Called: 1997
Employed Barrister: Deputy Director at the Government Legal Department
Elected as a Barrister Governing Bencher in 2024
PLEASE GIVE DETAILS OF YOUR CHAMBERS/ORGANISATION AND MAIN PRACTICE AREA(S).
I am a Deputy Director at the Government Legal Department. My team’s portfolio covers the areas of Science, Intellectual Property and Space and they advise the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology.
WHY DID YOU WANT TO BECOME A BENCHER?
As I was a member of the Bar Liaison Committee, I wanted to be able to continue to support the Inn in a more senior capacity, if the opportunity arose. Importantly, being a Bencher allows me to give something back to the Inn not just for the present, but also for the next generation.
HOW DID YOU GO ABOUT FINDING THREE BENCHERS TO PROPOSE YOU?
I had the good fortune of having worked with my Bencher proposers in different capacities: one was a work colleague, and they had also encouraged me to initially join the Bar Liaison Committee; one was a co-chair of a Bar Council working group; and the third proposer was member of an Inner Temple steering group that I was a member of.
HOW HAD YOU DEMONSTRATED YOUR COMMITMENT TO THE INN BEFORE APPLYING TO BECOME A BENCHER?
Prior to becoming a Bencher I was a member of the Bar Liaison Committee. That role provided me with a fantastic insight into the operation, strategic direction and governance of the Inn, as well as great opportunities to contribute in those areas. One of things that I learnt in that role was the breadth of work that that Inn undertakes in support of its members, including those who also wish to join the Inn.
IN ONE SENTENCE, WHY DO YOU BELIEVE BEING A BENCHER IS REWARDING?
As highlighted above, it allows me to give back to the Inn and the wider profession, especially as this relates to the Inn’s mission and values which strongly resonate with me.
NAME SOMETHING ABOUT THE INN YOU HAVE LEARNED SINCE BECOMING A BENCHER?
How important it is to remain humble even though you are part of the senior governance body of the Inn and will be seen by many others through that lens.