Linda Dobbs hit the headlines in early autumn 2004 when her appointment to the High Court bench was announced.
Taking her seat in the Queen's Bench Division, Dobbs became the first person from an ethnic minority to reach this level of the judiciary and is one of only 10 women in the High Court. The significance of her appointment was brought home when it was applauded in an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons on 13 September.
Dobbs' career began 23 years ago when she was called to the bar, taking silk in 1998. A member of criminal set 18 Red Lion Court, she served time as chairman of the Criminal Bar Association until her judicial appointment.
Despite the significance of Dobbs' appointment, her elevation to the bench came as little surprise to those who have followed her career.
Her expertise and experience are undoubted, and she will be a valuable member of the judiciary.
In a statement Ms Dobbs said: "It is a great honour to have been invited by the Lord Chancellor to become a High Court judge.
"Whilst this appointment might be seen as casting me into the role of standard bearer, I am simply a practitioner following a career path. I am confident, nevertheless, that I am the first of many to come."
In September 2003, Ms Dobbs was appointed as chairman of the Criminal Bar Association but has stepped down following her decision to work on the High Court bench.
Ms Dobbs has published books and articles on road traffic law and her main areas of work include white collar crime, Customs and Excise cases and serious sexual offences.
She has worked as a barrister in both prosecution and defence and was called to the bar in 1981.