The Dream

In January 2016, I wrote my New Year’s resolution on a post-it-note, ‘Become A Judge’ and stuck it to the bottom of my computer screen. I’d spent my entire working life in and out of Court and often thought, “Am I good enough to become a County Court Judge”?

 In 1993, I qualified as a solicitor specialising in general civil litigation. By 2015, I was a partner in one of the largest law firms in the UK. I was good at my job, but I wanted to continue developing professionally. So, when 2016 arrived, I was ready for a challenge.

 Looking at my post-it every day (I still have it!) motivated me to take that first step and apply for a day course called:

“Preparing for Judicial Appointment” presented by Manjula Bray.

It told me exactly what I needed to know and do to become a Judge. It was also a massive wake-up call.

The Challenge

Manjula made it clear I needed to approach my application with military precision, have a plan of action, and work on it daily. I began by scouring the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) and the Law Society websites for valuable information. I got myself onto the Judicial Work Shadowing Scheme and got a Judicial Mentor. To keep up to date with law and procedure changes I also registered for alerts from the Courts and Tribunals Judiciary News Update service, to ensure I kept up to date with changes in law and procedure.

“Manjula was there for the long game.”

I realised I now needed a unique selling point to stand out from the fierce competition. So, in 2017, I worked with Manjula on my competency examples for my application, which took several weeks. I knew Manjula was with me for the long game. I became a Magistrate in the Adult Court, then the Family Court a few months later, before joining the Crown Court Appeals Panel.

I now worked with District Judges, and it opened up a whole new world to me. I understood how a judge approached a case and applied what they called their “judge craft” to it. Throughout, I kept in touch with Manjula and enrolled on a couple of her online courses to help me.

A career-changing decision

By 2018, it was clear I couldn’t pursue my ambition of becoming a judge and still be a partner in one of the UK’s biggest law firms. So, I stepped down from my partnership, took a big pay cut, and became a part-time employed solicitor – freeing up my time to pursue my Deputy District Judge (civil) goal.

Manjula advised me to build up my sitting experience as a magistrate and to offer my services to the JAC on their ‘dry run’ competitions. Doing that made it clear I had to be up to date with my knowledge of law, practice, and procedure. So, I also enrolled on any civil litigation update courses I thought would be useful.

Time to face the JAC

In March 2019, the JAC finally launched their DDJ (Civil) Competition, and I was ready to go. First up – two online tests. I took a speed-reading course to tackle the vast amount of material I’d need to assimilate in a short space of time. Then I booked a quiet hotel room for the test days so the noise of my home or office didn’t interfere. After a long wait, the JAC emailed me. I passed my online tests and now I’m invited to Selection Day!

“If you’re serious about becoming a judge you have to eat, drink and sleep it – every day. You can’t bluff your way through this selection process. The JAC have seen and heard it all over the years.”

I’d come this far. I wasn’t going to fall at the last hurdle.

This is what I did to prepare:

• I booked several meetings with Manjula online and at the Law Society in London. She tested my performance by running through a mock interview with me and advised me how to prepare for the role plays.
• In traffic jams and before going to sleep I’d rehearse my answers to questions I expected the JAC Panel would ask.
• In the morning when I was getting ready for work, I had my “script” pinned up so I could read it through when I was shaving and getting dressed.
• I took Manjula’s advice on how to dress and went on a mini-shopping spree. If I looked the part, I’d feel the part, and maybe the JAC would give me the part!
• I met and had a briefing with my Judicial Mentor.
• I watched videos on YouTube about positive body language and how I should project myself.
• I even engaged the services of a hypnotherapist once a week for 3 months to get rid of unwanted nerves and ensure I had a positive mindset.
• I also went on a dry run down to London by train to check out the location, venue and travel times – leaving nothing to chance.

23rd October 2019 – Selection Day

“Do not underestimate Selection Day – it is like no other interview you have ever been on. No matter how much legal experience you have, it does not guarantee you success.”

I tried and failed to sleep properly before the big day. I’ve kept the email Manjula sent me at around midnight telling me to “Get some sleep!!!!” (I had been doing some last minute / late night emailing–sorry!).

My Selection Day lasted nearly 3 hours. I played the role of Deputy District Judge (Civil) in two role plays (Manjula likes to call them “real plays”). Then it was time for the 3-member panel interview. This was like no other interview I’ve ever been on. The JAC Panel were all pleasant, professional and polite, but they also really drilled down into my application and competency examples.

“Without the right help and support to prepare so meticulously, I wouldn’t have stood a chance.”

All that work finally paid off

JAC Correspondence: Personal – Open By Addressee Only :

I am pleased to inform you that the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) has recommended you to the Lord Chief Justice (LCJ) for an immediate appointment as Deputy District Judge (Civil). The recommendation has been accepted and all necessary checks undertaken by the JAC for appointment have been satisfactorily completed.

“I’m still having to read this to convince myself I’ve actually done it!!!”

The role Manjula played in this entire process was invaluable and I’m sitting here today thanks to her hard work, expertise, coaching skills, and endless patience! If you’re serious about becoming a judge, or just want her legal expertise, I highly recommend you get her as your coach.