Former transport minister Stephen Byers’ statement that he had lied to MPs over the events leading to the collapse of Railtrack had court reporters blinking in shock back in July 2005. Byers was giving evidence in the case brought by a large and disgruntled group of Railtrack shareholders against the Government. He made the admission under cross-examination by 11 Old Square’s deputy head of chambers Keith Rowley.

The news was seized upon by the press and politicians alike. Although the shareholders ultimately lost their case, Byers’ confession was a minor victory for the claimants.

It is testament to Rowley’s skills as an advocate that recent years have seen him act in such mammoth cases as the bankruptcy trial of asbestos manufacturer Turner & Newall, where his representations on the bankrupt company’s pension scheme proved crucial. Off the back of Railtrack, Rowley looks set to become a much sought-after silk across his broad range of practice areas.