‘For me, the wig was the key’: how I defied family expectations to become a criminal barrister

Coming from a family of builders and roofers, a career in the law seemed unlikely. But then my elder brother ran into some difficulties...

Perhaps the most important lesson I have learned in my life - certainly of those that apply to being a parent - is the need to give free rein to a child's ambitions. My son has just turned six and, as with most kids, what he wants to be when he grows up changes with the wind: marine biologist; palaeontologist; treasure hunter; film director. The list goes on.

My reaction to his ambition just isn't the one my parents would have had. Their response would have been typical for their time, reminiscent of the old Eddie Izzard routine: I wanna be a taxidermist." You're British, boy, think smaller..."'