APPELLATE ADVOCACY - NEW CHALLENGES. THE DAME ANN EBSWORTH MEMORIAL LECTURE

This lecture honours Dame Ann Ebsworth who died in 2002 of cancer. She was but sixty-four years of age. As I am the inaugural lecturer, I will record some personal facts, although her memory will be green for her friends, many of whom have come to this lecture to remember her and to celebrate her life. Ann Ebsworth was born on 19 May 1937. Her father was an officer in the Royal Marines. She was raised a Roman Catholic and derived from her religion and her parents strong convictions and a sense of public service. She read history at the University of London where she was known as a formidable debater. In 1962 she was called to the Bar by Gray’s Inn. Her practice, which was in Liverpool, was predominantly criminal with some family work (which increased) and some civil work (which diminished). She rose to be head of her chambers. She was known as a considerable opponent, particularly in criminal cases. She was described as an “… effective and formidable advocate, thorough in preparation, lucid and courteous in style and entirely unflappable.