Lawyer in the news

Who? Marilyn Etienne, 37-year-old founding partner of two-partner west London law firm Kean Etienne.Why is she in the news? Acts for Barry Michael George - previously known as Barry Bulsara - arrested two weeks ago and charged last week with the murder of television celebrity Jill Dando in April 1999.

Mr George, who is 40, was remanded in custody at a hearing of West London Magistrates Court, at which no application for bail was made.Background: Qualified as a legal executive in London.

Worked as a legal executive at the Greater London Council, then Littlestone & Co in Ilford, Essex and finally City firm Wedlake Bell before taking the Common Professional Examination at the Polytechnic of Central London.

Took her Law Society Finals at the College of Law in Chester, qualifying as a solicitor in 1990 (as legal executives do not need to undertake a training contract).

Joined London firm Daykin & Co for a year - where she gained experience of criminal work - before a spell as a locum solicitor.

Thereafter worked with a sole practitioner in west London specialising in matrimonial and criminal legal aid work.

In 1996, Ms Etienne and a fellow assistant at the firm, Vanessa Kean, set up together.

Her last case to receive media attention involved defending two men attacked by racists in Wales who then found themselves charged.

Despite a varied background, including conveyancing and personal injury work, Ms Etienne now concentrates on criminal and matrimonial work, and is a duty solicitor.Route to the case: Mr George was an existing client of Ms Etienne's prior to his arrest.Thoughts on the case: 'This is a high-profile case which has attracted a lot of media attention.

It is exciting to have such a significant role to play in such a case.

I aim to give Mr George the same high standards of professional service that we aim to provide for all our clients.'Dealing with the media: 'I do not have much experience with the media.

I'm finding my feet as I go along.

I have not felt it appropriate to respond to media questions at this time and the media has accepted that for now.

I'm getting on with the case and trying not to get involved in the media hype.'

Jeremy Fleming