Also heading for the beach and/or golf course is Richard Hopkins, possibly the Law Society’s most familiar face. Several ex-presidents and dozens of colleagues were on hand in the Reading Room on Tuesday to bid Richard farewell after 37 years’ service, first as a carpenter and latterly as Buildings Project Officer.
In addition to his estimable facilities skills, the peripatetic Richard always remembered everyone’s name and knew intuitively where they really ought to be. Invaluable qualities that cannot be taught.
Michael Jackson was at Number One and Mrs T. at Number 10 when Richard fetched up at Chancery Lane. But some things never change. His first day was ‘Black Monday’ – 19 October 1987 – when stockmarkets worldwide were hit by a crash caused by events in the US. Imagine!
Obiter cannot see Richard off premises that he knows better than anyone else without also recalling a set-to with his employer. Back in 1989, he prevailed upon the Law Society to reconsider its policy of not offering paternity leave to new fathers. Many colleagues benefited from his principled stand in subsequent years.
Go well, Richard.
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