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While there’s been investigation and investment into tech-based solutions to help ease the burden, Julie remains sceptical that these will ever fully replace face-to-face court meetings.

“They definitely have their purpose, and I think we will see a push to utilise it more heavily over the next few years,” says Julie. “But as a country, I don’t think we have the online infrastructure at the moment to facilitate it properly at this stage. It definitely has useful applications for prisoners and long-distance witnesses, but when you’re dealing with sensitive legal matters you really can’t afford to have lag or dropout on video.”

Julie is well-aware that some of this reticence may stem from her own enjoyment of the courtroom process though. Having started her legal career at a small firm specialising in criminal matters, Julie found herself, a young solicitor, frequently arguing in court far more so than might have been ordinarily expected.

“Lots of people who enjoy that aspect tend to move straight into being barristers,” says Julie. “Certainly it had its challenges – the main thing is to always be properly prepared – but once you get used to that rush, I have discovered it’s not always so daunting.”

It’s a trait that she’s carried over to her role at K3 Legal – and indeed, it’s one of the things that attracted her to the firm in the first place.

Looking ahead, Julie sees one of her priorities as continuing to ensure that K3 Legal always has the right person to help clients – whatever the issue may be.

“Our firm is always looking for people who are flexible and hard-working in their roles. It’s not necessarily about expansion – it’s about meeting the needs of our clients and the community that need our help.” 

And for herself personally? Julie plans to continue taking on legal aid work. Already a category 3 provider, she plans to apply for category 4 “as soon as possible”. “Though it’s been a bit busy this year, as you can imagine,” she notes. 

Day to day though, she plans to keep on, keeping on. “I want to continue what I’m doing,” says Julie. “Appearing in court, arguing cases and doing trials. Litigation is one of my passions, and it’s a skill that I want to be able to refine.”