Legal Matters Q&A: Winning a trial against the odds will always prove exhilarating

The government has latched on to a new indirect tax in the form of court fees which have gone through the roof and every time I go near a court there seems to be a new fee needed! It won’t get any better anytime soon either so a reversion to justice costs (excessively in court fees alone) is a fairly major change.

What law would you like to see changed?

Some of the family laws still prejudice the father and that’s bizarre in this PC world, so a real upheaval is needed, together with an update on laws governing social media.

What’s the most exciting work you’ve ever done?

Winning a trial against the odds is exhilarating. Also some of the pro bono work I have done has been life-changing, and there is a great satisfaction in being able to make a real difference to people. A bit like the Equaliser – but with paper.

Who in the legal world do you most admire?

For raising Cain and being his own man – Christopher Harder in New Zealand. Fictional character would be Michael Clayton.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in the legal profession?

You need to work hard, play hard. And don’t ever be a wall flower.