Natalie Gamble, an associate with Lester Aldridge, Bournemouth, advised Andy Bathie, who agreed, in a private arrangement, to donate sperm to a lesbian couple to have two children. He was pursued later by the Child Support Agency for financial support. The CSA has agreed now to review his case.

What were main challenges in this case and the possible implications?
Andy’s is the first case of its kind to be brought in the UK. It is groundbreaking legally because we are asking the law to distinguish between Andy’s biological paternity and his responsibility as a father. The law does have a framework for doing this: non-biological parents displace biological parents in most donor-conception and surrogacy cases. The problem is that these rules do not apply to same-sex couples, and this has left Andy responsible, rather than the second parent who is raising the children.

What makes this case particularly challenging is that we are dealing with prospective as well as existing law, and amid a background of widespread media attention on these issues. The Government’s Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill (being voted on in the House of Lords today) will extend the donor-conception rules to apply to same-sex couples, and this will change how the law treats men such as Andy. That is why, in addition to arguing his case, Andy is seeking an amendment to the Bill to make its provisions retrospective.

What was your worst day as a lawyer?
It sounds a bit sickly I know, but none really. My work is fascinating and endlessly inspiring.

What was your most memorable experience as a lawyer?
Being interviewed by John Humphrys on the Today programme in Radio 4 about the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill. It was a lifelong ambition fulfilled and I’m still pinching myself.

Who has been the most influential person in your life and why?
Without a doubt my wife, Lynne. She is my moral compass and always my proudest supporter. I wouldn’t be the lawyer or mother I am without her.

Why did you become a lawyer?
I wanted to do something that would challenge me intellectually but also involve dealing with real issues for real people.

What would your advice be to anyone wanting a career in law?
Do it! It’s fascinating, challenging and worthwhile, and you can really make a difference to the lives of the people you advise.

If you had not become a lawyer, what would you have chosen and why?
I was always rather annoyed I wasn’t a Spice Girl.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Renowned as the UK’s leading expert in fertility law, and a partner at this firm, managing a team of national experts in this cutting-edge area of law.

l_tsang@hotmail.com

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