Emma Price: A Leading Barrister at 5 Essex Chambers
Emma Price is a prominent barrister at 5 Essex Chambers, a prestigious set of chambers in London. Known for her expertise in public law, human rights, civil liberties, and personal injury law, she has carved out a reputation as one of the leading junior barristers in the UK. With a focus on inquests and public inquiries, Emma Price has consistently demonstrated exceptional legal acumen and a dedication to justice. Her career has spanned nearly two decades, marked by significant legal achievements and a commitment to ensuring fairness in her legal practice.
Early Life and Education
Emma Price’s Academic Journey
Emma Price’s academic background has laid a solid foundation for her career in law. She began her educational journey with a BA in Politics from the University of Exeter, where she graduated with first-class honours. This degree provided her with a deep understanding of political structures and the intricacies of governance, which later became invaluable in her work on public law and human rights cases.
After completing her undergraduate studies, Emma continued her academic pursuit at City St George’s, University of London, where she earned a Graduate Entry LLB in Law, graduating again with first-class honours. This academic excellence set her on a clear path to becoming a barrister. Emma then completed the Bar Vocational Course (BVC) at ICSL (Inns of Court School of Law), where she achieved the grade of “Very Competent,” further cementing her readiness to enter the legal profession.
The Journey to Becoming a Barrister
A Rising Star in Law
Emma Price was called to the Bar in 2007 at Gray’s Inn, one of the four Inns of Court that regulate barristers in England and Wales. Her calling to the Bar marked the beginning of a promising career that has since flourished in the areas of inquests, public law, human rights, and civil liberties. With a strong academic background and an unwavering commitment to justice, Emma quickly gained recognition in her field.
In her early career, Emma worked at Temple Garden Chambers, where she honed her skills and built a reputation as a diligent and capable barrister. She worked there from October 2008 until August 2023, gaining valuable experience in a range of legal areas, particularly in public law and personal injury law. Her work at Temple Garden Chambers laid the groundwork for her transition to 5 Essex Chambers, where she has been practising since 2019.
Specialisation in Inquests and Public Inquiries
Emma Price’s primary areas of specialisation include inquests and public inquiries, civil liberties, human rights, and personal injury law. These areas require not only legal expertise but also a deep understanding of the broader social, political, and moral issues at play. Emma has worked on a variety of high-profile cases, demonstrating her ability to navigate complex legal challenges and fight for justice on behalf of her clients.
Emma’s experience in inquests and public inquiries has included representing public bodies, including the NHS, police forces, and local authorities. She has worked on cases that involve sensitive issues such as wrongful deaths, human rights abuses, and government accountability. Her involvement in the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry and the UK Covid-19 Inquiry are examples of her prominent role in shaping public policy and ensuring transparency and accountability in public life.
Emma Price’s Career Highlights
Appointment to the Attorney General’s A Panel
One of the most significant milestones in Emma Price’s career came when she was appointed to the Attorney General’s A Panel of Counsel. This prestigious appointment is reserved for the most skilled and experienced barristers, and it reflects Emma’s standing as one of the top barristers in her field. The Attorney General’s Panel is a select group of legal experts who represent the government in legal matters, particularly in cases involving public law, human rights, and administrative law.
Before her appointment to the A Panel, Emma served on the B and C Panels, further highlighting her steady rise in the legal profession. Her appointment is a testament to her expertise and reputation within the legal community.
High-Profile Cases
Throughout her career, Emma has been involved in a range of high-profile legal cases that have garnered significant attention. For example, her work on the Infected Blood Inquiry, which seeks to investigate the wrongful infection of patients with contaminated blood, has been instrumental in ensuring that the voices of victims are heard and that justice is pursued.
In addition to her work on major public inquiries, Emma has been involved in several important inquests. Her role in representing families and ensuring that investigations into deaths are conducted thoroughly and impartially has earned her the respect of her peers and the public alike.
Work-Life Balance and Advocacy
Balancing Career and Family Life
Emma Price is known not only for her legal brilliance but also for her advocacy for work-life balance within the legal profession. As a mother, she has shared her experiences of balancing the demands of a high-profile legal career with the responsibilities of family life. Emma has been vocal about the challenges faced by women in the legal profession, particularly when it comes to returning to practice after parental leave.
Her personal experiences have led her to advocate for changes in the profession to support barristers who are parents. Emma has written and spoken about the importance of creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for working parents, recognising the need for flexibility and understanding within the legal profession. Her reflections on this topic have been published in various legal publications, contributing to ongoing conversations about gender equality and work-life balance in the legal field.
Emma Price’s Personal Life: Husband and Family
Emma Price’s Husband and Family Life
Emma Price is married to a supportive partner, who has played a significant role in helping her manage the demands of her career while maintaining a fulfilling family life. Though not much is publicly known about her husband, Emma has mentioned in interviews that he is an essential part of her support network, providing her with the encouragement and assistance needed to excel in her professional and personal life.
Emma’s husband and family life are important to her, and she has often discussed the challenges of balancing work and family commitments. She believes that a supportive family environment is essential for professional success, and her ability to manage both aspects of her life serves as an inspiration to many.
Emma Price’s Age and Career
Though Emma Price’s exact age is not publicly disclosed, her career trajectory suggests that she is in her late 30s to early 40s. Having been called to the Bar in 2007, she has accumulated over 15 years of legal experience, during which she has established herself as a trusted and highly skilled barrister. Emma’s career continues to flourish, and her influence within the legal community is likely to grow as she takes on more complex and impactful cases.
Conclusion
Emma Price is an exceptional barrister whose career exemplifies the qualities of legal excellence, dedication, and integrity. With a background in public law, human rights, and inquests, she has built a reputation as one of the leading barristers in her field. Her advocacy for work-life balance, her commitment to justice, and her role in high-profile legal cases have made her a respected figure in the legal community. Emma’s professional achievements are a testament to her hard work, and her contributions to the legal profession will continue to shape the landscape of public law and human rights in the UK for years to come.
