Congratulations to Michael Henry Neil Shoesmith, admitted to the roll on this day 50 years ago - and practising ever since.

Shoesmith (pictured above) was admitted in 1972 while with Burnley firm Holmes Butterfield and Hartley; Lord Denning signed his practising certificate. He remained with the firm until 1989, when it merged with long-established Burnley firm Donald Race and Newton, where he continues to specialise in private client and property.

'We at DRN have had the pleasure of working with this rare breed of gentleman ever since,' says colleague Sara Jane Chorkley. 'He continues to astound us with his work ethic and, having never taken a single sick day in 50 years, we do feel it is worth a mention.

'He puts his long career down to good luck and hard work, but we say it is his professionalism, his willingness to give freely of his time and wisdom and to embrace change and the esteem and affection in which he is held by clients and colleagues alike. It would be remiss not to mention his love of performance cars, scaling icy mountains and his complete inability to apply any brakes when down-hill cycling.

'All this makes him the respected solicitor, colleague and friend known to so many. Long may the oh-so-dapper Mr Shoesmith continue to deck our offices with his distinguished peals of laughter!'

Of course 1972 was a different age: a Conservative prime minister, Edward Heath, was midway through his unhappy single term; the newspapers were full of concern about inflation and strikes and Britain’s relationship with the European Economic Community. Obiter remembers it as if it were yesterday - or perhaps it was?

Who else is still practising from that era? Get in touch at obiter@lawsociety.org.uk.

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