Tea or coffee?
Coffee in the morning, although I am trying to replace it with a homemade smoothie.
What would you say to anyone thinking of a career in your field?
I thoroughly enjoy my current role and I think it is perfect for someone who is aspiring to become a barrister or a solicitor, as it keeps you current with the law as well as future developments. It is emotionally challenging at times, especially when working on public children law matters, however it is equally rewarding. It is a very humane area of law with the perfect amount of challenge and excitement.
What song do you listen to the most?
Anyone who knows me would say I have terrible taste in music as I listen to anything on
Hot 50 UK. However, a go to song I listen to which always makes me feel content is
Shallows by Daughter.
Who inspires you within the world of family law?
I could list all the members of Chambers I have worked for. However, someone who inspired me into the world of family law would be
Professor Lisa Webley. Lisa was my family law tutor at the
University of Westminster and was the first person to really inspire me down this field, make me question deficiencies in family law, and has supported my career and ambitions by providing countless references.
How do you enjoy your time outside of work?
I love a good meal, which means that I either find new restaurants or cook at home. I also like to bake for my family and friends! To maintain some kind of balance I enjoy going to the gym.
What book would you recommend to others?
Most recently I have read
The Secret Barrister: Stories of the Law and How It's Broken. It is a book that you can read easily without having any legal knowledge or affiliation with the legal field. I think it is a must-read for everyone to understand the state of our criminal justice system, as it has/will have one day an effect on all of us. It speaks volumes that a crowdfunding campaign was successfully completed to ensure all MPs receive a copy of the book.
What would be your alternate career?
Food critic (on
MasterChef) or doctor.
If you could change one thing about the family justice system what would it be and why?
There are many changes I would make at the moment, some of which are touched upon at the Supreme Court this month. One change I would definitely make is to the
Child Maintenance Services, by reintroducing the assets provision which was previously present under its predecessor the
Child Support Agency. This change would ensure that a non-resident parent does not evade their responsibilities to maintain their child by relying on minimal income while holding substantial assets.
