Old Bailey
 

I am an attorney going to London for a meeting. I am only going to have a day and a half to myself but thought about checking out Old Bailey. I've been to London and done the Harrods thing and a lot of the tourist stops and thought it would be a change. Is it worth it or a waste of valuable time.

Be sure to visit Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese pub on Fleet Street. A favorite for an attorney. ((b))

It's a working court (the Central Criminal Court) - most high profile cases are tried there but no doubt so are a lot of boring ones. Up to you if your professional interest would be sufficiently engaged, or if you would prefer to use your spare time on something completely different (come to that if you want to see the criminal justice process in action, you could try one of the more local Crown Courts in London).
http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/our_s...inal_court.htm

As a lawyer, you should find the experience fascinating. It was one of the high points of my visit. I found it was almost like watching a movie. At the trial I watched, the judge sounded like Charles Laughton!
Go!

Depending on what day you're going to be there you might be able to go on the Inns of Court walk offered by London Walks. This is a great walk, and an eye-opener for any American lawyer.

You'll find it really interesting if you practice criminal law -- what the heck, if you like reading the Rumpole books, you'll like it whatever your practice. I used to work right across from the old Bailey on Bishop's Court; the Magpie & Stump (now demolished) at the corner was a wonderful hangout at lunch and early evening.

Instead, after there, head down Fleet street, don't forget to stop at El Vino's wine bar (known in Rumpole circles as "Pommeroy's wine bar"), the head down through Middle Temple -- wonderful area where the barrister's offices are located. Look for the pub right in their by the fountain. It's a bit of a maze, so I can't direct you, but it's worth it if you can find it.

Oops -- sorry for all the typos, I'm getting tired!