Who? Robert Lewis, partner at Mishcon de Reya, London.

Why is he in the news? The firm’s clients, Neil Butler and Luke Lockyer, secured a consent order for teaching union NASUWT to reopen general secretary nominations after Butler was barred from standing due to his non-member status.

Thoughts on the case: ‘I am proud to have contributed to the recent NASUWT case, which sets a vital precedent in trade union governance. In compelling the union to cancel its general secretary appointment following legal action, the decision reinforces the importance of unions adhering to their own rules and democratic principles. This outcome highlights that unions are accountable to their members and that elections must be conducted fairly and transparently. Critically, it demonstrates the legal profession’s role in safeguarding these standards. If a union’s democratic process is not properly followed, members have a legal pathway to challenge it. Unions, therefore, must heed this warning: failing to follow their own rules can lead to considerable financial, reputational and legal risks. To my knowledge, this is the first instance of a union being required, by legal means, to reverse a general secretary appointment, emphasising how seriously such governance concerns should be regarded.’

Dealing with the media: ‘Finalising the consent order outside the courtroom with journalists watching over my shoulder was quite the experience. It’s often fascinating, too, to observe how journalists and publications present the same facts in vastly different ways. Clarity and transparency were paramount, and ensuring our clients’ viewpoint was accurately reflected was crucial in all communications.’

Why become a lawyer? ‘I couldn’t hack it as a teacher.’

Career high: ‘Neil and Luke’s case has been a great career high. My other favourite case was when I acted pro bono for Siham Hamud, a Muslim Year-8 student who was unable to attend school because her religious beliefs prohibited her from wearing trousers or a skirt of the length prescribed by the school uniform policy. We got the school to overturn their policy.’

Career low: ‘As an NQ I once returned from holiday to realise that I’d accidentally disclosed a privileged document the day before I went away. It taught me a valuable lesson – mistakes happen and you have to own them before you can fix them. Both the partner and the client were so kind and fair with me as we worked out practically what to do. I have never forgotten that humility and kindness. Thankfully, the other side hadn’t read it yet and returned it.’

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