Do Right and Fear No One

by Leslie Thomas QC

'If deaths are not investigated, then the authorities cannot be held to account and democracy is threatened. And if deaths are not investigated, we are not a society that values human life.'

Inspired from a young age to help the marginalised and voiceless, Leslie Thomas KC has dedicated his career to fighting for the underdog and holding the State to account. This intimate and personal record of some of the most significant, controversial and disturbing legal cases of the last fifty years lays bare the very heart of the law enforcement and judicial process.

It's an unforgettable account of an idealistic and outspoken lawyer's coming of age as a Black man in London, and a powerful portrait of the lives of those he has fought for. From the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, to the deaths of Christi and Bobby Shepherd by carbon monoxide poisoning, the Birmingham Pub Bombings and the police shooting of Mark Duggan, Do Right and Fear No One present a blistering argument for a level playing field in the pursuit of justice.

Genres: Nonfiction

Audible Audio

Published April 14, 2022

Reviews

[Debbi Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good balance of cases won and lost by this QC. His personal life showed a flawed character to which was refreshing that he owned up to his shortcomings and made for a more human and real reading. The cases were fascinating and infuriating when the right outcome did not prevail. An excellent informative read of a Black QC trying to do justice for normal people.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Windrush to Grenfell - a fascinating legal memoir with important insights into Black British history of the last 60 years. Essential reading not just for us lawyers ("with a socal conscence" as Thomas describes us) who work in civil rights, inquests and cases representing individuals against the state, but hopefully for anyone else interested in justice, racism and the shortcomings of our legal system.

[Donna Morfett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leslie Thomas was told he could apply for the 11+ as he had no chance of passing. From then on he went out of his way to prove that teacher wrong.
This follows Leslie's journey from a young black boy growing up as a second generation of the Windrush immigrants and the consequences.
It then follows his journey studying law and eventually becoming a QC.
He doesn't hold back on anything, particularly his own faults and failings, of which there are plenty, some small, some not so.
It also follows many cases he's fought, and won or lost. Some will be familiar, some unheard of.
It was a fascinating view into the life of becoming, and being a top lawyer.
But its more than that. Its a really open account of a growing up as a black boy, then man in the UK. The racism is shocking. You could feel the anger of Mr Thomas, but I felt it too on his behalf, and on behalf of many of his clients.
He focused a lot on cases of death in custody, and it's beyond tragic.
I'm not sure I can say I enjoyed this exactly, I made me really angry at times, and one case he features actually made me cry. It was a fascinating and eye opening read for sure. If the law and life of a lawyer is something that interests you, I would highly recommend.

[Josh Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging and informative. A fascinating look at the politics and law of deaths at the hands of the state, and the systemic issues which accompany, and often cause, them.

Recommend to anyone who enjoyed the Secret Barrister.

[Chris Edmondson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrific, really interesting and a good balance between Mr Thomas's life and court experience. Shocked by some of his client's experiences but sadly not surprised.

[Oscar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great overview on coronial law (if that tickles your pickle)

[Roy Van Den Brande · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why all the fluff about his personal life. Write a book about (racial) injustice, or a book about the toll on your personal life in such a high profile job. The chapters about the cases of murder by police were interesting.