Fri, 09 Oct 2020
Very sadly Stephen Campbell passed away last week. Many of you will know that until recently Stephen was a member of our Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence Groups. He was on holiday with his family in Turkey when he contracted pneumonia and his health declined very quickly. In recent years Stephen had been in poor health that led him to retiring prematurely from the Bar and the office of Recorder.
Stephen was born and brought up in Birmingham and he spent all his professional life here in Chambers in this city.
Stephen attended the Blue Coat School in Harborne before moving on to King Edwards School in 1971. He was a very successful sportsman at school. He played rugby and athletics to county standard. Despite his lean physique and sprinters legs he played prop forward, such was his incredible physical strength, and he did so with great success.
In 1979 Stephen went to Liverpool University where he met his wife Rose. He was president of the Law Faculty’s Student Association. He was called to the Bar by the Middle Temple in 1982 and completed pupillage in what was then Number Two Fountain Court (later part of St Philips Chambers). In 2005 Stephen joined us here at No5 Barristers’ Chambers.
Stephen held the position of Deputy Coroner. He was appointed a Recorder in 2001. He was a governor of the King Edwards Foundation and went on to be the Foundation’s chairman.
By the time of his final illness, Stephen had built up a very substantial and successful practice entirely on his own merit. He was a respected practitioner and those who met him professionally or socially would all attest that he was great company and a thoroughly decent and honest man.
After his retirement, Rose also retired from her career in the legal profession to support Stephen at home. He passed away with his wife and two children with him; their eldest son joined them upon hearing about his father.
Stephen is also survived by his parents Frances and Gordon and our thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
While we mourn Stephen’s sad death there is some solace in the happy memories of him that many of us share.
