Amy Childs answers the questions in our latest Public Perspectives!
Amy is a public law practitioner specialising in immigration law. She has a wide ranging practice acting in judicial review challenges and appeals including at Court of Appeal level.
If you could make one change to improve the legal industry, what would it be?
Better access to justice. The huge backlog in immigration appeals means that many people have to wait an inordinate amount of time to access justice. The restrictive limits on legal aid also means that some people are unable to access legal representation to prepare and attend their hearing. It’s been said many times before, but investment in the legal system is essential to enable access to justice and to give people the chance of a fair hearing.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, and who gave it to you?
A senior colleague advised me at the beginning of my career to reflect on each case and list three things that could be done better or improved for the next case. This is something I’ve followed ever since and – I hope – helped me to learn and develop my skills over time.
How do you keep yourself motivated when things become challenging?
The hostile environment and the negative rhetoric around immigration is challenging. The people we work with are subject to negative media scrutiny, hostile opinion and people seeking political advantage. Some days, this can be really tough to deal with.
Having a positive impact on an individual when we achieve a successful outcome, keeps me motivated.
It’s also good to stand back and take stock. Immigration practitioners and charities have made an enormous and positive impact on policy and practice over decades, and their work has transformed and even saved lives. I was reminded of this at the recent ILPA 40th anniversary event, when the deep and positive impact of our work was acknowledged. It goes without saying, that there’s still much work to do.
If you could try any profession other than your own, what would it be?
I’ve wanted to be a barrister since I was 14, but I was discouraged by my careers teacher who told me that kids from our school shouldn’t aim that high, that the legal profession was far out of reach. This put me off pursuing a legal career but after working with refugees at NGOs I was reinspired and decided to become barrister. This meant I came to the Bar late but I’m glad I didn’t give up on my dream.
However, if talent was no barrier, I would love to be able to design and make my own clothes.
Beyond your profession, what are you passionate about?
It is a massive cliché, but it’s my family, particularly my two-year old son whose curiosity and excitement about the world are wonderful to watch.
I also love to dance and have attended classes since the age of two. I do enjoy watching professional dancers on stage, showing me how it really should be done.
Involving Amy Childs
