As one of the UK’s leading judges, Anne Rafferty commands great influence over the legal system, with her success bringing a new touch of radicalism to a traditionally male profession. As the first female chair of the Criminal Bar Association she is a genuine trailblazer, who capitalised upon her novel status as a female in the profession, rather than allowing previous discrimination to hamper her own career by default. Anne’s attitude towards achievement is epitomised by the way in which she balanced mothering four children with the fulfilment of an extremely successful career – she did not allow compromise in any area of her life, instead determinedly excelling in each of them.
Anne read Law at Sheffield University, before being called to Gray’s Inn. She took silk in 1990, and became head of her chambers, 4 Brick Court, in 1994. As well as quickly becoming a reputed barrister, she became the first female chairperson of the Criminal Bar Association, a testament to her steely ambition and tremendous talent.
After a prosperous career as a barrister, Anne became a judge, with her demeanour starkly juxtaposing against those of the slightly more stereotypical judges who populated the judiciary system at the turn of the millennium. As a judge, she presided over several high profile cases, most notably that of Paul Burrell. Becoming a Lord Justice of Appeal in 2011, Anne continues to exert influence over the justice system in the measured and accomplished manner that she has become synonymous with.