Inspirational Lawyer Awarded At TVU

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Honorary Doctorate for first African QC in England and Wales

Esteemed lawyer and juror, Dr John Roberts QC, has been recognised by the Ealing Law School at Thames Valley University (TVU).

Dr John Roberts QC, a distinguished lawyer and jurist of national and international repute, is a long-standing friend and supporter of the Law School. He was selected to receive the Honorary Doctorate as a fitting tribute to someone who has done so much over the years to raise its profile and reputation.

Born in Sierra Leone in 1928, Dr Roberts QC has accomplished many 'firsts' during his extensive law career, including becoming the first person of African ancestry to be made a QC in England and Wales, in 1988.

In recognition of his achievements and outstanding record of public service here and abroad, he has been awarded a number of honours worldwide, including Honorary Citizen of Atlanta, Georgia in 1991 and later of the British Virgin Islands, as well as Freeman of the City of London in 1996.

On receiving the award, Dr Roberts said:

'The reason I became involved in Ealing Law School is because I wanted to encourage others to achieve what I have achieved and more. I have many certificates but realise there are some people who don't even have one – I want those students to be inspired to achieve great things which is why, after receiving this honour, I have promised to come back to TVU and do lectures to talk to the students who are learning here today.'

 

Dr Roberts QC became the 'first' in a number of areas:

• The first known person of African ancestry to be the Head of his Chambers in England and Wales
• The first person of African ancestry to be made a QC in England and Wales
• The first person of African ancestry to be made a Recorder of the Crown Court in England and Wales
• The first person of African ancestry be appointed by the British Government to a dependent territories as a High Court Judge of the Supreme Courts of the British Virgin Islands, and Anguilla, British West Indies.
• The first Head of Chambers to allegedly accept seven female barristers at one time in 1975. A record during that era.
Dr Roberts QC has been called to the Bars of no fewer than 10 other countries and, in addition to becoming a Freeman of the City of London, Dr Roberts QC was made an Honorary Citizen of Atlanta, Georgia, USA in 1991. He was also made an Honorary Citizen of the British Virgin Islands in 2000 and awarded an Honorary Doctorate at City University in 1996.

 

 

 

October 21, 2009