Professor Leslie Thomas QC is a barrister at Garden Court chambers in London.  He is a leading expert in claims against the police and other public authorities, claims against corporate bodies, with expertise across the full spectrum of civil wrongs, civil litigation, human rights, data and privacy claims. He is an expert in all aspects of inquests and public inquiries, having represented many bereaved families, in particular where there has been abuse of state or corporate power. In November 2020, Professor Thomas won the Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion Award at the Chambers UK Bar Awards.
We discuss Professor Thomas’ early career representing Poll Tax protestors and his transition to his current practice. We also talk about the important qualities required to work in human rights, the value of networking, career highlights, his typical day and ‘list of monkeys’.  Finally, we talk about burnout and stress and his call to “take time out to sharpen the saw”.