Alex Tribick, a partner at W.H.Matthews & Co, the South East-based firm, acted for Colin Stagg, who was wrongly arrested and prosecuted for the murder of Rachel Nickell, was cleared in 1994 and was awarded £706,000 damages.

What were the main challenges in this case and the possible implications? Overall, it was summed up best by counsel, Ben Douglas-Jones, of 5 Paper Buildings, who was instrumental in the case. He said: “This is the highest-profile wrongful arrest, charge and indictment of any defendant.” Given the scale of the award, it would seem that the independent assessor, Lord Brennan, QC, appointed by the Government to adjudicate, agreed.

There were three main difficulties: the case was unique, a view endorsed by the assessor, which meant that there were no precedents that might otherwise have assisted in the preparation of the application. Secondly, the elapse of time from Mr Stagg's acquittal to the point of my instruction six years ago meant that many potential avenues of redress had been closed off by virtue of limitation and many of the papers had been lost or destroyed.

Thirdly, public opprobrium and media vilification over 16 years had a massive impact upon Colin, making him understandably withdrawn and reticent about giving instructions on the most painful aspects of his life. Media treatment of him also caused difficulties in finding experts prepared to produce reports to assist Lord Brennan in assessing the case, something that he noted with real concern in his judgment.

What was your worst day as a lawyer? I have probably not had that yet, but being struck down with acute gastroenteritis while winning a landmark case in the Civil Division of the Court of Appeal several years ago was pretty embarrassing.

What was your most memorable experience as a lawyer? Probably this one, but being offered partnership before 30 was pretty special.

Who has been the most influential person in your life? My parents, and my wife, Sue, for all their advice, encouragement and support.

Why did you become a lawyer? Because at the age of 12, that is what I told my parents I was going to do.

What would your advice be to anyone wanting a career in law? Work hard, maintain your integrity no matter what and always show your enthusiasm for what you do, because that can set you apart from your opponent.

Where do you see yourself in ten years? Hopefully. happy and contented and continuing to lead expanding civil, criminal and employment law teams - with a full head of hair.

Linda Tsang

Explore Law

• Corporate Law

• Public Law

• Columnists

• Law Panel

• Student Law

• Law Reports

Times Recommends

• Future Stars of the Bar 2008
• Lawyer of the Week: Julie Morris
• Charging suspects - why it's a job for prosecutors