What was your route into the profession?
I did not take the traditional route to the Bar. My father was a lawyer and was very keen that I should follow in his footsteps. In an effort to rebel, I decided to do science A-Levels and then embarked upon a science degree. I soon realised the error of my ways, not least because I couldn’t stand the sight of blood. Notwithstanding my impediment, I successfully completed my degree and took the Bar Conversion Course at City University followed by Bar finals at the Inns of Court School of Law.
What has been your biggest career challenge so far?
Being the only Silk in the North West undertaking exclusively matrimonial finance. When I took Silk I was in my early 40s and there was no clear career path for me to follow, and no precedent of someone establishing a successful Silk’s practice specialising solely in matrimonial finance outside London. It was a huge risk, but one which has proved to be worth taking.
Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?
I have been fortunate to be surrounded by inspirational lawyers throughout my time at the Bar. When I came to the Bar, there were very few women in senior judicial roles. It is a constant source of inspiration to me that there are now so many more women in senior judicial roles.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?
Certainly nothing involving any blood!
Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?
I don’t have one, but my guilty pleasure was The Good Fight.
What change would you make to the profession?
My biggest concerns for the Bar are diversity and the invisible barriers to entry that exist in the profession. The number of applicants for pupillage far outstrips the availability of places. Every year there are hundreds of graduates making applications for a small handful of places in chambers, and the vast majority have very significant levels of debt and no real means of repaying it. I question whether the model of allowing so many students to complete Bar Finals is sustainable in the long term, and how we enhance social mobility.
For those who do make it, we need to address how to retain members of the Bar, particularly young women who struggle to return to work after having children. It is imperative that we do all we can to ensure that they stay at the Bar.
How do you relax?
I am passionate about cycling, preferably up a mountain in Europe in the sunshine.
Sally Harrison QC is a barrister & matrimonial finance expert at St John’s Buildings
