Lord Leggatt, recently appointed as a Supreme Court Justice, reflects on his unique career journey and the philosophy that has shaped his approach to law. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective, stating, “I didn’t want to end my career feeling that I’d failed, of course, so I didn’t want to set everything on having got to the Supreme Court or not.” This mindset underscores his belief that while aspiration is important, enjoying the present moment is equally essential.
Born into a legal family, Lord Leggatt initially rebelled against the path set before him by choosing to study philosophy at King’s College, London. He recalls, “It’s exciting to argue cases, but it’s even more satisfying to actually have a say in deciding the case.” His time at Cambridge University was marked by a variety of experiences, from captaining the rowing team to participating in a wine tasting team, where he humorously notes, “I still beat some of the Oxford individuals—that’s what counts!”
Lord Leggatt’s philosophy degree proved beneficial in the courtroom. He explains that legal cases often delve into philosophical questions. For instance, he illustrates this point with a hypothetical case concerning the definition of a “newspaper” under a specific statute. He acknowledges, however, that not every judge appreciates a philosophical approach. Recalling a courtroom experience, he says, “I brought along a copy of Quine to court to demonstrate this, and it wasn’t terribly well received.”
After completing his studies, Lord Leggatt spent a year at Harvard University as a Harkness Fellow. It was here that he began to consider a career in law, particularly while assisting renowned legal philosopher Ronald Dworkin. He fondly remembers his time there, noting, “Undergraduates have all the fun, and grad students are a pretty serious bunch.” This positive experience in the United States led him to defer his pupillage in London to teach at the University of Chicago for a year, where he enjoyed the winter sports opportunities.
His subsequent role at Sullivan & Cromwell, a prestigious corporate law firm in New York, presented a stark contrast to his earlier experiences. Although he appreciated the financial rewards, he found the legal culture there unfulfilling. “I felt I was just a little cog in an enormous legal machine. You get paid lots of money, but you don’t have much autonomy,” he explained.
Returning to the UK, Lord Leggatt became a commercial barrister. Despite this shift, he remained focused on his goal of becoming a judge. He explained, “My attitude was that there is nothing I would aspire to more than to be at the highest level, but I’m not going to spend all my time as a judge thinking, ‘Can I get to the next stage?’” He took on criminal cases as a Recorder to broaden his experience and prepare for future opportunities.
The opportunity to join the Supreme Court arose unexpectedly when three vacancies opened shortly after he had served for just two years on the Court of Appeal. Though he initially planned to wait longer, he decided to seize the moment, stating, “I’ve got to go for it now.” His success in securing the position made the experience all the more exhilarating.
Through his reflections, Lord Leggatt reinforces a vital lesson about ambition: “Don’t always be thinking about the next step. Otherwise, we’re not enjoying life as it goes along.” His journey serves as a reminder that while it is important to prepare for opportunities, it is equally crucial to appreciate the journey itself.
