The Lawyer Inquiry: John Hendy QC

Born in London on 11 April 1948, John Hendy QC is now a barrister at Old Square Chambers.



What was your first job?

Butcher's delivery boy, aged 15.



What was your first ever salary as a lawyer?

£30 for failing to get a cabbie off a passing-a-red-light charge at East Ham Magistrates Court.



What would you have done if you hadn't become a lawyer?

Failed at directing films.



Which law could you live without?

Most of them.



What was your most embarrassing professional moment?

In the Court of Appeal, years ago, failing to think of any answer but the truth to the question "Who advised that this case merited legal aid?"



What car do you drive?

Mine, usually.



Which famous person would you like to go out with?

I'm already sorted, thanks.



Where would you go to eat?

Home, Vic Naylor's or the North Sea.



What's the best thing on TV?

No idea - I haven't got one.



Which movie do you wish you'd appeared in?

I can't act so it would probably be something with Wallace and Gromit in it, although I would have preferred one with Isabelle Adjani or Sharon Stone.



What's your most often-worn piece of clothing?

Jeans.



What book(s) are you reading at the moment?

Unfortunately, I've no time for reading, although I'm halfway through Timebends by Arthur Miller. It's taken a year so far.



What is your all-time favourite record?

Anything by Buddy Guy, Freddie King, Elmore James, Stevie Ray Vaughan etc. But if it has to be one, it must be Jimi Hendrix playing the blues, say Voodoo Chile Blues.



What piece of advice would you give to anyone entering the profession now?

Think twice about it. It's changing beyond recognition - have no illusions.



What do you like about yourself?

Commitment.



What do you hate about yourself?

The slightest hint of indecision.



Where would you most like to be right now?

At home.