A few weeks ago, Obiter brought news of two solicitors still practising aged 88 and 75. 'Who are these young chaps claiming to be the oldest practising solicitor?' demands Howard Norman of Liverpool law firm Black Norman. 'My consultant, Leslie Black, is in his 92nd year... and still works full time.'


Mr Black, who will be 92 in January, says: 'I think it's healthy. I still have a sound memory and am reasonably healthy. I suppose, after a while, practising law becomes a hobby and if there is a problem I enjoy [dealing with] it.'

He also cites two other reasons stopping him from retiring. Firstly, 'my wife would not wish it because I would get under her feet', and secondly, 'I can be rude to clients and they don't take offence... they just think "he's an old codger, we'll humour him". It's fun.'



But this prospect is not tempting enough for Philip George, of William George & Son in Porthmadog, Wales, despite coming from a line of long-practising lawyers. His grandfather, Alderman William George, worked until he was 101 and father WRP George until he was 94.



'I am a mere 50 but can state quite categorically that even if I was to enjoy the health to do so, I have no intention whatsoever of seeking to emulate these feats,' he tells us.