Lawyer of the Week: Julie Morris

Julie Morris, an employment partner at Russell Jones & Walker, acted for Samira and Hanan Fariad, Muslim twin sisters who secured a settlement, believed to be worth £4 million, over claims of sexual harassment and religious and racial discrimination against their employers at the London office of Tradition Securities and Futures, a French firm; it denies all allegations. The payout is believed to be the largest for an employment tribunal in the UK.
What were the main challenges and the possible implications?
The matter settled on confidential terms so I’m unable to comment about the Fariad case. However, in general, when taking on big discrimination or whistle-blowing cases, especially against City institutions, the resources of the employer almost always vastly outweigh those of the employee. The standard costs regime in the tribunal, where both sides bear their own costs, highlights the disparity. However, that is also what makes winning those cases all the more rewarding.
What was your worst day as a lawyer?
My first day. I was a trainee in a City firm and managed to lock a briefcase with important client documents inside and couldn’t find the security code. I had to spend the evening trying every possible combination to open it before the meeting with the client. I had no luck and had to confess sheepishly to my supervisor the next morning.
What was your most memorable experience as a lawyer?
I was lucky early in my career to be involved in death row cases in the Caribbean. It is difficult to beat the memory of receiving judgment from the law lords that a death sentence for one of our clients had been quashed.
Who has been the most influential person in your life and why?
My mum and dad, for their tireless support, and my gymnastics coach, Terry Sharpington, for his sheer stubbornness — a necessary ingredient for any litigator.
Why did you become a lawyer?
Not with any burning desire to achieve justice. I only really found my vocation when I chose employment law, which combines developing and challenging case law, politics, a human element and social justice.
What would your advice be to anyone wanting a career in law?
Leave your options open until you are sure what you want to do. It’s far too easy to find yourself on a law degree, signed up to a training contract or pupillage and practising in an area of law that leaves you cold before you’ve had time to work out what you’re interested in.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Hopefully on a world tour in my VW campervan.
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