The interview: Franklin Sinclair

To some he will need no introduction - for others we think Chambers says it all really:

"Franklin is one of the most high profile criminal solicitors in the country, having been the Senior Partner of the country's largest criminal law firm for nearly 30 years. With a broad crime practice, Franklin is lauded by clients and the profession in equal measure."

1. Why Law and why your particular area of expertise?

My parents said I had to be either an accountant, Doctor or Lawyer, accountancy was boring, I couldn't stand the sight of blood so by process of elimination it was law. When I trained I was awful at everything but took to crime immediately. I loved the buzz and the speed of it all.

2. What do you enjoy most about your job?

Nothing nowadays!! It's mostly management and meetings and trying to sort out legal aid. However when I go to a police station I still love it.

3. What sort of impact did the ITV documentary "The Briefs" have on your firm?

A big impact, especially in the first 2 months following the show. Our new case figures went up 20%!

4. On your Linked In profile you describe the cuts to Legal Aid as "awful". I suspect you could talk for hours on this subject but just give us a small insight into your thoughts on this.

The last rate increase for legal aid was in 1994. The last 5 years have seen significant cuts and lower volumes of work. We are now at breaking point and the supplier base can't survive any more cuts without a significant restructuring.

5. What has been your greatest personal or professional achievement so far in life?

I think just setting up a well organised happy firm providing a service to the less advantaged people in society.

6. Who's been the biggest single influence or inspiration in your career and why?

Probably Tony Edwards from TV Edwards, I have always looked up to him for his dedication to his work and the fact that he's amazingly clever also helps!

7. What advice would you give to an ambitious Lawyer at the start of their career?

Sadly keep away from legal aid if you want to have any kind of successful career financially but if you don't care about money or status then being a criminal lawyer is so rewarding and never dull!

8. Please tell us a little bit about you - growing up, education, family, hobbies, career path etc.

I was an only child and only grandchild so I was spoilt with affection and attention. I was taught that you have to work for everything you get, nobody knocks on your door and gives you anything. I went to Manchester Grammar School which provided a superb education. I am divorced but have 3 lovely children who I am very close to. My son starts a training contract at DWF in September. My career path was totally orthodox, law degree, Articles and then partnership with Barry Tucker which has been for 30 years. Hobbies essentially music and golf although I had a serious accident last year when I was hit by a wave in the sea and that has left me with permanent spinal injury so golf is on the backburner.

9. Some of our readers may be surprised to hear you are a huge philanthropist - a keen supporter of charities such as RSPCA, Shelter and PDSA. Would you tell us more about your charitable work?

I wouldn't say "huge", I prefer to contribute smaller amounts to lots of charities. I tend to favour animals, they are unable to speak up for themselves and it is a tragedy when any wonderful , unique creature becomes extinct.

10. What's your golf handicap?

Thirteen

11. Your Twitter bio mentions that you are a part time DJ. You are a dark horse! What sort of music could we expect from you if we booked you for our Christmas do?

You couldn't book me for your Xmas do as I don't do live performances now, last time was in 1990 when I gave up as a night club DJ after many years. I prefer to do radio now and it's soul music all the way with a touch of jazz and r n b thrown in.

Thanks Franklin