The solicitor who represented families of crewmen who died when the trawler Gaul sank in 1974 has died suddenly at the age of 72. Max Gold (pictured), an associate at Hull firm Ingrams Solicitors, was one of the city’s best known solicitors. The leading member of Hull’s Jewish community was also a former chairman of Hull Kingston Rovers rugby league club. He died during heart surgery. 

Today’s Hull Daily Mail publishes tributes from leading legal figures. Bill Waddington, director of Williamsons Solicitors, said: ‘Everybody knew Max, he was just one of life’s characters. He was charming, kind-hearted, and a super advocate in court. Gold by name, gold by nature.’

Karl Turner, the Labour parliamentary candidate in Hull East, worked for Gold before becoming an MP. He said: ‘I have known Max for over 20 years. I first knew him through his interest in antiques and, in particular, vintage rugby league programmes. He always put others before himself. He also did a huge amount of work for free, for people who couldn’t afford to pay.’

Maxwell Julian Gold was admitted in 1970 and founded his own firm in 1979 and was still practising when he was admitted to hospital. ‘For a 72-year-old he was working too hard, no doubt about it,’ Waddington said. ‘He should have been enjoying a pleasant retirement.’

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