Stephens Scown's head of energy and recent recipient of an MBE Sonya Bedford shares her passion for the environment
What was your route into the profession?
Classics degree then CPE and LPC (Exeter University). I have since done an MSc in renewable energy as well.
What has been your biggest career challenge so far?
There have been so many! Moving from Bristol to Stephens Scown and starting the renewables team in a very new industry was a big challenge.
Giving presentations on large scale solar developments and how to achieve them legally when none had ever been done was certainly another massive challenge.
My latest challenge is doing consultancy work with the energy services team at Bristol City Council, having never undertaken any public law previously! I like to push myself and learn new things—and there is certainly never a dull moment in my field of law!
Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?
There are many, including people I have worked with, but for overall sheer determination and being a true fighter who uses the law to help our environment it has to be Polly Higgins.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?
I would definitely stay in the renewable energy field, so I have lots of choices. If I was not a lawyer I would really have loved to be an energy consultant, environmental campaigner or community energy activist full time. I am part of a band, so full time musician would be my other option!
Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?
I don’t get much time to read legal fiction! I have watched two episodes of Suits—does that help?
What change would you make to the profession?
I would make legal services more available to everyone. It is still seen as a service many can’t access. I would also love an opportunity to tell people more about what we do all day so that it is understood how we can help!
How do you relax?
I sit on the board of a number of community energy groups and I get a lot of enjoyment out of volunteering for them. Spending time with my family, riding my horse and singing with my band give me balance in a very busy life!
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