Jennifer Skilbeck, barrister, Monckton Chambers

Before becoming a barrister I took undergraduate and masters degrees in economics and worked in industry, specifically British Steel, Glaxo and Shell, and two research institutes in Oxford. Subsequently I worked on the importance of copyright protection to the UK economy, which I decided to try and pursue as a career in the music industry. That required a legal training, and the quickest way to qualify was to become a barrister. Inevitably, work experience (what would now be regarded as a rather long mini-pupillage) drew me in to the Bar. However, if that hadn’t worked out I would have been happy working in industry.

I worked in industry and at two research institutes.

Understanding clients’ industries

I have huge respect for those who work in industry, taking both personal and financial risks – as I saw when working for Shell in the development of the oil industry in the North Sea. Occasionally clients appear to feel that their industry or problem could not possibly be of any real interest to me but I hope I am able to dispel that feeling the moment they walk into the room. Apart from anything else, I am genuinely interested in everyone else’s business, and sometimes knowledgeable as well.

Freedom at the Bar

I am not sure whether my colleagues who haven’t worked in industry appreciate just how much freedom the Bar offers: it is virtually free of management responsibilities, you are in charge of your own time and almost 100 per cent of the time is spent on intellectual endeavour. If a case settles you can go shopping or do the crossword, but on the other hand you may have to cancel social engagements and work through the weekend or nights if necessary. That isn’t difficult: the fear of being made a fool of in front of clients – or, even worse, a judge – is sufficient incentive.