In Memoriam

Lord Mishcon of Lambeth
1915-2006

In January, everyone at Mishcon de Reya, his many clients and indeed the legal community in this country and abroad were saddened to learn of the passing of the Firm’s founder Lord Mishcon of Lambeth, aged 90. In a remarkable career spanning eight decades he gained a worldwide reputation for his wisdom, integrity and discretion.

Created a Labour life peer in 1978, Lord Mishcon combined a successful career in the law with over 60 years of public service. His work in local government in London included chairmanship of the LCC in 1954, followed by service on the GLC as member for Lambeth. In the 1960s he was a member of ILEA. In the House of Lords, he rose to Opposition spokesman on home affairs (1983-1990) and on legal affairs, effectively Shadow Lord Chancellor, (1983-1992). He sat on many distinguished House of Lords committees. In 1992, two years into his tenure as Shadow Lord Chancellor, Mishcon became the first practicing solicitor to become an honorary Queen’s Counsel. Throughout his career, Lord Mishcon played an important role in international diplomacy including the peace agreement between Jordan and Israel for which he was awarded the Star of Jordan (First Class) 1995 by King Hussein. Other foreign honours include Commander Royal Swedish Order of North Star 1954 and the Star of Ethiopia 1954.

Prime Minister Tony Blair led the tributes to Lord Mishcon.

“Victor Mishcon was an outstanding servant to the Labour Party both in local government and as a member of the House of Lords. He served for many years on the frontbench and his grasp of complex legal issues made him a formidable, highly persuasive and respected advocate and speaker. He was admired by political friends and opponents and will be greatly missed.”
Prime Minister Tony Blair

“A wise and decent man, a great lawyer who founded and led a great law firm. He was a man who put every community of which he was a member before himself. The law, the Labour Party and the Lords have lost a very big man.”
Lord Chancellor
Lord Falconer

In marking the passing of Lord Victor Mishcon of Lambeth, Shimon Peres said the world has lost a “remarkable personality” and the Jewish people a “magnificent leader.” Peres called his death an “enormous loss.”
Former Israel Prime Minister Shimon Peres, Jerusalem Post