I took silk in 2011, largely practising in family law, but following many years with a mixed practice of crime, family and civil. When I joined chambers in 1986 as a pupil I already had 2 very young children and was the first woman in chambers with children. I was also the first in my family to go to university, although that quickly changed. As the 5th of 6 children of hard working immigrant parents, a career at the Bar was certainly not on the agenda at my comprehensive school. But when I joined chambers, I knew I was in the right place. Life at the Bar is not easy. It involves hard work, lots of juggling and balancing of priorities. Against that for the most part there is huge job satisfaction and camaraderie. I have spent my entire career at the Bar at 7BR. I can’t imagine being anywhere else. We really are a mixed bunch. Friendly and supportive, from pupillage and beyond. Something which I know was fostered and promoted before I joined chambers, and continues.
