The worldwide launch of a new crime thriller is set to bring together some of the country’s very best legal minds.
The Brief, written by No5 Chambers Barrister Simon Michael, is based upon real cases and genuine court documents, and tells the story of unconventional barrister Charles Holborne who finds himself on the wrong side of the law.
Barristers, solicitors and legal professionals will be at the launch of the book, which is being held by No5 Chambers at their Birmingham office in Fountain Court, Steelhouse Lane, on September 24.
Head of No5’s Criminal Law Group, David Mason QC, will host the event and introduce popular actor and crime writer Robert Daws, who will read extracts from The Brief.
Robert is a leading English stage and television actor, well known for his roles in Outside Edge, The Royal and most recently BBC 1’s Poldark.
After the readings, Simon Michael will answer questions from the floor and then both he and Robert Daws will take part in a book signing.
Simon Michael was called to the Bar in 1978, and practised in the field of criminal law for 15 years. He is currently a member of the Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury groups at No5.
He said: “Set in London in the 1960s, The Brief is based on real cases heard in the criminal courts and incorporates genuine court documents.
“The plot centres around a ‘cut-throat defence’ with co-defendants accusing each other of the crime, and draws on the day-to-day experience of criminal lawyers to create the kind of courtroom drama that will be familiar to members of the legal profession.”
The Brief will be published by Urbane Publications on September 28.
A spokesman for Urbane said: “The Brief gives a real flavour of life at the criminal bar in the 1960s, a period in London’s gangland history dominated by the Soho turf war between the Krays and the Yardies.”
Pictured: English actor Robert Daws