Alison is a City Lawyer who has specialised in commercial real estate at DLA Piper. She was their first female partner and remains an active consultant. She has senior expertise in development, landlord and tenant matters, insolvency and waste management.
She has been an elected member of the City Corporation since 1991 being first a Common Councillor and, since 2002, the Alderman for Dowgate Ward. She has served on most of the City’s committees including as Chair of the City Bridge Trust and of the City of London School for Girls. She currently serves on the Markets Board, Bridge House Estates Board, Hampstead Heath Committee and Investment Committee. She has recently concluded her time as Chair of the Aldermanic subcommittee responsible for the Livery and Magistracy liaison, having successfully overseen the processes and engagement with organisations seeking Livery status. She served as Sheriff of the City of London 2021-2022.
Alison has a long involvement with environmental matters and is now the City’s policy lead on sustainability/climate action, biodiversity and urban greening. The City is delivering an ambitious net zero plan. This led to her founding the Livery Climate Action Group that boasts over 100 members who are crafting their own plans and advocacy on climate issues.
Alison is a Governor of the London Museum and a trustee of Trust for London. She became a Lay Canon and member of Chapter at St Paul’s Cathedral in October 2023.
She was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Civil Law by Durham University and was honoured with a CBE in the King’s Birthday Honours – both in 2024.
Alison is a Past Master of the Glovers’ and Plaisterers’ Liveries and has served as President of the City Livery Club and Chair of the Royal Society of St George, City of London Branch. Living in London she takes full advantage of the theatre, music and arts scene and enjoys walking and cross-country skiing when out of town.