Jasmine Murphy

Current Employer/Organisation Name

Gatehouse Chambers

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

After leaving Exeter in 1998 I undertook Bar School part time while working part time in London as a receptionist. In 2002 I obtained a pupillage at Hardwicke Building, following which I was offered a tenancy. I have practiced there (although we changed our name to Gatehouse Chambers in 2021) ever since and specialise in personal injury and professional negligence work.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

I started off as a criminal barrister but didn’t last long due to the pay (which has not improved) and the nature of last minute instructions which although always interesting were somewhat nerve-wracking. I enjoy personal injury work because I am in court a lot, I remain dealing with real people and real issues, I am able to pursue niche areas of law that I find fascinating and tort law (the main cause of action in personal injury cases) continues to evolve and adapt at Supreme Court level.

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

I was part of the Mooting Society.

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

The diversity of subjects I could study – from criminology to roman law. Biggest highlight was mooting.

What did you enjoy most about studying here?

Exeter has a beautiful campus, if hilly. It was a joy to study here.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

I was young and impoverished, so I was able to live at home while studying.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

Research, practical application of knowledge, legal analysis, public speaking and real world experience.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

If you want to be a barrister, take all the opportunities you can to improve your advocacy skills.

What are your plans for the future?

If I keep losing my cases, maybe I’ll reach the Supreme Court one day…