Who? Darren White, 48, a partner specialising in civil actions against the police at London and Bristol firm Deighton Pierce Glynn.

Why is he in the news? He obtained compensation for two Queens Park Rangers supporters charged by the police after stewards at the ground made false accusations against them.

Bob, 57, a season ticket holder since 1963, and Graham, 52, appeared before magistrates accused of being ‘aggressive and (using) foul language’ and ‘common assault’ respectively. Nine witnesses, including two QPR employees, independently testified that Bob had done nothing wrong. Graham’s name was cleared by CCTV footage.

Both men sought damages from the club, which resisted their claims for more than three years. Bob eventually received a settlement of £12,500 plus costs, which are likely to be around £200,000. Graham, who does not want to disclose the exact figure, received between £7,000 and £8,250.

Thoughts on the case: ‘I was surprised at QPR’s tenacious pursuit over more than three years of two of the club’s most loyal fans, neither of whom has any history of causing trouble.’

Why become a lawyer? ‘I read politics at university and, being left-wing, got my first job at a trade union. I was placed in the legal department, liked what I saw and so went on to qualify.’

Career high: ‘Early in my career, when my confidence was still low, I won a case for a client who had argued with the police, been beaten up and jailed for assault. I managed to get him out and a sizeable compensation award. The case made me realise that, yes, I really can do this job.’

Career low: ‘A client with learning difficulties was jailed for allegedly stabbing a man. He claimed that there was someone else in the area who looked just like him who was the real attacker, but he wasn’t believed. His family did some digging and found the lookalike, which led to my client being released upon appeal. He should never have gone to prison in the first place.’

Topics