WHAT WAS YOUR JOURNEY TO PRACTISING AT THE BAR?
My journey to the Bar was not an obvious path. I come from a family with no connection to the legal world. At
school, I was fascinated by a wide range of subjects – literature, history, economics and science all held my
attention at different times. Like many at that age, when asked what career I might pursue, I had no clear answer.
Getting involved in debate, performing arts and public speaking at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic
Art helped me appreciate the power of presentation, persuasion and the discipline behind a well-crafted argument.
That passion for robust discussion no doubt had its roots at the family dinner table. Growing up in a large extended
family of Irish and Scottish descent, spirited debate and lively disputation were simply part of everyday life. That
early exposure to differing viewpoints and energetic conversation came naturally and planted the seeds for my
lasting interest in advocacy.
By sixth form, I was certain law was the right path – though not everyone shared that confidence. Some teachers
and family members, no doubt with the best intentions, suggested that the legal profession might be beyond reach.
I took their advice with the courtesy it deserved – and then quietly set about ignoring it.
It was at university that the prospect of life at the Bar began to take form. Through mooting and time spent
observing the courts, I started to see the shape of a profession that matched what I was good at – and what I
enjoyed. Analytical thinking, advocacy, independence, intellectual rigour: it all just seemed to fit.
The Bar was never something I grew up around, but once I found my way to it, it felt remarkably like the place I
was always meant to be.
WHAT DOES YOUR TYPICAL WORK SCHEDULE FOR A FORTNIGHT LOOK LIKE?
No two fortnights at the Bar are ever identical, but certain patterns consistently emerge. Typically, I am in court
three to four days a week, appearing in hearings ranging from brief procedural applications to complex, multi-day
trials.
Outside the courtroom, the bulk of my time is devoted to drafting detailed pleadings and skeleton arguments,
advising clients in writing or conference and meticulously preparing for upcoming hearings. My practice spans a
broad commercial chancery remit, including insolvency, property, financial services and general commercial
disputes, often with considerable overlap. This diversity keeps the work both challenging and engaging.
The independence of self-employment offers valuable control over how and when I work, yet few successful
barristers avoid working weekends from time to time. The demands of the profession require sustained
commitment and resilience.
To illustrate, over the course of the past week I appeared before a senior High Court judge to argue an urgent
injunction application in proceedings that have been ongoing for over three years; took part in a remote hearing
at the Rolls Building concerning ancillary claims against individuals arising from a partnership liquidation;
conducted an interlocutory application in one of over a hundred discrimination claims at the Royal Courts of
Justice; represented a financial institution in a remote hearing for a Payment Protection Insurance trial; and
travelled to Manchester to lead the prosecution of a complex insolvency dispute, which also raised issues of
insurance coverage, lease interpretation and allegations of malicious prosecution. Throughout this period, I was
concurrently drafting detailed skeleton arguments, reviewing and analysing witness statements, managing
substantial trial bundles, responding to client queries and solicitor correspondence and fine-tuning written
submissions for an imminent appeal.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF BEING A MEMBER OF 25CSC?
25 Canada Square Chambers offers a refreshing blend of commercial focus and modern practicality, grounded in
solid professional foundations. Unlike traditional models burdened by fixed overheads and rigid structure, 25
Canada Square adopts a flexible and commercially-minded approach that reflects the realities of modern practice
– spearheaded by an exceptionally capable clerking, administration and accounting team whose efficiency allows
members to concentrate fully on their work.
With a presence across all six circuits and a membership drawn from diverse legal backgrounds – including former
solicitors, solicitor advocates, career changers and traditional barristers – benefits from a wide range of expertise.
Members at all levels are approachable and supportive, working together to maintain the high standards clients
have come to expect and enjoy.
For junior tenants, 25 Canada Square offers a varied caseload with plenty of scope to specialise if desired. As a
relatively small but focused set, work is allocated fairly and thoughtfully, providing juniors with access to
challenging and engaging cases from the outset – an experience that can be harder to come by ‘on your [own]
feet’ in larger, more traditional chambers.
Personally, I was fortunate to receive excellent supervision during pupillage under Chris McGeever and, as I
continue to develop my practice, I remain grateful for the invaluable guidance of my mentor and qualified
supervisor, Adrian Smith.
It is this combination of outstanding support and the quality of work undertaken at 25 Canada Square that truly
fosters an environment where members can thrive.
OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS, WHAT ARE YOU AIMING TO DEVELOP IN YOUR PRACTICE?
In the years ahead, I aim to both maintain and deepen my specialist practice areas, with a view to gradually shifting
from predominantly court-based work towards a more paper-focused practice. I plan to continue welcoming
instructions across the breadth of Chambers’ practice areas, particularly in insolvency, financial services, property
and commercial disputes. I also have plans in the near future to cross-qualify as a lawyer in the Caribbean – a step
I expect will not only extend my international reach but also offer a fresh perspective both to my work and to
Chambers as a whole.
I look forward with genuine enthusiasm to the opportunities and growth that lie ahead.