Who? Rebecca Sheriff, partner, Bolt Burdon Kemp, London.

Rebecca Sheriff

Why is she in the news? The firm represented 37 people allegedly abused by Peter Wallace Sherwin, commanding officer at TS Stirling Sea Cadets in Birmingham who died in 2014. Clients sought to challenge the MBE that Sherwin was awarded in 1987. In a statement last week, the Forfeiture Committee said that had Sherwin been convicted of the crimes of which he was accused, forfeiture proceedings would have commenced. Sherwin was interviewed by police but no charges were ever brought and no further action taken.

Thoughts on the case: ‘It did not sit right with our clients that Sherwin had an honour bestowed upon him when he was utterly undeserving of it. As commanding officer, Sherwin allegedly took advantage of children to abuse his position in the worst possible way. This is only the third time in history that the Forfeiture Committee has made this kind of announcement following the statements made in relation to Jimmy Savile and Cyril Smith. Our clients should feel very proud. While Sherwin went unpunished during his lifetime, I hope that the announcement goes some way to providing our clients with a sense of justice and acknowledgment.’

Dealing with the media: ‘This case has always attracted attention from the media, particularly in the West Midlands where Sherwin operated. The coverage led to further witnesses coming forward, which has helped our clients’ cases, and for which I am very grateful. Some of our clients have bravely spoken out to shine a light on Sherwin’s alleged actions because he died with his reputation intact. Our clients’ stories and their voices deserve to be heard and the journalists who covered the story have done so sensitively and respectfully.’

Why become a lawyer? ‘When I was 15 years old, I was placed by my school at the local county court for compulsory work experience for a week. I remember reading various cases as well as watching the lawyers in their suits come and go – I was hooked.’

Career high: ‘Spending a whole weekend negotiating with the board of a football club on precedent cases for alleged racial abuse on behalf of multiple clients [who were youth training scheme players]. We settled at 3am for significant six-figure sums.’

Career low: ‘As a newly qualified solicitor I was delighted to have won an application at court against defendant counsel. I walked out of court feeling very pleased with myself and proceeded to fall down the stairs at the RCJ, to be picked up off the floor by said defendant counsel.’

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