It is with much regret that we report that Master Southwell (Richard Southwell QC) sadly died on Sunday 26 December 2021, aged 86. The Inn’s flag will fly at half-mast today, Thursday 6 December, in his memory.

Master Southwell was called to the Bar in 1959 and appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1977. He specialised in commercial law, practising at Serle Court. He was a Judge of the Courts of Appeal of Jersey and Guernsey. He was Chairman of the Professional Standards Committee of the Bar Council from 1988 to 1990, and between 1990-91 he was Chairman of the Legal Services Committee of the Bar Council, in charge principally of presentation of the Bar’s case concerning the Green Papers and the Courts and Legal Services Bill, and subsequently Act of 1990. He wrote two books in this capacity. Master Southwell was also the Chairman of Governors at two schools and was heavily involved in fundraising for Multiple Sclerosis in Wiltshire, where his drive resulted in the establishment of a substantial oxygen tank facility which has aided many sufferers.

Master Southwell was elected a Governing Bencher of The Inner Temple in 1985 and was elected as Treasurer in 2002. Amongst his many contributions to the Inn, as the inaugural Chair of the Pension Fund Trustees, Master Southwell proposed and established the Inn’s pension scheme from its inception in 1988 – he was still the Chair at the time of his death. The scheme has guaranteed the financial security of more than 160 former and current members of staff.

It is expected that there will be a Memorial Service in due course.