Opening statement
Why I became a lawyer
Henry, my four-year-old son, asked me the other day, 'what do you do?' I said, I'm a lawyer. 'What’s that?' he asked. I said I help people when they are in difficulty or are in trouble.
I’ve always wanted to protect people’s rights. My family may joke that I’m argumentative and have to have the last word, but protecting the rights of people has always been my inspiration.
When I studied To Kill a Mocking Bird in English literature, Atticus Finch inspired me. He represented Tom Robinson to the best of his ability, despite knowing the prejudice, despite knowing it was a losing battle. Finch was protecting rights, against huge odds.
I see myself as a little bit Atticus Finch and a little bit Erin Brockovich – a hard-working woman juggling kids – on a legal journey that has included several proud moments, including winning a tough case thanks to the power of Theresa May.
We're human
People are always a little nervous when they come to see a lawyer. Whatever they are dealing with it is going to be something which is quite emotional. Whether that is moving house, someone’s died, getting divorced. It’s about making them feel at ease.
I am an associate at GA Solicitors in Plymouth, where we pledge to lessen the stress on our clients, not add to it. Whoever you are and whatever the reason for needing a lawyer, you're guided through it.
If you can bring that human element in, people relax. So much of our job is building this rapport, showing empathy and communicating clearly.