‘A Lawyer for all Seasons’ says farewell after 60 years

Veteran solicitor Ronald Teeman, 82, has been involved in dozens of high-profile cases, and dealt with many famous sportsmen over the years.

Mr Teeman, of Roundhay, Leeds, has stepped down from his job at Leeds-based Ford and Warren.

His most famous court cases included the Billy Bremner libel suit against the Sunday People.

The trial saw Bremner sue the paper for alleging on the front page that he had offered to bribe a player in a vital match.

Bremner was successful and received £100,000 in damages, which was the highest award ever at that time.

Mr Teeman’s knowledge of European law has also enabled him to negotiate deals with Italian football clubs for the likes of Liam Brady and Joe Jordan, along with a number of other well-known players.

Mr Teeman said yesterday: “I have enjoyed every minute of it. I loved the interaction with people and standing up for the issues they faced.

“I shall miss the people.

“A lot of people I’ve met as clients but have stayed as friends.”

One of the biggest cases Mr Teeman was ever involved in was the Leeds police trial surrounding the death of David Oluwale.

In May 1969, 38-year-old African immigrant Mr Oluwale’s battered body was recovered from the River Aire.

He had a history of spells in prison and psychiatric hospitals in Leeds, and was well known at Millgarth police station.

The high-profile case resulted in two officers going to prison after they were found guilty of assault.

The case is still a talking point 40 years later.

Mr Teeman described the Oluwale case as one of the highlights of his career,

He said: “The Oluwale case was one of the most famous cases in UK history.

“There has been a play, a radio play and a very famous book about it, and it was very interesting for me to be a part of such an important piece of social history.”

Mr Teeman started practising law in 1952 after graduating from the University of Leeds, and being articled at the law firm Ernest Wurzal.

During his time as a lecturer at the university, he also became involved in a case which related to an alleged attempt to assassinate President Nkrumah of Ghana.

His colourful career inspired Mr Teeman to write a book, which was published in 2011.

The book, called, A Lawyer for all Seasons, is a gripping account of his life and times.

It also provides an insight into Yorkshire life in the closing years of the 20th century.

When asked what he would do with his retirement, he added: “I’ve definitely got one more book in me.”

Mr Teeman, a father-of-two, lives in Roundhay with his wife Shirley.

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