What are the possible implications of this case? They are huge — the CSA touches the lives of two million parents and 1.5 million children — there are arrears in 40 per cent of cases. CSA recovery and enforcement policy has been shambolic. The CSA was, for too long, too complacent and unwilling to listen to mums or dads. Hopefully at last the CSA will “put money where mouths are” as recommended by Resolution, the Family Lawyers Association. The CSA has promised to rewrite its enforcement guide.

What was your most memorable experience as a lawyer? Being elected to the national executive committee of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers. It was my ambition to “serve, learn and influence”. I hope that I have achieved all three.

Who has been the most influential person in your life and why? When I teach trainee solicitors I say to them: “Look at all the people you deal with. See how they do their work — steal the best attributes from each and try to become a better lawyer.” Many people have influenced my life, including school teachers, friends, my partners, other solicitors, barristers and judges. It would please me if people who knew me thought: “Did he get that from me?” , or, more likely: “I hope he did not get that from me.”

Why did you become a lawyer? A simple belief in fairness and justice. On the whole I am very proud of the British legal system.

What would your advice be to anyone wanting a career in law? The answer is buried in the question — “want it”. Want it with a passion. Fulfil your potential.

If you had not become a lawyer, what would you have chosen and why? I would have been unemployed — being singularly unsuited for any other occupation. I pay tribute to my partners for having the patience and generosity of spirit to keep me in employment.

Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time? Hopefully I will still have the energy and enthusiasm to be slaying dragons. I often think there will be no more dragons left to slay — but they keep coming.

Linda Tsang
l_tsang@hotmail.com

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