What was your route into the profession?
I think my route was unconventional then, but I hope less so now. I grew up in a council house in Rugby and went to a local state school, before doing a LLB Law degree at Hull University. I then took a three-year detour from the law to work in retail management, before going to Bar School, then started in pupillage at 7, Fountain Court in Birmingham in 1987. I was the first lawyer in the family and without the support and encouragement of my amazing Mum and Dad would never have had the self-belief to carve a career.
What has been your biggest career challenge so far?
Making the transition from busy junior to silk 10 years ago. Every case is now complex and serious. As a family practitioner I have been involved in two of the leading cases involving allegations of serious sexual abuse of children and multiple adults. The volume of material in cases of this kind places exceptional demands on all the advocates involved. I have had to quell my luddite tendencies and get to grips amongst other things with electronic bundles, Case Lines, CVP, and the dreaded portal.
Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?
I am inspired by all the women who have gone before me, but particularly those who have treated others with kindness and courtesy along the way. HHJ Swindells KC, now retired, has been a role model for me for many reasons. A brilliant advocate, and then a wise and compassionate Judge, Heather was always exceptionally kind and considerate to the junior bar. Her generosity was legendary and her invites to Friday night drinks were coveted. She showed me that the job could be challenging, but that the bar can be immense fun too.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternative career?
A high-end florist. I adore flowers, always have. I have made table decorations for friends’ weddings and local social events and being creative for pleasure is such a welcome contrast to the day job. Maybe in retirement I’ll have time to learn how to do it properly?
Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?
Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird. Clever, righteous but compassionate. I took my son to see Hollywood actor Matthew Modine play him on stage at the Gielgud. His performance and Aaron Sorkin’s brilliant adaptation made for an exceptional night at the theatre.
What change would you make to the profession?
Things have improved since I was called to the Bar, but there is still much room for improvement. Junior members need to be assured that calling out judges who bully or pay lip-service to well-being will not affect their careers and that senior members will support them in and out of court.
I fully support the Bar Council’s scheme “Talk to Spot” which allows barristers to confidentially report bullying and harassment at the Bar.
How do you relax?
A glass or two of chilled Albarino in an iced glass with some salty snacks. Preferably with sunshine on my shoulders.
Watching Below Deck Mediterranean on Netflicks.
Reading—I am in a book club. I’m a huge fan of Elizabeth Strout’s Olive Kitteridge books. I also recommend Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver—a modern version of David Copperfield, and The Friday Afternoon Club, Griffin Dunn’s compelling account of a childhood in Hollywood.
Liz McGrath KC, Head of Chambers and family law barrister, 3PB (3 Paper Buildings). Liz McGrath KC was called to the bar in 1987 and for over 20 years has practised exclusively in the field of family law and was appointed 3PB’s Head of Chambers in July 2024.
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