Much has been made of the recent increase in litigants in person, with plenty speculating that judges are less than enamoured with this trend.

But once in a while, it appears, this self-representation could be used as a potential recruitment tool.

Take Lord Justice Lewison (pictured), hearing an appeal by the General Medical Council against surgeon Amgad Nakhla in the Court of Appeal.

Nakhla had been rejected in his application to be registered as a specialist in trauma and orthopaedic surgery but subsequently won on appeal in the county court.

Lewison allowed the GMC appeal against that decision in part, but was keen to congratulate Nakhla for his ‘attractive, persuasive and measured’ style.

The judge went on: ‘His presentation would have done credit to an experienced member of the bar.

‘He has formidable cross-examination skills as well. If he ever gives up surgery, a promising alternative career lies ahead of him.’

Given the prevailing wind in Westminster and repeated suggestions there are too many lawyers already, Obiter would suggest Nakhla doesn’t hang up his scalpel just yet.

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