Gennaro's legal journey began not in a lecture hall, but in the post room of a local law firm. What started as a four-week work placement after is A-Levels evolved into a decades long legal career - culminating in multiple judicial appointments and a deep commitment to mentoring the next generation of CILEX professionals.
Now, as a Mentor for the CILEX Judicial Academy and a soon-to-be District Judge, Gennaro is living proof that CILEX members can and do make their mark on the judiciary.
A career built on practical experience
After completing his A-Levels in 1990, Gennaro took a gap year, as he wanted to gain some hand-on legal experience, and landed a voluntary placement with Sheperd Harris solicitors. Three weeks into his four-week placement, he was offered a paid role for the remainder of his gap year.
Soon after, the firm's senior partner suggested the CILEX route as an option and alternative to university. "At first, I wasn't sure - I wanted to be a solicitor and it's fair to say I didn't know much about CILEX. But once I looked into it, I saw the benefits: earning while learning, no university debt and guaranteed progression, if I did well. It was a win-win. I've never looked back."
Gennaro's rise was swift. From trainee to CILEX Fellow, then Duty Solicitor and Director of the firm by 2017, he consistently proved that it's ability - not job title - that counts. "At the firm legal executives and solicitors were treated the same. If you were good and made money for the firm, you were paid and respected accordingly."
From courtroom to bench: The judicial transition
It was a barrister that Gennaro frequently instructed who planted the seed for a judicial role. "She said, 'why not try it? I think you'd be good at it.' That conversation sparked something in me."
In 2019, he was appointed as a Legally Qualified Chair of the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS). "That role gave me the confidence and the framework for thinking like a judge," he says. "I immediately know this was the right path."
Further success followed and in July 2024 Gennaro was appointed as Salaried Judge of the First Tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) and in June 2025, he will take up his role as a District Judge (Magistrates' Court).
Preparing for the judiciary: Advice and insights
Gennaro is clear: you don't need to be a solicitor or a barrister to be appointed. The JAC assesses on merit. "If you shine, you've got a chance."
But he does stress the importance of preparation:
- - Build a portfolio of case examples that align with the JAC competencies.
- - Seek out part-time or quasi-judicial experience, such as a fee-paid tribunal role or a Deputy District Judge appointment.
- - Get involved in the community, for example as a school governor – “These roles provide solid examples of decision-making and leadership.”
And above all, "Invest in interview coaching. I cannot state how crucial this was for me. The competency-based interviews are tough. The support I received from my coach, Manjula Bray through the CILEX scheme was instrumental. She was fantastic."
A personal and professional milestone
When he received his first appointment confirmation, Gennaro initially thought it was a mistake. "It took time to sink in. Then came excitement - and a little anxiety about what was to follow."
For Gennaro, the appointment means more than a title. "Personally, it gave me the work-life balance I never had as a criminal practitioner. Professionally, it proves that CILEX is a respected and credible route to the judiciary."
Why he mentors with the CILEX Judicial Academy
Gennaro's motivation to mentor is simple: to open doors for others.
"I've had a wonderful career and worked hard to reach this point. But I truly believe this journey is open to all CILEX members. That's why I'm so passionate about mentoring - to show others they can do it too."
His message is powerful. "There is no longer a barrier. With preparation, belief and support - especially from the CILEX Judicial Academy - CILEX members can and should be judges."