What were the main challenges in this case and what are the implications?
Obtaining public funding from the Legal Services Commission which deemed the appeal unarguable (notwithstanding the best efforts of my solicitor Katherine Henderson). The appeal permission grounds had to be drafted pro bono.

This case is seminal in its endorsement of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugee’s recommendations that the Refugee Convention should be interpreted in a gender-sensitive, inclusive manner and is likely to be influential in assisting in the determination of claims of asylum by women throughout the Commonwealth.

What was your worst day as a lawyer?
Realising that I couldn’t afford the conversion of the Bar Vocational Course to enable my pupillage to be recognised in this country. Luckily, a charity trust fund paid.

What was your most memorable experience as a lawyer?
Appearing in the House of Lords with such brilliant and committed leading counsel (Nicholas Blake, QC, Michael Fordham, QC, and Frances Webber) and being able to see a woman at the top of her profession (Baroness Hale of Richmond) undertaking herself and urging on others a gender-sensitive approach to the interpretation of the law.

Who has been the most influential person in your life and why?
Sister Paul, the head of my school in Trinidad, and my husband for being the greatest (although least likely) feminist influences on me, and my parents for giving me the confidence to pursue my dreams.

Why did you become a lawyer?
As a Trinidadian and the first to go to university in my family there were two choices: law or medicine. My inability to fathom sciences gave me no option.

Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time?
Continuing to practise in public law that is publicly funded by a UK Government committed to access to justice for all. Encouraging the Trinidad and Tobago Government to work towards that commitment. Apart from this, spending time with my family on the beaches and in the seas of both jurisdictions.

l_tsang@hotmail.com

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