To mark the 300th anniversary of the publication of Gulliver’s Travels, Hester Grant will deliver a thirty‑minute lecture inspired by her acclaimed book The Twitnam Summer: Friendship, Satire and the Writing of Gulliver’s Travels. Swift’s masterpiece has a historical connection to Middle Temple.
Grant will explore the factors that helped to inspire Swift’s sharp and often merciless satire of lawyers and the legal profession, and the manner in book came to be written.
The lecture offers a fascinating opportunity to consider how the literature of an earlier age can illuminate contemporary legal culture because Swift’s satire was not merely playful; it was a pointed commentary on the legal institutions, professional practices, and political tensions of the early eighteenth century. His portrayal of lawyers as manipulative, verbose, or self‑interested was exaggerated for effect, yet it raises enduring questions about professional ethics, public trust, and the responsibilities of those who practise law.
In the second part of the event, Master Andrew Hochhauser KC, Director of Middle Temple Advocacy, will examine the continuing relevance of Swift’s critique. Swift’s famous depiction of lawyers “a society…among us, proving, by words multiplied for the purpose, that white is black, and black is white, according as they are paid” captures a tension that still resonates within the adversarial system: the balance between truth, justice, and fee‑driven advocacy. Master Hochhauser KC will explore how Swift anticipated modern concerns about legal opacity, delay, adversarial strategy, and the ethical duties of counsel.
He will also consider Swift’s reflections on the moral dimension of legal practice, the importance of public confidence in the profession, and the pressures faced by the modern Bar from acting for unpopular clients to navigating political controversy while upholding the rule of law. Swift’s treatment of the judiciary, though firmly rooted in the eighteenth century, prompts valuable reflection on judicial independence and the perception of impartiality today.
This event promises a rich blend of literary insight, legal history, and contemporary relevance an opportunity to engage with Swift’s enduring satire and to reflect on the role of lawyers in shaping public life across three centuries.
The wine reception for the event has been generously sponsored by a donor who wishes to remain anonymous.
Student members (including transferring lawyers) must attend the lecture and the reception in order to be awarded the Qualifying Session.
Students/Hall Members/Benchers: Guests welcome
Members of other Inns and their guests: contact the Treasury Office by calling 020 7427 4800 to book.
Members of the Historical Society who are not members of the Inn: contact the Treasury Office by calling 020 7427 4800 to book.
If you (or your guests) have any dietary requirements, please ensure that you provide this information ASAP and no later than 09:00 three working days before the event. Members of Middle Temple can add this information by logging into your account and going to ‘My upcoming events’ and editing your booking(s). Members of other Inns, where applicable, can email enquiries@middletemple.org.uk or phone 020 7427 4800.
If you (or your guests) are unsure about anything on the evening please speak to the events staff on duty.
Non-alcoholic alternatives will be provided on request.
After this session, students should be able to:
The QS will align with these elements of the Professional Statement:
Click here to view the BSB's Professional Statement
If you have any feedback on a QS you have attended or have any suggestions for future sessions, please contact the education department on education@middletemple.org.uk
Bookings: Unless the event sells out earlier, booking will close at 15:00 on the day of the event.
Cancellations: Please cancel your ticket if you are no longer able to attend. When an event has sold out we often have a waiting list.
View details of how to book, plus our Bookings and Cancellation Policies
If you have questions about accessibility at the Inn or if you would like to request support, please email Laura Hacon.
The Inn is committed to improving access to all its services and encourages members to get in touch with suggestions and feedback on how we can improve. If you feel your experience using the website or attending one of our events could be improved, please email Laura. Your suggestions will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Middle Temple endeavours to make the Inn as inclusive as possible for all of its members, guests and staff.
If you have questions regarding religious practice at the Inn or at Inn events, or if you would like to request support, please email the Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator Laura Hacon. The Inn endeavours to make reasonable adjustments where possible.
The Inn is committed to improving access to all its services and encourages members to get in touch with suggestions and feedback on how we can improve. If you feel your experience using the website or attending one of our events could be improved, please email Laura. Your suggestions will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Please be aware that photography, audio and video recording may take place at our events. These may be used for promotional purposes by the Inn, including in printed publications, on our website, and on our social media accounts. If you do not wish to have your photograph taken or to have images of you used, please alert the Membership Team at the start of the event. We are unable to guarantee that you will not be included in the background of photographs that are being taken. Contact: 020 7427 6385, members@middletemple.org.uk
All personal data that the Inn stores and processes is held in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Inn’s Data Protection Policy. You can ask the Inn to stop using your images at any time, or request to see the personal data that the Inn holds on you. For more information please visit the Data Protection page http://www.middletemple.org.uk/about-us/data-protection