BARRISTER Timothy Roberts has become the first Teesside-based practitioner to be appointed Queen's Counsel.
Mr Roberts, 47, is head of Fountain Chambers in Middlesbrough, where he has been based since 1981.
He will "take silk" at a ceremony held at the House of Lords on Tuesday.
Mr Roberts said: "It is marvellous and it is a mark of distinction not only for me as an advocate but is also a measure of the strength and depth of the local Bar that we have been able to achieve this honour.
"This has always been my ambition and it is an achievement of a lifetime's work in advocacy.
"It is every advocate's goal to become a Queen's Counsel; it is a very exacting competition and the criteria by which you are judged are very demanding. They are basically assessing you on your life's work."
Speaking of changes during his time in Teesside, Mr Roberts spoke of increasing serious crime, particularly that involving drugs.
l Continued on page 3.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article