I came out as a lesbian aged 21 after I left university in 1984 and worked as a social worker for 13 years but it felt very unsafe in the 80’s and 90’s to be open in my professional life. I am a non-biological parent and my daughter was just a baby while I re-qualified for the Bar via a part-time law degree. I was called in 1998 aged 35, but never felt able to come out at Bar School, and still remained fairly closeted throughout pupillage.

My confidence in being out has significantly increased in the last 10 years, particularly since I took silk in 2013. Now I regard it as my responsibility to be as open as I can, to act as a role model, and to support and mentor other LGBT barristers. I sit as a deputy high court judge, recently became a Bencher of Lincoln’s Inn, and am now Head of Chambers. In 2016 I married my old flame from university (a solicitor) and we live in Suffolk with a very enthusiastic cockapoo called Jasper.