Lawyer in the news: ​Haylea Campbell, Hogan Lovells

Who? Haylea Campbell, associate, Hogan Lovells, London. 

Why is she in the news? Represents the families of some of those who died in the Manchester Arena terror attack in May 2017. The chairman of the Manchester Arena Public Inquiry this month published the second volume of his report into the deaths.

Thoughts on the case: ‘Since the attack on 22 May 2017, the families of the 22 victims have been faced with a very public process in which they have come to learn what went wrong in the lead up to the attack and on the night.

‘In this volume of the chairman’s report, he has spoken of the fundamental lack of coordination and communication between the emergency services on the night, which had a massive impact on the response that could not be mitigated by the bravery of individuals who assisted. While it is disheartening that we are still talking about some of the same issues that arose in the 7/7 inquests, the fact that the problems have been dissected in such a considered and rational way by the chairman means that we have a great evidence base to use to ensure that things do change.

‘As an example, the recommendation that the government establish a statutory duty on venues to provide an appropriate standard of medical and first aid to attendees is crucial, and will mean that fewer families are faced with the same situation as our clients.’

Dealing with the media: ‘Overall, the media have been a great ally in this case, and have ensured that key issues have been raised in the public consciousness. Many of the journalists have a real depth of knowledge about this inquiry and inquests that came before it.’

Why become a lawyer? ‘Ever since school, I’ve had a keen interest in those who have worked to right wrongs and fight injustices, so becoming a lawyer seemed like the perfect way to embody those principles myself. Plus, I watched a lot of Ally McBeal as a teenager.’

Career high: ‘I feel very privileged to represent those who have been through situations others could not imagine handling, and doing what I can to assist them through long and complex legal processes. This case is a perfect example of one where I have also learnt a lot from my clients when it comes to strength, humility and the drive to get answers.’

Career low: ‘Frantically trying to locate a fax machine in our office when trying to send an urgent application to the European Court of Human Rights and being very much left to my own devices (literally).’