Dear All,

Matthew Steeples will be interviewing Karen Phillipps, legal advisor and barrister at PJ’s Chelsea Brasserie in London, SW3 on Sunday, 8th December 2024.

Join us for not only a festive evening which will include a delicious 3 course Christmas dinner and a glass of Prosecco and half a bottle of red or white wine per person, but also a discussion between Matthew and Karen Phillipps to mark the launch of her memoirs of Britain’s most feared and most famous lawyer within living memory, the late, great George Carman QC.

In Get Carman - which former Chancellor of the Exchequer Norman Lamont describes as “gripping” and which Geoffrey Robertson KC lauds as “a valuable insight into a memorable man” - Phillipps tells of the experiences she shared with a barrister described by Joshua Rozenberg as “both the best-liked” and most feared advocate at the English bar.”

In the account, Phillipps delves into Carman’s most notable cases and examines not only this legal titan's rise to prominence defending the disgraced former Liberal Party leader Jeremy Thorpe on a charge of conspiracy to murder, but also cases including Sonia Sutcliffe v. News of the World, Elton John v. Mirror Group Newspapers, Jonathan Aitken v. The Guardian and Neil Hamilton v. Mohamed Al Fayed. On the night, guests will be able to ask the author about not only the courtroom dramas and legendary “one-line zingers” that made Carman famous, but also learn of why, as Judge Rinder’s Rob Rinder MBE puts it, "the bad, the sad and sometimes the mad – would (if they could) do anything to get Carman.”
Copies of Get Carmen will be available to purchase and to be signed on the night for £25, cash only.

I very much hope that you will be able to attend what will not only be a fascinating discussion of the career of Britain’s most formidable barrister, but also to celebrate Christmas with The London Legal Networking Group.

8th December 2024

18:00 - 19:00 Arrivals and Prosecco

19:00
Matthew Steeples interviews ‘Get Carman’ author Karen Phillipps

20:00 - 22:30
Dinner and conversations

22:30 - 23:30
After dinner drinks

23:30 - 00:00
Carriages

PJ'S Brasserie Christmas Discussion Dinner Menu

Please choose one of each.

Starters

GOLDSTEIN SMOKED SALMON - shallots, capers, cornichons, mixed herbs, bread & butter

DUCK LIVER PARFAIT - plum chutney, toasted sourdough

Mains

TRADITIONAL ROAST TURKEY - roast potatoes, carrots, parsnips, pigs in blankets, cranberry sauce, gravy

ROAST BREAST OF DUCK - dauphinoise potatoes, buttered kale, cherry & red wine sauce

SEABASS FILLET - braised fennel, chilli and tomato beurre blanc

BAROLO BRAISED SHIN OF BEEF - pomme puree, baby onions and baby mushrooms

WILD MUSHROOM RISOTTO - sautéed wild mushrooms, fresh chives

Desserts

CHRISTMAS PUDDING - traditional pudding rich with fruit and spices, served with brandy sauce

CRÈME BRULEE - vanilla crème brulee topped with a caramelised sugar crust

BELGIAN CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE CAKE - raspberry coulis, salted caramel ice cream

CROPWELL BISHOP STILTON - plum chutney and crackers

Drinks

Aside from a glass of Prosecco on arrival, guests will have the option to choose either 1/2 bottle of either red or white wine.

Reviews of Get Carmqn
“George Carman was a titan of the English Bar and Karen Phillipps knew him better than anyone.” Thomas Grant KC, barrister and author of Court Number One

“As for many barristers of my generation, George Carman was my legal idol. He possessed a matchless gift for court craft. His piercing cross-examinations and unparalleled talent for devastating one-line zingers were truly the stuff of legend. In this wonderful and beautifully written book, Karen Phillipps reminds us all why anybody in legal trouble – the bad, the sad and sometimes the mad – would (if they could) do anything to get Carman.” Rob Rinder MBE

“Because of her close friendship with George Carman, Karen Phillipps is uniquely qualified to write this gripping account of the triumphs of Britain’s greatest advocate in recent years. There may have been better lawyers, but Carman was without equal when it came to convincing a jury and winning cases. Karen analyses each case – from Jonathan Aitken’s libel case to Jeremy Thorpe’s murder trial – and pinpoints the often unexpected turning points that made Carman so feared.” Norman Lamont, former Chancellor of the Exchequer

“George Carman was a Technicolor figure in an often monochrome profession. Few people knew him better than Karen Phillipps. Her insight into and affection for him pervade every sentence of this book and helps create the nuanced and vivid portrait this formidable and compelling man deserves.” Simon Heffer, historian and journalist

“A giddy romp through the most famous trials led by one of Britain’s greatest barristers. Phillipps skilfully showcases George Carman’s unrivalled courtroom skills and brilliance, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in legal drama and the art of advocacy.” Sasha Swire, author of Diary of an MP’s Wife

“George Carman was a legend in his own lifetime, sadly cut short by cancer. In this interesting book, Karen Phillipps explains that the secret of his success at the Bar was not natural talent but hard work. His triumphs are well told. This is a valuable insight into a memorable man.” Geoffrey Robertson KC, barrister and author

“George Carman’s clients were some of the most bizarre, talented and complex figures in British public life. Carman was as talented and enigmatic as those he represented. This is a brilliantly vivid insider’s account of Carman and his astonishing triumphs in the courtroom.” Steve Richards, author of The Prime Minister

Best wishes

André Apollos

on behalf of

Matthew Steeples
Editor-in-Chief
The Steeple Times
matthew@thesteepletimes.com
[http://thesteepletimes.com](http://thesteepletimes.com/)

Below is an Eventbrite payment link to reserve your place.
[https://www.eventbrite.com/e/xmas-dinner-with-the-steeple-times-author-karen-phillipps-tickets-1098774808029](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/xmas-dinner-with-the-steeple-times-author-karen-phillipps-tickets-1098774808029)

Should you prefer to pay by direct bank transfer, please send payment to the following. If doing so, please mark your payment “XMAS DINNER” and confirm that you have sent to angelo@thesteepletimes.com:

Bank: Barclays Bank
Account Name: Longreach Publishing Limited
Sort Code: 20-90-74
Account Number: 63608697
IBAN: GB13BUKB20907463608697
SWIFTBIC: BUKB

Please RSVP and purchase your ticket because spaces are limited for a memorable evening of great company, scrumptious food and drinks!

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Xmas dinner & discussion with barrister Karen Phillipps 'Get Carman' author 

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Xmas dinner & discussion with barrister Karen Phillipps 'Get Carman' author

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