Brief Encounter: Joshua Rozenberg
Joshua Rozenberg is a leading legal commentator; he is the only journalist to have been appointed Queen’s Counsel (honoris causa), and he has written for the Guardian and the Law Society Gazette. Joshua presents Radio 4’s Law in Action, and has recently published Enemies of the People? which examines how the judiciary makes law and how they maintain public confidence whilst balancing conflicting interests.
Tell us a bit about your daily professional life
Journalism is not a profession, as such, and no two days are the same. In my case, it involves keeping up with developments in the courts and the law more widely; being interviewed by broadcasters on breaking stories; interviewing others for my Radio 4 series Law in Action; and trying to think of something to write about in my next column.
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
Don’t say “yes” — or anything else — while the person you are interviewing for radio or television is answering your questions. It makes the answers unbroadcastable. We all do it, but only once.
What motivates you?
Having to pay the rent.
What three skills are essential to succeed in the Law?
Intelligence, articulacy and judgment.
Most memorable legal moment?
Suggesting on live primetime television, very early in my career, that a prominent solicitor had got the law wrong.
Best courtroom / chambers etiquette tip?
Learn how to charm people rather than irritate them.
Which mentor / figure(s) or events have inspired you, supported you, or changed your approach?
A struck-off solicitor who ran a crammer in out-of-season Llandudno and could predict the questions in the qualifying exams. My wife, who suggested I should give up law and try journalism.
Is there anything you would change or do differently, if you could relive your career?
I would have read for the bar rather than qualified as a solicitor.
What have you learned or done differently during coronavirus?
That it’s possible to record an entire radio series without leaving home. At least I hope it is.
How do you relax?
By completing surveys such as this.
Joshua broadcasting from home during the coronavirus shutdown