This morning I was heartbroken to attend – via livestream – the funeral of Ken Rogers, former Head of Chambers at the former Invictus Chambers.
Ken changed the course of my life forever. After having had my first pupillage offer withdrawn in 2013 and then the second chambers I was supposed to undertake pupillage with collapsing in 2017, Ken kept my dream of going to the Bar alive by taking me in at Invictus Chambers in 2018.
I’ll never forget my first phone call with my future pupil master Ian Beeby in early April 2018: “Ken Rogers has asked me to look after you.”
Ken then saw off an attempt by a member of our merged chambers to stop my pupillage two days after it started and he was instrumental in me getting tenancy too.
Ken was like a dad to so many barristers at the beginning of our careers.
I loved going to spend time in Evesham with Ken to work on his cases and be treated to amazing meals by his lovely wife Linda.
I will never forget our long country walks and chats.
Ken may be gone but the enormous contribution he made to others’ lives will last forever.
Rest in Peace, Ken.
I was so shocked at the news that Ken passed away when looking to instruct him on a matter recently. I commenced my training contact in 2008 and worked with Ken on a number of cases. During my TC he always took the time to go through and train me on the litigation process. Even though he wasn’t responsible for my training, he was my mentor in many ways. Thank you Ken, for all that you have done for me and my career. Rest in eternal peace