Combining family and the bar
Bar v Family: how to win both
Criminal barrister and mother of three Felicity Gerry shares advice on combining family and the bar.
Women at the bar are like Ginger Rogers: they can do everything the men can do, and backwards in high heels. The following advice is based on my own meandering experience.
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Remember what you do is more important than who you are. You uphold the rule of law and make sure that victims and defendants receive a fair trial regardless of the accusation or the social standing of the defendant. This may come to some personal sacrifice but trust me, after 17 years at the bar, this element of public duty keeps your career thrilling at no great expense to your personal life
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Your private life is private and the client does not need to know. However, my best ever cross-examination was in the middle of a three-month trial four days after my father died. Your private life is none of a client's business, but when they do know, put on a show
(Published by The Guardian - May 4, 2011)