It is with great sadness that we mark the passing of Stephen Whitaker, a highly respected barrister and valued member of No5 and the Business & Property Group, who passed away on the 16th of January.
Stephen was a well-respected and deeply valued member of the Business & Property Group, and his loss will be felt profoundly by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Stephen joined No5 as an associate tenant in 1982 and was the first Chancery lawyer to do so. He joined No5 full time in 1996 and was instrumental in helping develop Chancery specialism in No5.
His room was always open to junior members of No5 seeking help and advice, which he was always willing to dispense. Stephen possessed exceptional intellectual ability with numerous appearances in the Court of Appeal and the House of Lords. He was the joint editor of Mithani: Directors’ Disqualification and several other books, including the title “Corporate Insolvency” in the Encyclopaedia of Forms and Precedents (2004).
Mohammed Qasim, who worked alongside and instructed Stephen for more than 25 years, paid tribute to his friend, saying: “Stephen was a brilliant counsel and individual in every respect and whenever possible was always my first choice of counsel. He mentored many pupils and inspired some solicitors who went on themselves to become distinguished barristers and judges. He also inspired and taught me a lot during over the 25 years we worked together. His integrity was unwavering. He was kind and he had a wonderful sense of humour. I am proud to say he became my close personal and loyal friend. He has left a void in our lives that cannot be filled, and I shall miss him profoundly.”
Danny Griffiths, Director of Clerking, said, “I will miss Stephen’s presence in chambers, be it popping down to his room for a chat or his input into key issues that impacted the Business & Property Group. He was extremely loyal to his solicitors and to junior members of chambers whom he helped to develop. Stephen and his formidable intelligence were a key part in many of No5’s triumphs at Black Tie events such as the Brain Game.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with Stephen’s family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.