Inquisition role boosts barrister's star rating
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The career of James Dingemans, counsel to the Hutton inquiry, is set to receive a significant boost after his role as star inquisitor of MPs, journalists and Whitehall mandarins.
The barrister's London chambers have been deluged with requests for Mr Dingemans to appear in a range of cases after he is released from his inquiry duties. His clerks have also been fielding calls from media outlets keen to interview the 39-year-old advocate. Mr Dingemans, who was only made a QC last year, has impressed with his polite but penetrating questioning of a long list of witnesses such as Tony Blair.
Mr Dingemans's new profile will help to increase his annual earnings, which are already thought to be around £400,000.
Anthony Scrivener QC, a former chairman of the Bar and an old hand at judicial inquiries, said Mr Dingemans was doing a "thoroughly good job". He added: "I expect his clerks will want to cash in on his new-found fame. But his real test will come this week when he begins cross-examination."
Mr Dingemans, married with three children, is a keen rugby player, winning a blue at Oxford. His first public foray outside the Hutton inquiry will be next month at the launch for a book he has co-written on employer's liability. And as for raising his fees? James Donovan, senior clerk to Mr Dingemans' chambers, said: "It's not something we have considered."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments