University: University of Nottingham
Degree: Law
Year of call: 2016
Position: Barrister

What made the Bar the right career choice for you?

I realised quite early on that I enjoyed a good debate almost as much as I enjoyed solving problems. The Bar offered the perfect combination of intellectual challenge, advocacy and independence. I liked the idea that every case would require me to master a new subject, analyse it rigorously and persuade someone else that my analysis was right.

The commercial chancery Bar appealed because of its extraordinary variety. In a single week I might be dealing with a multi-million-pound shareholder dispute, an international arbitration, an insolvency application and a landlord and tenant matter. Every case is different, every client has a different objective and every day presents a fresh intellectual challenge.

I was also drawn to the independence of self-employment. Running your own practice is demanding, but it gives you genuine autonomy and the opportunity to shape the career you want.

What kind of experience (formal or informal) proved most useful when applying for pupillage – and why?

Mini-pupillages were invaluable because they showed me what life at different sets was actually like. Beyond that, my work at the Law Commission and teaching tax law at UCL proved surprisingly useful. Both required me to distil complex legal concepts into something clear and persuasive – a skill that translates directly into advocacy.

What was the best way to learn as a pupil?

Watch everything and ask why. The advocacy is impressive, but I learnt just as much by observing how experienced barristers prepared cases, managed clients and made strategic decisions. Before long, you move from watching to drafting pleadings, advising clients and appearing in court yourself. That transition is somewhat daunting, but it’s also the best way to learn.

Can you outline your practice area, and walk us through what a recent working day looked like for you?

I practise across commercial litigation, insolvency, property disputes and contentious trusts and probate. A recent day began with a conference for a multi-million-pound shareholder dispute, continued with a High Court hearing, and ended preparing submissions for an international LCIA arbitration while advising on a commercial landlord and tenant matter. The constant variety means there’s always something new to learn.

What do you enjoy most about your career as a barrister and why?

The intellectual challenge, the advocacy and variety. I enjoy unpicking complex factual and legal problems before presenting a clear and persuasive case to the court. Few careers offer the privilege of standing on your feet in court one day and advising on a completely different area of commercial law the next.

What’s one thing about your chambers that has had a real impact on your development so far?

Without question, the people. Selborne Chambers is genuinely collegiate. Silks are generous with their time, junior tenants are always happy to discuss ideas, the clerks are invested in developing your practice and Laurie, our much-loved receptionist, somehow improves everyone’s day. It’s an ambitious set, but one where people genuinely want each other to succeed.

What advice do you have for aspiring barristers?

Don’t ask whether you enjoy studying law; ask whether you enjoy persuading people. If you like analysing difficult problems, debating ideas and taking responsibility for your own decisions, the Bar is a hugely rewarding career. Resilience matters too: rejection is part of the pupillage process and says remarkably little about your long-term potential.

How predictable is your workload?

Not very (and that’s one of the attractions). Some weeks are planned months in advance; others change completely overnight. Learning to prioritise and remain flexible is an essential skill at the Bar.

Describe the chambers in three words.

Collegiate. Ambitious. Supportive.

What’re you reading at the moment?

I’m currently making my way through Jilly Cooper’s equestrian novels. As a keen rider, they’re an irresistible combination of horses, larger-than-life characters and wonderfully entertaining storytelling. They’re the perfect antidote to a day spent immersed in authorities and witness statements.