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 ten 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.
