In conversation with Alistair Drummond

1. What inspired you during the project?

As part of New Perimeter’s Caribbean Trial Advocacy Training project, I was asked to make three week-long trips from cold, rainy Scotland to the Caribbean (twice to Trinidad and Tobago and once to Barbados), which, in my opinion, is more than sufficient inspiration for anyone.

On a more serious note, there were two significant aspects of the trips which inspired me to return time and again.

First, there was the genuine appreciation and commitment shown by the police prosecutors to whom we were delivering the trial advocacy training. Police prosecutors in the Caribbean are not qualified or trained as lawyers but are police officers who have attained a certain rank and aptitude for court work. Not having had any formal or "in court" legal training, they often lack confidence when up against fully qualified defense lawyers. The fact that lawyers from across the globe had given up their time (work and free time) to travel many thousands of miles to work with them and share experiences was welcomed with overwhelming gratitude and excitement. Can you remember the last time you were in a lecture where the audience members were leaping to their feet with enthusiasm to join in and learn? The atmosphere was infectious and it would have been almost impossible not to be inspired by their wholehearted commitment.

Second, another significant aspect was meeting and collaborating with talented and professional colleagues from DLA Piper. Meeting fellow colleagues from eight different offices across the US with such different professional and cultural backgrounds was a true pleasure. I still recall sitting out on a warm evening, eating freshly grilled fish, talking about the day's lectures and planning for the following day. It was still work, but doing that every day was unique and inspirational.                                                   

2. What was the most fulfilling aspect of the work?

The most fulfilling aspect of the work was seeing the progress that the police prosecutors made during the training, and the confidence they gained. The training was a mixture of group lectures, small group tutorials and practical presentations. All participants had the opportunity to stand up in front of us and their colleagues and deliver an opening statement, examination-in-chief, cross, and a closing submission. Most presentations were video recorded, and all participants were provided individual feedback and constructive criticism.

By the final closing submissions, all the participants were speaking on legal topics with confidence and fluency. All were unified in their commitment to take back what they had learned to their daily court duties and, in so doing, better serve the people they represent in court.

3. What one word describes your New Perimeter trip?

It is slightly unfair to be asked to summarize such experiences in one word, but if I had to, these might be some possibilities: rewarding, fulfilling, fun, commitment and sunshine!

About Alistair Drummond

Alistair is a partner in DLA Piper's Edinburgh office.

Full bio

"The most fulfilling aspect of the work was seeing the progress that the police prosecutors made during the training, and the confidence they gained."