Career wise, what is your background?
I trained as a solicitor in a local authority which I loved but wanted to be in the community so went to work in a horrendously busy law centre. I moved to private practice where I worked for 16 years, with a housing and family caseload. I then went to Shelter, intending to stay only for the length of the temporary contract - a year - and stayed for 5, ending up managing the team of solicitors in London. I joined LAPG in 2008.
How did you come to not only be involved in the LAPG, but be the Director of the LAPG?
I felt a frustration in private practice that our clients would get good results but that did not help others in the same position who did not reach lawyers or advice agencies. Working at Shelter was great because we would input into policy work. However much my interest has been housing, I felt that the cuts to legal aid also needed highlighting – so Shelter did some campaigning on those cuts. When the LAPG director post was advertised it seemed like a natural progression.
Why Legal Aid?
I see legal aid as a very effective way of giving people without a great deal of money a voice and ensuring that large organisations are held to account.
In your view what has been the most important change in recent years with regard to Legal Aid?
The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act which came into force on 1 April this year, taking large areas of law outside the scope of legal aid. However the plans for crime and other civil measures which were outlined in the consultation on 9 April ‘Transforming Legal Aid’ make me want to weep. Does the government not understand how much practitioners give, how hard they work, the high standards they achieve and how modest the returns are?
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
At secondary school I wrote an essay saying I want to be a lawyer, journalist or a politician. My job involves a little bit of each.
If you had to recommend a book, which one would it be, and why?
The Regeneration Trilogy by Pat Barker. The books are so well written and as I grew up in Scotland I find that link of interest.
Where is your most favourite place to be in the world?
Greenwich. I live here and love it.
Who is the most interesting person you have ever met and why?
Surely I have to say my partner – it would be rude to list anyone else. He is very patient and quick witted. I chaired Baroness Hale at a conference this week so if I can divide the category into two and have a category for famous people then she would be my choice. Why? She is wonderfully intelligent and really inspirational.
Career high?
I am most proud of the service I have given to clients over the years and hopefully to LAPG members.
Career low?
The one occasion I missed a hearing due to a failure to correctly put it in the diary. It only happens once.
Who was the last person you called on your mobile?
A member of the public who left a voicemail wanting contact details for an immigration lawyer. I explained as best I could about the changes to legal aid and referred them to the CLA Helpline.
Do you have a favourite proverb or quote that means something to you?
No proverb or quote. Generally I find it unhelpful to be sarcastic or rude in dealings with people. If ever I have been, I think less of myself afterwards, however fulfilling it was at the time!
What would you put in room 101 if you could?
Ill thought out policy proposals to cut legal aid.