One in-person visit is worth a 100 video-links

For me, being a lawyer in post-conviction cases is so much more than taking instructions and advising on the law. It’s about belief, trust and supporting the people I represent. From listening to how a person is coping with prison, to trying to understand all the challenges they have faced in their lifetime, meaningful communication is a key part of what I do. 

Starting as in-house barrister at APPEAL a year ago, in the middle of the pandemic, I have only managed to see two of my clients in custody. Finally, this month, certain prisons opened for in-person legal visits. So last week I travelled to HMP Foston Hall to see Laura* an extremely vulnerable young woman that I represent.  

Laura has endured unimaginable suffering over the last few years. She steadfastly maintains her innocence and is at the start of a long prison sentence. Being together in a room with her felt surreal. It is hard to put into words how wonderful it was to meet her face to face and be able to give her a hug. It made me realise that one in-person visit was worth more than 100 video-links.  

I also travelled to HMP Gartree this month to meet Steven*, a client who, due to a lack of availability for videolink appointments,  I have not even been able to see on a screen. It was momentous - not for the case, but on a basic human level. You need human interaction in a lawyer-client relationship. It was an incredible feeling to be able to finally interact with the person that I had spent so much time talking to over the phone.

It's a huge relief to replace digital, two-dimensional faces and voices at the end of the telephone with flesh and blood humans. My motivation to win in their legal cases is higher than ever.

*Names have been changed for confidentiality reasons

Author: Emma Torr, Legal Director of APPEAL