Comic solicitors stand up for charity

By Ben Schofield on Jul 15, 08 10:54 AM

A TRIO of Merseyside's leading solicitors swapped the law for laughs to raise money for charity last week.

The staff at Kirwans Solicitors starred in the "Take a Stand" comedy revue to raise cash for the Liverpool-based Roy Cancer Lung Cancer Foundation.

Simon Gibson, Daniel Stear and John-Paul Dennis took to the stage at the Albert Dock's Baby Blue club on Thursday.

Kirwan's John-Paul Dennis at the Take a Stand comedy event.jpg It followed a four-week course helping prepare them for the experience of cracking gags in front of a live audience.

Mr Gibson, a partner and head of the firm's Personal Injury department, said the event was not only an opportunity to support a good cause in an entertaining manner but a chance to hone necessary professional skills.

He added: "I think people are more attracted to working with individuals who are confident in presenting material as well as using humour on an appropriate basis.

"Contrary to the suggestion that it might undermine our reputation as serious lawyers, this was a unique way of interacting with clients. It's also creative and really good fun."

Mr Gibson was the warm-up for Mr Stear and Mr Dennis, associates in the Conveyancing and Private Client department respectively.

After coaching from local comedy company Tongue in Cheek, the three have been honing their material which, says Simon Gibson, was "whimsical and observational but certainly not blue".

He continued: "It was a great night out and we're very hopeful of raising in the region of £1,000."