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❖ How do you feel about being the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award?
Very honoured by the recognition given to me by my fellow lawyers of Nottinghamshire.
❖ How as the legal profession changed during your career?
There have been many changes. Conveyancing scale charges were still in force in 1971. Salaries for trainees (articled clerks) were still relatively new. I started on £7.50 per week. There were many more firms offering good legal services on the high street. Large international practices were unheard of. Legal aid provided a means of access to legal services for those most in need. The separation of bar and solicitors were more clearly defined. Very few women were admitted as solicitors. The Law Society dinner was an almost male affair.
❖ You have worked in Nottinghamshire all your career, how as the city changed over that time?
I started in Ilkeston in October 1971 as a clerk. After completing Part I of the professional exams, I was given articles. Upon completion of Part II, I moved to London in April 1974 working in a small commercial practice off Oxford Street, W1. I probably intended to remain in London, but family circumstances resulted to Nottingham at Wells & Hind in 1976, working for Rupert Bear in family law. In 1981, I moved to Browne Jacobson and Roose (as they were then).
❖ What one thing would you change about the legal profession?
Recruitment practices can be barriers to entry. Legal education and the route to admission is too restrictive. There are still inequalities in the profession. Many women still feel excluded from senior positions even thought more women than men are admitted to the Roll. I don't yet see a fully diverse entry into the profession.
❖ What advice do you have for the junior lawyers that are just starting out?
Take every opportunity to learn from your period of training in both professional skills and the law. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
❖ What has been your proudest moment in your career?
My admission as a solicitor. I have never lost my pleasure in being a member of the profession and in the friendship of other lawyers.
❖ How did you become involved with Nottinghamshire Law Society and how important has that been in your career?
Through sport and advocacy. I joined the Law Students sports team playing cricket from 1972 onwards, apart from my few years in London. In 1973, I was a runner up to Paul Bacon in the Hammond Cup, having won the Derby Law Students advocacy cup earlier that year. As a result of engagement with both activities I became aware of the Society and its role in supporting the profession.
❖ What is the funniest thing you have seen working in law?
Tough question. There have been many funny moments in court arising from interplay between bench and advocates.
