As many of you will know, our dear friend and colleague, Vikki Kerly, was diagnosed with cancer in June of last year. Sadly, Vikki passed away on Monday 19th February.
Vikki Kerly was called to the Bar in 2005 and joined us as a third six pupil; it was immediately apparent that she would be a star. She was recruited to the Crime Team as a tenant as soon as her third six pupillage ended and she was the consummate team player. Vikki was always willing to put herself out for others and she would get on with whatever was thrown at her without the slightest complaint. She was a truly remarkable person – full of energy and fun, with a keen sense of humour. Those of us who had the pleasure and privilege of working with Vikki knew that she was a fantastic lawyer, incredibly hard working and great at dealing with the most difficult of clients. She made an enormous contribution to Chambers, chairing the Pupillage and Tenancy Committee – a committee avoided by most other members of Chambers, due to the vast amount of work involved in running it.
Vikki was born and brought up in Keynsham. Her father’s work as a quantity surveyor took the family abroad and she lived in Hong Kong for a short spell when she was young. Vikki graduated from Liverpool University where she studied Law and she then undertook a Masters. She decided to pursue a career at the Bar and first went to America, where she worked with lawyers representing prisoners on Death Row. No doubt inspired by her experience there, she was to become a committed and fearless defence practitioner.
Vikki was great company - a complete joy to be around. She faced her illness with her customary humour, immense courage and dignity. Words cannot convey our sadness at her loss. She will never be forgotten.
Our condolences go to all of those who loved and cared for her, especially to her parents, David and Pauline - her sister, Jo, brother in law, Rich, and her partner, Matthew.
Judy Khan QC
