What was your route into the profession?
I read English at Oxford University. Having decided that I would enjoy a career involving words, I initially flirted with becoming a solicitor before deciding to apply for the law conversion course at City University. After City, I completed my Bar finals and moved straight on to pupillage and tenancy at One Essex Court, where I remained until my move to Serle Court Chambers in March 2019.
What has been your biggest career challenge so far?
On returning to work after having my third child, I was instructed as part of the counsel team in a huge IT case, BSkyB Ltd and another v HP Enterprise Services UK Ltd (formerly Electronic Data Systems Ltd) and others [2010] EWHC 86 (TCC), which occupied a whole year of court time in the Technology and Construction Court. I had to work most weekends and holidays while caring for three very small children (with the help of my long-suffering husband). However, I did develop my experience into a successful IT practice.
Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?
I am simply in awe of Dinah Rose QC of Blackstone Chambers, who seems to be incapable of losing a case.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?
Senior management at John Lewis, my favourite shop.
Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?
Chuck Rhoades Jr in the TV series Billions.
What change would you make to the profession?
I would move away from billing by the hour, which encourages inefficiency and makes young lawyers miserable.
How do you relax?
I sing with the Bach Choir, and dance the Argentine tango badly.
