Lucy Moorman, an in-house barrister at Simons Muirhead & Burton, represented Robert Murat, who sued 11 British newspapers for libel over allegations that he was involved in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. Last week the papers apologised in court and announced a record damages payout of £600,000.

What were the main challenges and the possible implications?

We were presented with three clients with devastated reputations (Michaela Walczuch and Sergey Malinka also recovered six-figure sums), a torrid tabloid media campaign spanning nine months and more than 100 seriously defamatory articles. It required great focus and formidable teamwork to get into a position to present the claims at the High Court. To have achieved such resounding vindication for the clients within just three months is immense.

What was your worst day as a lawyer?

As a novice barrister I was sent for a half-hour hearing in Aberystwyth County Court: six hours there, six hours back and a £100 train fare. Miserable.

What was your most memorable experience as a lawyer?

Waiting to lecture on freedom of expression at a conference in Tbilisi, I watched as the delegates surrendered their guns at the door. I have also been lucky enough to meet Aung San Suu Kyi. However, most memorably, I was advocacy training in Karkadooma District Court, Delhi (according to local legend it is visited by 10,000 litigants a day) when a colleague reported that the bad smell in her courtroom was not a rat, as first suspected, but a dead dog. Hilarious and very humbling: it’s easy to take for granted basics such as pens, paper and the absence of rotting carcasses in court.

Who has been the most influential person in your life and why?

My first head of chambers, Gareth Williams, Lord Williams of Mostyn, QC, a superb advocate and libel lawyer (although writing closing speeches on the back of paper napkins is a risky strategy). He inspired you to give 110 per cent.

Why did you become a lawyer?

My art teacher told me that some of the greatest French artists had studied law before becoming painters. It was a kind way of telling me to pack up my easel and be a lawyer.

What is your advice to anyone wanting a career in law?

There are as many careers for a lawyer as a doctor: think carefully about the type of lawyer you want to be.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

My move in-house is still recent and I’m learning so much. I have a great job, in a great firm and time to be a mum to my son, Freddy. I am looking forward to saying the same in ten years’ time.

l_tsang@hotmail.com

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