Roger Lancaster

It is with great regret that Kings Chambers learnt of the recent passing of Roger Lancaster. 

Roger retired in 2016, having practiced for the last 14 years of his professional career as a senior member of the Planning Department of Kings Chambers. Before converting to become a barrister Roger had been a partner in the firm of Halliwells and was a large  part of the firm’s commercial success in the 1990s.

Although Roger was qualified and practiced in both branches of the profession he was first and foremost an advocate of the old school. His direct and blunt manner of presenting a case belied a ferocious intellect and there was no-one in an inquiry who had more mastery of his brief than Roger. He built up an impressive and loyal client base, from national house builders, developers through to national retailers. During the supermarket wars fought over the inquiry table in the 1990s Roger fought the corner for Kwiksave and then Somerfield usually against one of the big 4 operators. Once at the Bar he even dipped his toe in the water of the High Court from time to time. He was also unashamedly northern in his manner – baffling many a southern opponent with cross examination about the frequency of the buzzes.

Fundamentally Roger was a good old fashioned robust, but honourable advocate who would be tenacious in the pursuit of a client’s case. More importantly he was charming company and a good friend to many in Chambers who will miss him dearly. 

Chambers conveys their profound condolences to his widow Margaret and his family and friends.