windrush scandal which was great.
Favourite lawyer (can be fictional or real)?
My friend and ex-LAPGer Chris Moss is a lawyer…does that count? How about saying all barristers who undertook strike action, or all solicitors considering it?
TV programme series you have most recommended to friends?
If we’re talking British programmes, it has to be The Thick of It. I used to think it was an unrealistic portrayal of working in policy until I worked for the ruthless, Tucker-esque Rohini Teather.
Favourite person/organisation you follow on Twitter or any other social media platform?
This is a dangerous one because there’s always a chance they’ll come out with some views you don’t agree with further down the line (or kill a fox with a baseball bat on Boxing Day whilst wearing a kimono). With that caveat, Dan Neidle has been great on Twitter recently.