Barrister of the Year

On the case

The 2022 Leicestershire Law Society Awards recognised several members of the region’s law scene. Among them was Barrister of the Year, Emma Burden of 2 New Street Chambers. She told us what led to this honour WORDS BY TOM YOUNG

Providing the best service possible, a positive work environment, and being appreciated for your efforts; these are most people’s professional cornerstones. Barrister of the Year, Emma Burden, began her law career as a trainee in 1994 at 2 New Street Chambers and is still with them to this day.

“When I started, I covered everything,” says Emma, “but I began to specialise in family law around 20 years ago. I undertake care proceedings – cases where it is suggested children have suffered harm at home and are taken into care.”

It’s important and vital work – some of the most serious and complex cases within the field of family law. Trying to achieve the best possible outcome for clients gives Emma a sense of vocation. She always knew that she’d go into a law career, eventually studying at Newcastle University.

“I was talking about this recently, because my kids are starting to think about their futures. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t know I was going to be a lawyer. My parents always said I was argumentative! And I was mooting champion at university, winning mock trials and debating exercises.”

A seven-year career break was taken while Emma brought up her three children, only returning when her youngest turned three. The thought of going back into full-time work and caring for a toddler is a daunting one, but her position as a barrister made this transition easier.

“Barristers are self-employed, so I chose to work only during term time. Even now the kids are older, I rarely work during the school holidays. It’s allowed for greater flexibility.”

Leicestershire Law Society’s annual awards recognise the best of the region’s legal practitioners, from entire chambers to individual lawyers and administrative staff. Emma was delighted to have been recognised as Barrister of the Year at the 2022 ceremony in May, feeling it acknowledges her contribution to the legal community, and accumulated years of work in her chosen field.

“2 New Street Chambers is celebrating its centenary, so to have been nominated and go on to win in the same year is very special.”

2 NEW STREET CHAMBERS IS CELEBRATING ITS CENTENARY, SO TO HAVE BEEN NOMINATED AND GO ON TO WIN IN THE SAME YEAR IS VERY SPECIAL