Keir Starmer QC, the Labour MP and the party’s Brexit spokesperson, has decided against taking on a role advising the Mishcon Academy, Mishcon de Reya‘s in-house training arm in London, citing other commitments.
In a statement, Starmer said: ‘I am grateful to Mishcon de Reya for discussing a possible role advising the Mishcon Academy with me, but, given my other commitments, I have decided not to further the discussions.’
Yesterday’s media reports of discussions between Starmer and Mishcon regarding possible work advising in-house training arm attracted criticism from a Conservative MP who sought to accuse him of a ‘conflict of interest’.
Earlier in the year, Mishcon de Reya successfully acted for campaigner Gina Miller in a landmark legal challenge which resulted in a Supreme Court ruling that confirmed the UK was unable to legally exit the EU without parliamentary approval.
Mishcon disputes partner Rob Murray acted on the case, instructing Lord Pannick QC and Rhodri Thompson QC.
Starmer, who was formerly previously the director of public prosecutions for England and Wales, has worked for Mishcon in the past. He joined the firm as a part-time dispute resolution consultant in 2014. Starmer’s register of interests says that between 1 June and 30 September 2016, he received £4,500 a month for legal advice provided to Mishcon.
Between June and November of the same year, Starmer also received £7,200 for legal advice given to West End firm Simons Muirhead & Burton.
The Holborn and St Pancras MP is a tenant at Doughty Street Chambers, where he specialises in human rights law.