Profile

What is your profession?

I am a senior lecturer in public law at the University of Glasgow’s Law School.

Why did you decide to join the committee?

Before becoming an academic, I was a solicitor and practised immigration law for part of that time. Now I teach would-be lawyers and research in immigration and asylum law, so I thought I could bring relevant experience to the committee.

Have your perceptions of the Society changed since you joined the committee?

Yes! My contact with the Society now is obviously different from the more formal relationship I had when I was a solicitor and I’ve had greater opportunity to engage with the Society staff, who have been great. With their amazing support, the committee has been able to respond to a range of consultations and legislative proposals.

What are the main issues that you think the committee has to address at the moment?

There are many, but I would focus on two. First, proposals for legislative change come thick and fast in this area and the committee has to think hard about what particular contribution it can make to discussions. Secondly, recent immigration and asylum policy proposals have threatened access to justice and have undermined respect for human rights in ways which are extremely challenging, but they demand a response.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your work as a committee member?

Although the challenges facing immigration practitioners and their clients are enormous and, at times, overwhelming, I still think committee members’ contributions to discussions, and responses to legislative proposals, have been picked up – for example on the Immigration Bill and on post-study work.

If you could change only one thing for our members, what would it be?

This applies to everyone, really: keep a good work/life balance.

What keeps you busy outside of work?

Time with family and friends, cycling, hillwalking