Called: 1996
Circuit: Northern
Chambers: St John's Buildings, Liverpool
Elected as a Barrister Governing Bencher in 2022
PLEASE GIVE DETAILS OF YOUR CHAMBERS/ORGANISATION AND MAIN PRACTICE AREA(S)
St John’s Buildings based in Liverpool, specialising in matrimonial finance.
WHY DID YOU WANT TO BECOME A BENCHER?
Upon taking silk, I felt a sense of responsibility both (i) to the profession to repay the support I had been shown and (ii) to junior members/new entrants to the profession to act as a role model, to show that the efforts to improve diversity in the profession are working.
HOW DID YOU GO ABOUT FINDING THREE BENCHERS TO PROPOSE YOU?
I looked at the list of the Inn’s Benchers and contacted those who I had worked with in the past and who knew me well enough to vouch for me.
HOW HAD YOU DEMONSTRATED YOUR COMMITMENT TO THE INN BEFORE APPLYING TO BECOME A BENCHER?
I contacted the Inn’s Education and Training Department and volunteered for events. I also contacted the Master on circuit and offered to help with any circuit initiatives on behalf of the Inn. I ensured that I fully committed to any events for which I volunteered and encouraged professional colleagues to help support them.
IN ONE SENTENCE, WHY DO YOU BELIEVE BEING A BENCHER IS REWARDING?
It gives me enormous satisfaction knowing that I am part of the governance of an institution which has endured for so many centuries but is willing to evolve to meet the demands and challenges faced by this and future generations.
NAME SOMETHING ABOUT THE INN YOU HAVE LEARNED SINCE BECOMING A BENCHER?
The staff at Inner Temple work are fabulous people who work incredibly hard and are generous in their support of those who get involved. Also, the majority of barristers don’t get involved, which is a real shame and is something I try and change by encouraging professional colleagues to stay in touch with their Inns.