The general counsel for the Forensic Science Service (FSS), Ayodele Ajose, can reasonably claim to have one of the most interesting jobs in law. She heads the legal team of the Government-owned company that is the leading provider of forensic services in the country.

It is best known for the assistance it provides to the 43 police forces in England and Wales in their investigation of crime, but FSS also offers assistance to Commonwealth countries. It has supported crime detection in international incidents such as the murder of Swedish Foreign Minister Anna Lindh, the identification of the murderer in the Peter Falconio case and the use of mitochondrial DNA to determine whether bones were those of the Romanovs, the last Russian royal family.

Barrister Ajose worked closely with external lawyers and consultants on the transition of the FSS from a government executive agency and trading fund to a wholly-owned government company – a process that took two years. During that time she effectively had two jobs: to deliver the material required for the transition, while also running the legal department. No mean feat, but one Ajose managed with typical grace and humour.