39th AGM, Annual Lecture and Buffet Supper

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photo of the Library at the Reform Club

Join us in the magnificent surroundings of The Library at the Reform Club at 6.00pm on Thursday 12th November, 2026 for our 39th AGM, Wine Reception and Annual Lecture, followed by a two course sit down buffet supper.

Gentlemen of the Law: Notes on some of Trollope’s Lawyers

Anthony Trollope’s novels are populated by lawyers of every kind: eminent barristers, diligent solicitors, shrewd advisers, and occasionally the odd legal rogue. Some stand at the centre of great disputes over money, property, inheritance, and reputation; others appear only briefly, yet leave a lasting impression. Together, they offer a vivid picture of the legal profession in Victorian Britain.

In this lecture, Gerard Clarke explores a selection of Trollope’s lawyers, including the celebrated Mr Dove of The Eustace Diamonds, whose opinion on Lizzie Eustace’s diamonds remains one of the most convincing pieces of legal reasoning in fiction, and the fearless advocate Mr Chaffanbrass, defender of Phineas Finn. Along the way, Gerard considers what Trollope’s lawyers reveal about the society they serve, the moral questions they confront, and the author’s understanding of law as both a practical profession and a force shaping everyday life.

Drawing on his experience as a practising barrister, Gerard combines literary criticism, legal history, and professional insight to illuminate some of Trollope’s most memorable legal characters. The result is an entertaining and thought-provoking exploration of Trollope’s gentlemen of the law.

Gerard Clarke is a London barrister. His practice has encompassed commercial, public, and media law since the 1980s, and he has appeared before courts at every level in England and Wales, as well as in international courts and tribunals. A graduate in Modern History of  the University of Oxford, he has a longstanding interest in legal history and Victorian literature, and regards Trollope’s Mr Dove as the finest lawyer in fiction.

Running order

  • 6.00pm – Trollope Society’s 39th AGM
  • 6.30 – 7.00pm – Wine reception (We will be joined by members of the Reform Club attending the lecture)
  • 7.00 – 8.00pm – Lecture followed by Q&A
  • 8.15 – 9.30pm – Two course sit down buffet supper.

Dress code

The dress code is lounge suits. The Reform Club operates a smart dress code. Male members and guests are required to wear a jacket and shirt with full collar. Ties are encouraged but not required. Female members and guests and are required to dress with similar formality. Recognised national and religious dress and service dress uniform is accepted at any time.

The 38th AGM, Annual Lecture and Buffet Supper is now fully booked.

You must be a member of the Trollope Society to join the waiting list to attend our 38th AGM & Annual Lecture, and to purchase tickets for the wine reception and buffet supper. We will be in touch if a place becomes available.

Address: The Reform Club, 104 Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5EW