We have become the first firm in Cornwall to set up an Advocacy Unit specifically designed to offer a real alternative to the local bar for both solicitors and the public. We are delighted to announce that we have recruited three barristers to our existing 55 strong team.
Our Advocacy team consists of
Marc Deegan and
Alan Robertshaw (barristers), together with Solicitor Advocate (Higher Courts – Civil)
Chris Lingard. Together they are able to offer 50 years of experience and expertise in respect of both court and non court work.
Chris Lingard explains:-
“I am really excited about the creation of our Advocacy Unit. It’s great once again to be at the forefront of what is new and exciting in the County. Truro is an extremely busy court centre. This often leads to advocates being shipped in from outside Cornwall. Godolphin Chambers in Truro do sterling work and for many years have fulfilled an important role in providing local barristers to the local courts. In my own experience however it is sometimes difficult to find a barrister and in an expanding market there is now a real one stop alternative to instructing an advocate from beyond the Tamar”.
Chris is arguably the highest profile lawyer in the County and has earned himself a formidable reputation here since moving from London firm Denton Hall (now Denton Wilde Sapte) in 1995. He is a Solicitor Advocate, a member of the Human Rights Lawyers Association and was awarded Partner of the Year at the 2006 Lawyer Awards, beating off competition from partners in major City and US law firms. Sometimes described as a “lawyer’s lawyer” he has acted for several fellow solicitors in recent years. Chris specialises in complex civil disputes and prides himself on ensuring that his opponents know they have been in a fight.
The Legal 500 2006 edition carried the following entry:
Clients of new entrant Follett Stock praise partner Chris Lingard for his “feistiness and fine performance in a scrap.” Lingard heads a team of eight commended for its "go-ahead mentality".
Marc (or Skippy as he became affectionately known) was our first employed in-house barrister. Originally from Australia (and with all the grit and determination one associates with Down Under) he qualified in 1987. He was called to the Bar in this country 4 years ago and practised from Devon Chambers where he quickly built up a rapport with the local judiciary and fellow advocates.
As well as extensive advocacy experience in both criminal and civil proceedings Marc has advised on multi-million pound commercial transactions in his home country, in the Far East and in the UK.
Alan is a barrister employed as In-House Counsel. Alan was called 10 years ago. He practised at John Mortimer’s (Rumpole’s creator) set, One Dr Johnson’s Buildings and then Goldsmith’s Chambers (after a merger). He has wide experience including employment, tort, contract, mental health review, crime and environmental law. He has a particular interest in media and military law and also health & safety practices. He is an approachable but pugnacious Yorkshireman.
Email Marc 
