LAWYER IN THE NEWS

Who? Simon Eastwood, 43-year-old litigation partner at 21-partner Westminster firm Winckworth Sherwood.

Why is he in the news? Represented former Chief Superintendent David Duckenfield - the match commander at the 1989 Hillsborough disaster - in the private prosecution for manslaughter brought against him by the Hillsborough Family Support Group.

The jury last week failed to reach a verdict after more than four days of deliberation at the end of a seven-week trial.

Mr Justice Hooper then ordered that the proceedings be stayed on the basis that it was 'no longer possible' to ensure a fair trial for Mr Duckenfield.

Former Superintendent Bernard Murray, represented by Leeds firm Walker Morris, was found not guilty.

Background: Australian born and qualified in 1980.

Moved to the UK and requalified in 1984 at north London firm Trevor James.

After a two-year spell back in Australia, joined London firm Hempsons in 1988, becoming a partner in 1994.

Left a year later for Nabarro Nathanson.

Joined Winckworth Sherwood as a partner in 1997.Route to the case: The firm's police practice acted for South Yorkshire Police in the 1997 judicial scrutiny for new evidence, which led to Mr Eastwood being introduced to Mr Duckenfield.

Thoughts on the case: 'The Hillsborough tragedy was so shocking and far-reaching that it is impossible to deal with all the issues in the context of a criminal trial.

The circumstances surrounding it must be one of the most enquired into in English history.

There has been a full judicial inquiry, inquest, judicial scrutiny, various reviews by prosecuting authorities, and a mountain of civil litigation and judgement.

The fact that this case proceeded by way of private prosecution created its own difficulties and dynamics which were understandable given the degree of personal loss and feeling that was generated by the tragedy.

Inevitably, as the officer in charge, David Duckenfield was at the centre of the storm of public criticism.

He acted to the best of his ability and in good faith as the horrifying events of the day unfolded.

It is a relief to him that proceedings are now finally at an end but it is also a matter of sadness to everyone that the pain and hurt associated with Hillsborough will continue.'

Dealing with the media: 'During the course of an intense and relatively long trial, we struck cordial and professional relationships with the media.

The media on the whole showed sensitivity and balance in dealing with the evidence whilst naturally focusing on the human suffering involved.'