It is with great sadness that we announce the passing yesterday of our former colleague, and much-loved friend, His Honour Harold Singer.
Harold was born in Manchester and was educated at Salford Grammar School where he met and became a lifelong friend of the actor, Albert Finney. From school, he went up to Cambridge University to study law at Fitzwilliam House.
Having graduated with an MA (Hons), Harold decided to try for the Bar.
The original chambers were situated at 28, Kennedy Street, Manchester. In 1957 Chambers moved to Bow Lane and, soon after, Harold commenced pupillage with CN Glidewell followed by George Spafford.
Not only did he become an esteemed, respected and popular member of chambers, Harold also became Chamber’s official in-house photographer and for the next 20 years unswervingly attending all chambers’ events, capturing such momentous historical moments as there were in photographic form and tirelessly educating as many members as would listen in the splendour of the new 39mm screw mount (LTM/L39) Leica camera.
Harold developed a mixed practice (as was almost universally the position of most practitioners in those days) but as a senior junior concentrated on prosecuting complex and lengthy criminal cases. He became a Recorder in 1981 and was appointed as a Circuit Judge on the Northern Circuit in 1984 where he remained until his retirement in 2003.
He was a popular, easy-mannered tribunal with a subtle but wicked sense of humour often combining all of those traits in asking a telling question of counsel in front of him and awaiting a response with pursed lips and a devilish grin. Those who remember him on the bench might well recognize that description.
As a barrister and as a Judge, Harold was always helpful, encouraging and kind. He was unfailingly courteous to all and, throughout his career(s) remained a supportive and reliable professional colleague.
Whilst a loving father to all his children, Harold was hugely proud of his only son, Andrew whom he saw through Bury Grammar School and Cambridge University and to the Bar, joining our chambers following a pupillage in London, thereafter taking silk, being appointed as a Recorder and, in 2022, becoming Head of Chambers.
Harold will be remembered by all who knew him with great affection.
We send our condolences to his wife Adele, to Andrew, his sisters Rachel and Victoria and his family at this difficult time.
Nick Braslavsky KC
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