We are deeply saddened to learn that our friend, John Reilly of Counsel, died peacefully on 27 December 2015 after a short illness.  

Born in County Mayo, the Irish Republic, he was called to the Bar of Ireland (King’s Inns) in 1982. A fearless, sophisticated advocate, he was a great ‘jury man’ and would invariably have the jury enraptured and eating out of his hand, as his stunning acquittal rate would indicate. A great strategist, unfazed by difficult trial judges (in fact, he relished a good scrap with members of the Judiciary), with an adoring and grateful client base. Indeed, whilst undiagnosed with cancer, he was still winning difficult and complex trials during the last few months.

He set up Tooks Chambers with Michael Mansfield QC, in its time one of the leading sets of chambers at, what was often described as, the radical or liberal Bar.

He is the father of our colleagues Sean, James, and Eiran, and our deepest condolences are extended to them, his beloved wife Laxmi, and the remaining members of John’s family.