Lawyer in the news

Who? Julia Morrill, partner and head of clinical negligence at five-partner Leeds litigation firm Lester Morrill.

Why is she in the news? Represents Mr and Mrs B, the black couple in the fertility mix-up case which saw a white woman give birth to black twins.

Mr B is confirmed as their biological father.

Family division president Dame Elizabeth Butler-Sloss has named the clinic at the centre of the mix-up as the assisted conception unit at the Leeds General Infirmary and in January 2003 will rule on the conflict of section 28 of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 (which deals with who is a father) and the Human Rights Act 1998 as to the twins' parentage.

Background: Qualified in 1983 and became a partner the following year.

The firm changed its name to Lester Morrill in 1995.

She has been a Law Society and Action for Victims of Medical Accidents panel member since inception.

Route to the case: The family approached a solicitor in a different firm, who recommended Ms Morrill.

Thoughts on the case: 'No one can possibly imagine the devastation Mr and Mrs B felt on being told of the mix-up.

They have dealt with these events in a dignified manner, but will need time to reflect on the issues.

Although the legal issues are academically fascinating, I never lose sight of the fact that six people are in turmoil.

It is of considerable concern that this is the first time this is known to have happened in Britain, the third time worldwide.

In all the cases, the reason for discovery was that all the children born were mixed race.

It has been estimated that 65,000 children have been born in Britain as a result of IVF.

The number coming forward for treatment has increased over the years and questions have to be raised as to whether the clinics' procedures are sufficient to ensure that no further mix-ups occur.'

Dealing with the media: 'I have acted in a number of high-profile cases in the past, so, knowing what to expect, I set aside time to deal with the media.

I knew the media interest would be great and that sensitivity would be required in dealing with the issues in the case, of which the public had a right to know.'