Head of Chambers Maria Karaiskos KC interviewed by New Law Journal

We are delighted to share that Head of Chambers Maria Karaiskos KC has been interviewed as part of New Law Journal’s career profile series.

In her interview, Maria discusses both the challenges and inspirations which characterised her journey to the Bar, sharing how she balances the demands of a leading criminal practice with motherhood:

“There were people who said it could not be done and that motherhood and silk were not compatible. I guess that just made me more determined.”

“The seriousness of criminal work, the ethical weight it carries, and the human interaction are what inspire me. It is a demanding profession, and certainly not glamorous, but it is deeply meaningful, varied and intellectually stimulating.”

“I have been fortunate to be mentored and supported by lots of truly brilliant people: silks who quietly open doors for others, judges who lead with compassion, peers who remind you that excellence and empathy are not incompatible.”

Maria also sheds light on the continuing barriers that junior lawyers face, suggesting how the Bar could better encourage diversity across the profession:

“We say we want diversity at the senior end of the Bar, but our work is not structured in a way that allows people, especially those with caring responsibilities, to thrive.”

“If we are to curb the mass exodus of barristers from the criminal Bar and try to encourage more recruitment at the junior end, we need to provide proper balance and financial stability at the very beginning of one’s legal career.”

Maria’s interview was published in New Law Journal, 2 October 2025, and can be found here.