Who? Angela Jackman KC (hon), partner at Irwin Mitchell, London.
Why is she in the news? The firm is representing two LGBT veterans challenging the Ministry of Defence’s LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme, which was set up to compensate people affected by a previous ban on LGBT people serving in the British military.
Thoughts on the case: ‘This is a judicial review by two claimants who were forced to resign from the armed forces due to their actual or perceived sexuality. They otherwise faced court martial and potential imprisonment, or dismissal with adverse financial consequences. They are challenging the lawfulness of the MoD’s LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme. It was established in 2025 to provide financial awards to those affected by the ban on homosexuality in the armed forces, which was in place until 2000. The scheme has two financial awards: a flat rate of £50k for those formally dismissed or discharged(DD payment) and a discretionary impact payment up to a maximum of £20k. Veterans can qualify for both. However, the claimants are barred from qualifying for the DD payment despite having had to leave due to their sexuality. Our grounds of claim are process irrationality and outcome irrationality. The claim is important because there are hundreds of affected LGBT veterans who also continue to suffer the effects of their traumatic experiences. This is compounded by the scheme’s unfair operation. Permission was granted following a contested hearing; the substantive hearing will be listed after 11 January 2027.’
An MoD spokesperson said: ‘As legal proceedings remain ongoing, it would not be appropriate to comment on the detail of the case. We remain committed to delivering the LGBT restorative action and to supporting LGBT veterans affected by the historical ban.’
Dealing with the media: ‘There has been significant and positive interest. The claim was issued months ago, and I have received regular update requests from media contacts. I am very fortunate to have support from an experienced press team at my firm. We collaborate on press releases and arranging interviews. A highlight was an ITV approach to film a feature in our office in July for a prime-time slot on the national news. This included a snippet of an interview with me and an interview with one of the claimants standing next to a war memorial.’
Why become a lawyer? ‘I was influenced by unrealistic TV dramas, but on a more serious note, I enjoyed public speaking as a teenager. I was also influenced by my older sister who helped set up the first law centre in my hometown, Leicester, where I gained voluntary experience.’
Career high: ‘Being appointed in 2021 as one of a handful of Black women honorary (then) QCs in the country. My family, friends and colleagues were very proud.’
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