INTERVIEW


What’s driving Mr Balkitis?


From speed cameras and congestion charging, to vehicle excise duty and tax on insurance, driving is a legal minefield. Some argue that road users are seen as a cash cow by Government, while others see the law as a necessity for both safety and lessening the environmental impact of motoring. Over three decades, ANTON BALKITIS, Partner at Nottingham-based law firm Rothera Dowson, has made a name for himself by successfully representing commercial vehicle operators and drivers across the country. Business Network Deputy Editor Andy Hibberd talked to him about his career, legal red tape and some of the biggest bugbears for motorists.


Andy Hibberd: You’ve earned something of a reputation for successfully representing all road users, from large haulage firms through bus operators to everyday motorists and even the odd famous face. Have you always specialised in this area of the law and what prompted you to take up the profession in the first place? Anton Balkitis: I joined Rothera Dowson in 1989, so I have over 25 years with the firm. Before moving into road transport law and motorist defence I specialised in fighting damages cases on behalf of insurers and then migrated into claimant personal injury litigation. You might say I played bad cop and then good cop. I also


cut my teeth on medical negligence as well. One day I was asked to go to court for a company that had an unsecured digger fall off the back of a lorry and somehow I obtained an absolute discharge for the client. After that I was asked to go to court more often. Transport and motoring has become my passion because


it encompasses a wide range of laws and regulation and I get to represent a variety of clients from all walks of life and backgrounds including national and international passenger and goods vehicle operators, ferry operators and private motorists. Growing up in the ’80s, watching TV programmes such


as Crown Court and LA Law whet my appetite for a career in the law. I now, of course, see past the glitz and glamour of those shows. I set my mind on studying for a law degree after my


careers teacher suggested I was probably best suited to sales – advice I was intent on proving wrong. However, as it happens, as well as being a respectable profession, law is a business and you do have to be able to sell yourself. I found my legal training far too academic. University


didn’t teach the important business aspects of the profession or how to interact with different people or attract new clients. Commercial awareness and other key competencies are just as important as technical skill for success.


AH: What would you say was your biggest success? AK: I’ve had the privilege of working with some renowned operators in transportation and logistics, but many of the most memorable moments of my career are the more humorous situations. The first time I appeared in court I had a most unfortunate mix-up with the words “fork lift truck” and I once represented a client on issues of ‘financial standing’ whose real name was Robin Banks.


22 business network February 2016 Transport and motoring are Anton’s passion People tend to think of a career in law as being quite


stuffy but I’ve never found it lacking in comedic moments. When I retire I think I’ll write a soap opera.


AH: Have you ever been stopped by the police and, when you’ve given your name, had them just walk away? AK: Needless to say, I’m a very safe driver and clean licence holder. In this job, you see the real impact of, for example, careless, dangerous and drink driving and it’s simply not worth breaking the law. Saying that, if I committed a road traffic violation I would expect to be treated in the same way as any other road user. During my career, I’ve represented a number of well-


known names and believe me when I say there’s no special treatment or turning of blind eyes when it comes to the law. The police have an important job to do and I fully respect that.


‘If I committed a road traffic violation I would expect to be treated in the same way as any other road user’


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