Home: London, England. Age: 53. Profession: Barrister. Organization: Falcon Chambers. Alma mater: Oxford University; L'Université Paris-Panthéon-Assas. Languages spoken: English and French.
Recent professional development: Representing clients trying to uphold a restrictive covenant restricting development density, in the face of a proposed 190-home development. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Parenthood. Hobbies: Playing the piano and cooking. Recent travel or adventure: A fabulously sunny week in New York. Last book read: East West Street, by Philippe Sands. Recently viewed and recommended: The Diplomat (Netflix). Recent unique acquisition: A violin.
Personality profile: Friendly, outgoing, analytical, dependable; optimistic to a fault. What one word or phrase would your closest friend use to describe you? Fiercely loyal. Moral compass: A strong sense of social justice. What is your greatest joy? Spending time with my husband and teenage daughter. What is your proudest achievement? My 17-year-old daughter. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Healthcare workers – particularly caregivers. What is at the top of your bucket list? I plan to do a lot of travelling when I retire. What is your go-to workout? Cycling or a cross-trainer.
What was your favorite college course? The Law of the Sea. Of no practical use, but fascinating. What book have you repeatedly read? Bleak House. What movie have you repeatedly watched? The Sound of Music. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? Probably my law tutors and peers at Oxford, who opened up a whole new world to me. What company or organization do you most admire? Advocate, the Bar’s national pro bono unit, which facilitates free legal advice and representation to those who could not otherwise access it. What world event has had the greatest influence on your life? Living through the Iran-Iraq war in my childhood put everything else into perspective.
What change would you like to see in the world?
Better politicians.
What widely held belief do you reject? That gender equality has been achieved. What mega-trend most excites you? The efforts being made to tackle climate change, which my daughter’s generation seems far more serious about than mine.
Who in history would you like to have met? Jane Austen or Mahatma Gandhi. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A musician. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? The photo albums - which I probably should have backed up. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? A family day at Balmoral Beach in Sydney. What advice would you give your younger self? Have courage and believe in yourself.
Personal mission: Be kind. Desired epitaph: Optimistic to the end.
