What has been your best experience as a lawyer?

I am definitely proudest of the equality work I have been doing. Particularly, I suppose, Petition X — a case that seeks recognition of a same sex marriage in NI. It feels like we are fighting a case that will allow real social change for thousands of LGBT couples in Northern Ireland. I am also proud that the brave individuals in this case and others are willing to stick their heads above the parapet with me at their side.

What has been your worst experience as a lawyer?

There is nothing more disheartening than a client giving up on their case — not because it has no merits, but instead the client just cannot cope with the emotional and financial pressure, something we lawyers perhaps don’t always appreciate. I find this the most frustrating part of the system.

Why did you choose the law?

I didn’t have the grades or subjects to pursue a career in medicine. At undergrad I spent 2 weeks in a paid (the good old days) summer internship with a city centre commercial firm and hated every single second of it. I think I always wanted to help people and I really enjoy talking and fighting for people that are just like everyone else and have got into a bit of difficulty, something that happens in life!

Who or what has been the greatest professional influence in your life?

I am not sure I have an inspirational individual per se. The people who give me the most inspiration and motivation are those amazing people that come to my office and say that they are no longer willing to accept the status quo and want to make a change. These people inspire me to continue to work and challenge what is considered “the norm” in NI.

What advice would you give to anyone considering a career in the law?

Think very carefully why you are entering the law. Don’t be doing it for the money, it’s not like Suits or The Good Wife. The current and now prolonged climate of austerity has been very hard on legal aid firms and practices need to take on people who are assets to the firm; therefore get experience and be ready to hit the ground running.

Also don’t splash out on fancy “lawyer suits” at the start they just get destroyed (words of experience).

What would you want to be if you were not a lawyer?

Well a boy from the Ormeau Road running off to ballet school was never going to happen so I stuck at school. After my law degree I considered PhD application so I could become a law lecturer. After my Masters I think I had enough of academic study and applied to the institute of professional legal studies to practise. At the same time I also drafted applications to become a pilot and regularly think what that may have been like

How do you relax after work?

I did A LOT of competitive swimming in my former years and still have to get in a pool a few times a week to clear my head. In more recent time I have found gin and tonic is great also. I just haven’t figured out how to manage both at the same time.

What is your favourite holiday destination and why?

Megeve, France. If I could spend a month there every year I would be a very happy person. It is a gorgeous Alpine village with lots of character, great bars & restaurants and amazing ski slopes!