Masters of the Bench

Born Anita Mary Scarth, only daughter of Brian and Renee Scarth, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire.  Baptised in Shakespeare's church, Holy Trinity on 20th November 1949.  Educated at eight schools throughout Warwickshire especially Kenilworth Grammar School (1963-4 and 1967-69).  Attended Keele University 1969-73 graduating with joint honours in Law and History.  Attended Inns of Court school of Law 1973-4.  Called to the Bar on 18th July 1974 having joined Middle Temple as a student in January 1972.  Pupillage undertaken at 7 Fountain Court, Birmingham followed by a tenancy specialising in crime and divorce.  Moved to Liverpool on marriage joining the chambers of the late HH Judge Henry Lachs.  More crime and divorce.  In 1981, joined the Government Legal Service at the then Department of Health and Social Security.  Advised on health, employment and social security matters.  Rose steadily through the ranks having a three year secondment to the then Department of the Environment (1996-9).  2000 appointed Head of Civil Litigation for the Departments of Health and Social Security taking personal charge of many cases including those involving the pharmaceutical industry, the tobacco industry, the right to life, and pensions for overseas residents.  Retired (early) from the GLS in 2007.  Appointed Bencher 21st November 2005.  Chairman of the Catering Committee and member of the Executive Committee 2006 -10.  During working life also served on the Bar Council and the Bar Standards Board serving on Employed Barristers Committee, Education Committee, Equality Committees and Disciplinary Committee. First marriage dissolved.  Married secondly John Henry James on 25th April 1987.  Interests literature, history, music, cooking, listening to the radio and watching television.