26/08/2025
It is with great sadness that I share the passing of my former boss and dear friend, Margaret Banks, who died on 10 July 2025 at the age of 69.
I first began working with Margaret, sole practitioner/ owner of the firm MI Banks back in 2010, when my ambition was to qualify as a duty solicitor in criminal defence. Under her guidance, I not only achieved that but also gained higher rights of audience.
Simultaneously, I developed a wealth of experience in family law, from private children disputes and domestic violence to non-molestation orders and care proceedings. Margaret gave me opportunities I will always be grateful for, and I eventually became the in-house advocate for most family matters within the company, which naturally led to me becoming an experienced advocate. By the time I left the firm, I was a specialist in care and children advocacy.
Margaret was, above all, a solicitor of deep integrity. She worked incredibly hard, often six days a week and late into the evening, and she believed passionately in helping clients, particularly the vulnerable. The firm consistently passed tough legal aid audits, a reflection of her honesty, ethics, and insistence on doing things properly.
She was also a mentor in the truest sense. Margaret taught me not only the law, but also resilience, patience, and a respect for regulation and client care. She gave me a glowing character reference when I applied to transfer the Bar and become a barrister in 2020, and even after I was called, we remained close. During the Covid pandemic, I rented back my old desk so I had somewhere to work away from home, and Margaret continued to send me instructions as my practice grew.
Of course, she was not without her quirks, and those are part of what made her unforgettable. Margaret had an almost legendary obsession with the office toilet window being left open, convinced that a thief (or perhaps a thief’s child) might crawl in overnight. More than once, I was summoned back in the evening to close it, knowing that if I ignored the call, a string of missed calls would follow from other staff members further down her list asking why I hadn't returned to the office given I lived the closest and they would not be happy if they needed to make the 1 hour round trip!
The window in question wasn't ground floor it was a small square window on the first floor, that Margaret herself wasn't able to reach due to her mobility. It was exasperating at times, I would sometimes plead with Margaret that there was nothing worth stealing in the office for an opportunist (apart from biscuits) but also endearing, and it still makes me smile now!
Over the years, Margaret became much more than my employer. She was a mentor, a friend, and someone who forgave my many mistakes (including a couple of huffy resignations). We enjoyed memorable staff nights out, and a few of her former employees, inspired by her example, have gone on to set up their own firms. Others have gone on to top roles in the local authority or other firms. That's is one of her attributes: not just the cases she fought, but the lawyers she shaped.
Not just solicitors but the opportunities were often there for all staff members to develop new skills and gain experience. Some of the best and trusted staff members and friends were "support staff".
In June, Margaret had been due to attend the Manchester Barrister of the Year Awards with me, when I was one of the three finalists, a fitting reminder of how much she had influenced my journey. She had also been looking forward to celebrating her 70th birthday later this year after a period of ill health. Sadly, it was not to be. God had other plans, but her presence will remain in the many lives and careers she touched.
Knowing Margaret for over 15 years, there are far too many stories to capture in one post. Some were positive lessons, others were moments where she would challenge me with, “if you think you can do better, go and do it.” Many of those experiences shaped who I am today. If you ever catch me, there are countless stories and influences I can share, many funny, and some perhaps best left unprintable.
Margaret Banks will be remembered as a tireless worker, an honest and ethical lawyer, and above all, a mentor and friend. I will miss her greatly, but I remain thankful for all she gave me.
Condolences to her husband George, daughter Lucy and all family and friends.
— Ravi Sethi
