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For International Women’s Day, we spoke with CILEX Fellow, Natasha Francis-Thompson. Natasha, grew up in inner city Bristol, is a mum of two and married to her biggest cheerleader. She started out as a trainee legal secretary at 19, in private practice. Where she learned about, what was then, ILEX.
What was meant to be a summer job before going to university, turned into one of the biggest and most fulfilling challenges of her life. 
"Whilst I'm not the biggest risk taker, this is one gamble that has truly paid off. It is the gift that keeps on giving."
Fast forward a few years and a developing career as a Lawyer and CILEX Fellow and Natasha has taken the next step forward and is preparing herself for a career within the Judiciary, with the help of the CILEX Judicial Academy. Read her story and how the Academy is helping her.
Why did you decide to join the CILEX Judicial Academy, and what were your expectations before you began?
I have always had dreams and aspirations as you do when you're a child, but I never really know where I would finish. Having been brought up on stage, I always thought I was going to be a performer. Then there came a time when I had to make a decision about my future and I decided if I was going to do a nine to five, I was going to do one that paid. And now? During my studies and my exposure to legal life. I began to think about what next, I want to feel that I have contributed to society. When I became a Chartered Legal Executive, invitations to join the judiciary were not really a thing the more advanced into my career I became, the more I realised that it was my character and experience as well as my credentials that mattered the most. What I could bring to the table is much more valuable than my job title. This is the reason why I decided not to cross qualify as a solicitor. Even when there were various conversations around CILEX Judges, I still did not believe that I would have to be in a position to be able to apply.
Randomly one evening, autumn 2024 whilst reading the latest CILEX Journal. I saw that there was. An invitation to apply to become part of the first cohort of the judicial academy so I applied and then forgot about it. I was totally blown away when I had the reply to say I had been accepted. I literally dropped everything that I had planned for that week to make sure I was up in London ready for that opening ceremony. I was totally overwhelmed and in awe of the opportunity that had presented itself to me.
In what ways have the four pillars/programme structure; Mindset & Attitude, Networks & Experience, Personal Development, and Judicial Careers, shaped your journey so far?
It's still early days. But. It's helped me to really focus my attention on becoming a judge. It has made me consider what my attitude is both inside and out of work and I have noticed a change in my behaviour, as well as the way that I present myself in every social and professional environment outside of work. Every time I speak to somebody, I consider how I am viewed now and may be perceived in the future if this conversation was recorded.
I think to myself. What are the consequences? For my career if something goes wrong. So, I avoid areas where there is a potential for any sort of conflict. Social media is a real thing. And cameras are everywhere. It's really made me see myself through another lens.
When I look at myself on paper it's still hard for me to accept that that is really me but still with the realisation that I'm nowhere near where I want to be. I get butterflies at the incredible amount of work that is ahead of me.
Networking has really taken me out of my comfort zone. But it's made me see that I have just as much to offer as many of my peers to the profession. It's made me appreciate the life skills that I have and the transferable skills that I continue to develop.
Everything I do now, I do with purpose, to get me closer to my goal.
Having the exposure to see what judicial careers are out there has made me realise that with the right help and guidance I do have areal chance of success here. I just need to kick “Imposter Syndrome in the butt!"
How has coaching and mentoring made a difference—for instance, through one‑to‑one coaching sessions or meetings with a judge?
My mentors have been incredibly generous and insightful. They have also helped me to understand that my offerings to the profession are just as valid. They are helping me visualise and showcase myself. The time taken by these individuals is invaluable. They allow me to not only think outside the box regarding my skill set. But also, to see value in day-to-day activities.
Have you experienced imposter syndrome or other confidence‑related challenges during the Academy, and how have the resources helped address them?
Imposter syndrome is a plague. I still wonder if I will ever feel like I truly belong, because honestly that little black girl will always be waiting in the wings for things to go wrong. For someone to say Natasha this is not for you.
But still, I find the strength to keep going through those doors where I didn't think I would be welcome. I am always surprised and humbled at the reception. I still don't truly believe that I am worthy or really capable of navigating this space. It feels as though they can smell my fear and I cry inside. This is where my early training as a performer comes in handy. I adjust my mask and smile; I maintain eye contact and keep my body language open.
I speak slowly and clearly. This enables me to stay calm and read the room. I am finding it is easier to work out who is genuinely engaged and those that are merely humouring you. I am also noticing the insincerity in the words that are spoken by colleagues. The smiles never reach their eyes, and I know to keep them at arm’s length. Not everyone wants to see me succeed. That is a tough emotion to navigate especially when I dedicate so much of my time to uplifting others.
Have the networking opportunities or group sessions helped you expand your judicial knowledge, visibility, or pro‑bono leadership experience?
Networking has made me aware of other ways that I can prepare for any potential appointments, and I have now been appointed as a Governor of one of my local SEND schools. This is a real opportunity to expand my skill set and contribute to the local community whilst working in an environment that I am very passionate about which is social mobility.
How has the experience informed your next steps—are you feeling ready to apply for judicial appointment within the next 3‑5 years?
I want to get it right; I am using the next year or so to prepare myself mentally and professionally. I cannot lie; this is something that I am very nervous about. I guess that shows that I care a lot.
At the start of my career, I used to go home and cry every night because of the way I was made to feel. I experienced an incredible amount of racism and prejudice that made some of my early colleagues leave the profession entirely. That was not going to be my story! I was not going to let my skin, my gender nor my postcode dictate my future. I have taken every negative experience and turned that into fuel to show that regardless of anything, I am in total control, and I will not let others narrate my life.
I now know that the suffering I endured and feelings of worthlessness were not in vain. Those experiences have taught me how to be kind, how to value those around you and how to uplift others and help them to believe in themselves.
I am excited about my future and despite the trepidation, I am the happiest I have ever been. It feels like I am making the right choices in life and I am very positive about my future. Even if I am not appointed, I know I will have made it easier for the next generation of future lawyers.
It’s important to remember that you will be faced with a lot of challenges but use that negativity as a power. Someone’s negativity gives me strength. If I could speak to my younger self, I would tell myself that “You are good enough”, and that most people won't genuinely like you, you’ll be tolerated for the most part, but that's OK. This industry is one big competition, but your biggest competitor will be you.
See yourself as a product and ask yourself what makes you different and capitalise on that to make your own personal brand.
If this has inspired you, why not find out more about the CILEX Judicial Academy and sign up so you can take your next step confidently.
Also, if you want to hear more about Natasha's journey why not come and meet her at one of the Connect & Grow events taking place around the UK.