Having left college as a pharmacologist, I was introduced to a member of the patent bar who insisted that life as a lawyer was a lot better than life as a research scientist. At the time I was a long way from the stuffy world of Middle Temple Hall where we met. Nevertheless, I was persuaded and exchanged lab coat for gown some time ago.

After qualifying as a barrister I worked as a solicitor for two years and then moved in-house for another eight, so it was some years before I actually worked as an independent barrister.

It became clear that as a barrister I would not be entitled to accept work from anyone other than a 'professional client'. I therefore could not fund my early days by bumping into potential clients – only by impressing the solicitors.