Julia grew up in Lancaster and attended Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School. After university she trained as a solicitor at one of Lancashire’s leading law firms, working in Preston and Blackburn. Upon qualification as a solicitor she worked in private practice in Manchester for a number of years before moving back to the area to work at Lancaster University’s Research and Enterprise Services, advising on a range of research contracts. She now works as a lawyer in local government advising on contracts, grant agreements and general legal matters. Outside of work she volunteers with the Friends of Lancaster City Museum.