Economist Vicky Pryce and solicitor Nick "Mr Loophole" Freeman discussed "Are celebrities above the law?" at a Young Norwood legal event.
Speaking about the case of Ms Pryce - who was convicted for accepting driving penalty points on her licence for then husband and government minister Chris Huhne - Mr Freeman argued that if she had not been in the public eye, "she would have been prosecuted by a junior barrister rather than a QC".
Addressing the 200 young professionals at the central London event, Ms Pryce said there was added pressure on a woman in court. "If you look drawn or not put-together, then people think you are guilty."
Other topics covered included the Oscar Pistorius trial and the Ched Evans rape case. The event raised £25,000.