Thrings Managing Partner Simon Holdsworth meets Jeremy Thring, Consultant and former Senior Partner for Thrings Solicitors.
Simon Holdsworth: Tell us a little about yourself and how you got into the law?
Jeremy Thring: Originally, I had no wish to be a lawyer; following in the footsteps of my father and grandfather – the world seemed much more exciting.
Three weeks after finishing school, I had enlisted into the Army for my National Service. The nearest I came to serious action was being ordered on short notice to be part of the invasion force for the Suez Crisis but ended up being stood down before deployment.
Serving in the military was a hugely beneficial and formative experience for me and I had considered joining as a regular, but my father thought otherwise.
After coming home, I decided to qualify as a solicitor then I could do as I wanted. This started with five years of unpaid articles to the firm – something that would be unheard of today. The cards of life did deal me an ace at that time though, as this was when I met my truly wonderful wife Cynthia who would become my rock and constant for 60 years.
Of course, my father was right, and I grew to profoundly respect and admire the law and the rule of law without which no society can function properly. Even at 88 years of age, I still admire the lucid reasoning and language embedded into legal judgements.
SH: What is it about Bath that has kept you here all this time?
JT: It has to be the family and friends I’m lucky to have amassed over the years, as well as being part of a very decent firm with staff who care about their clients and share a common ethos.
Then there is Bath itself which really is the most beautiful city surrounded by green hills with the most glorious elegant and uplifting architecture. It has changed over the years but has still retained its character.
One of the most important agents of change has been the coming of the University of Bath which has brought growth, young blood and rejuvenation to the city. It is a much valued institution and a credit to the city.
SH: Outside of your legal work, would you say you’ve an active part of the community?
JT: I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to get involved with a number of charities and institutions across the city, starting with the Bath Hospital Management Committee in the 1960s – the first of many roles with what is now the RUH.
I also served as a Governor of Bath School for many years, as Pro-chancellor for the University of Bath and as Deputy Lieutenant for Avon and later for Somerset. I’ll leave it there as it is starting to sound too much like an obituary, but each role was a wonderful experience.
SH: How does it feel to have seen the firm with your name on the door grow over the years?
JT: Aside from appealing to my vanity somewhat that the name hasn’t changed, I am proud to see how the firm has evolved. When I first joined, we were in Queen Square and we are still here today! Seeing so many junior lawyers progress through their career with us has been a privilege, and for so many to stay, to me, says a lot about the culture and the personality we have fostered.
SH: Have there been any moments that particularly stand out from your career?
JT: There have been many hilarious moments over the years, several which I should keep to myself, but I do recall many years ago when Henrietta Park was flooded, and I was needed to collect an elderly lady from her home in a punt. Heaven knows where I got it from!
SH: What pieces of advice would you give to someone starting in law now?
JT: If you want to do it, then do it! In my view it is the best kind of training in the world to qualify as a lawyer and the thinking behind it can prepare you for nearly any walk of life. It is hard work as the law is ever-changing, but it is absolutely worth it and with so many avenues to law, you will always be able to find an area that you will enjoy.
