Speaking of Law: Why not? What’s the worst that could happen?

"Why not? What’s the worst that could happen?” – Embracing a New Chapter through the CILEX Judicial Academy

After decades of dedicated legal service—20 years in local government and 25 years in the nuclear industry—I could have comfortably stepped into retirement. But instead of winding down, I decided to start something new.

When CILEX launched its Judicial Academy, I saw an opportunity not just to give back to the profession I had grown up in, but to stretch myself in a new and meaningful way.

I’ve been a CILEX Fellow since I first began my legal studies back in 1983. I was 21 when I started, working in local government at the time, and chose subjects like contract law, planning, conveyancing, and land law to suit my day-to-day role. Over time, I built a career that took me from trainee legal assistant to Head of Legal for a multi-million-pound FTSE 150 energy company.

Alongside my professional journey, I’ve also seen the evolution of CILEX itself—from an often-overlooked qualification to a respected and increasingly equal route into the legal profession. I’ve had people sneer at my CILEX status over the years, and yes, I could have converted to become a solicitor (as many do), but I chose not to. I wanted to stay loyal to the organisation that gave me a chance at a career I might never have had otherwise.

Now, through the CILEX Judicial Academy, I’m taking on a fresh challenge—one that draws on my years of experience, my commitment to public service, and my drive to keep growing.

Why did I decide to join the CILEX Judicial Academy and what were my expectations before I joined?

I had decided to retire as an in-house lawyer after 20 years in Local Authority and then 25 years in the Nuclear Industry, but I didn’t feel that I had finished yet, I didn’t think of it as retiring more beginning a new phase in my life. It was about this time that I saw an advert from CILEX asking if anyone wanted to become a Judge and so I thought about it: whether I was good enough, whether it was something I would like, how much time it would take etc., and I thought “why not? What’s the worst that could happen?”.

I had no expectations because I had no idea what was involved in becoming a Judge. I travelled to London to the first meeting of the first cohort on 5^th December 2024, this was a “meet and greet” with the other members of the cohort and existing District Judges, who had kindly taken time out to attend and meet us. Speaking to them for the first time, asking how they liked being a Judge, what was involved in achieving the appointment, and what had led them to become a Judge, quickly gave me confidence, because, of course, they loved the flexibility, nature and variety of the job, but what interested me more was that their background in law didn’t need to match the Court or Tribunal they had chosen, and amazingly, they were ordinary people from ordinary backgrounds.

In what ways have the four pillars/programme structure Mindset & Attitude, Networks & Experience, Personal Development and Judicial Careers shaped my journey so far?

As I said I had no idea what to expect, the first Group Meetings began to set out what the journey would look like and this helped me visualise what would be needed. The 1-2-1 with the Dean of CILEX Law School (Judith Bourne) really helped identify what skills I held and this in turn helped with my mindset and attitude, that I could do this. Being part of the first cohort really helps, knowing that you are not doing this on your own is reassuring, we have monthly meetings where we just chat or explore any areas that we may be having an issue with. I get a lot from this, it stops me feeling isolated.

Four months in and I can see a pathway to achieving my goal. I know the areas I need to focus on and liken this to a Climbing Wall; I am currently at the bottom with my foot on the first step looking up, planning a way through, to climb it and reach the top.

How has coaching and mentoring made a difference?

The mentoring and coaching sessions are invaluable. I would have struggled had I not had the 1-2-1 meetings and had the privilege to receive from other Judges their experiences and encouragement.

Understanding that the Judges we have met are all from ordinary backgrounds; who decided to become a Judge and made it happen, inspires me to keep going. I have received so much amazing advice from their experience; how they approached the application, the selection, and how they currently approach each day in Court. I thank each and every one of them for their time and for imparting their knowledge.

Have I experienced imposter syndrome or other confidence-related challenges during the Academy?

I continue to have imposter syndrome, I don’t know if it will ever leave me. It isn’t just because I am a woman, it stems back to childhood and the decisions made through the education system. I am a child of the 1970’s and things were very much different from today; it was generally either an office-based position or a factory. Fortunately for me I managed to get an office position which led to me being encouraged to take a trainee legal post.

Being part of the Academy helps me recognise when I am doubting myself and this in turn helps me address it. Everyone involved in the Academy, from the Dean through to the Guest Judges and the Mentors all support and recognise the ability of each member of the Cohort. I remember the old adage “if you don’t believe in yourself then how can you expect others to believe in you” but I would say the opposite is also true - when others believe in you, you start to believe in yourself.

Have the networking opportunities or group sessions helped me expand my judicial knowledge or experience?

Definitely, as I said earlier, the knowledge imparted by the Guest Judges is invaluable. The top tips and advice we have received would not have been available to us except through the Academy.

Also, the comradery of the first cohort is very important, we are there for each other, to encourage and help where and when needed.

We gain from the experience of the other Cohorts, what stages they have gotten to in a particular selection process and what that was like.

How has the experience informed my next steps—am I feeling ready to apply for judicial appointment?

Well, I hope to be applying for judicial appointments sooner than 3 years, I can’t guarantee when I will be appointed, but again would hope it is sooner than 3 years. Notice I said “when” and not “if”, this is me working on my imposter syndrome.

I have one major area (the Climbing Wall) that I need to address, this together with gaining experience of Court procedure through observing and shadowing will build confidence and help with any selection interviews.

Final reflections

Whatever happens, whether I succeed in becoming a Judge or not, I will have given it my best shot, and I hope some contribution to help others who follow after me. I feel, at the moment, there isn’t enough understanding within the application process of in-house lawyers and how they can evidence the competency requirements. I have the added problem of coming from a restricted employer, so when I retired all my folders and emails etc. were retained by my employer, which makes it very difficult to try to remember instances that can support competency and then identify an Assessor to support it. This leads to a piece of advice and that is to keep detailed diaries of your work (not scribbles that are meaningless after a short while) even if you don’t think they will be needed.

I recommend to all lawyers that they recognise becoming a Judge as a career progression.

A path others can follow

Alison’s reflections are not just inspiring—they’re instructive for anyone wondering whether a judicial appointment might be within reach. Through the CILEX Judicial Academy, she has found structure, community, and expert support to guide her transition into a new chapter. Even after decades in senior legal roles, she acknowledges the challenge of imposter syndrome—and how the Academy is helping her reframe self-doubt as part of the journey.

She’s also become an advocate for greater understanding of the unique career paths of in-house lawyers, particularly when it comes to evidencing competencies for judicial application: "I feel, at the moment, there isn’t enough understanding within the application process of in-house lawyers... This leads to a piece of advice and that is to keep detailed diaries of your work... even if you don’t think they will be needed."

For Alison, being part of CILEX has always meant more than a qualification. It’s been a badge of perseverance, discipline, and community. “To me it is a symbol of commitment, strong work ethic, self-discipline and pragmatism,” she says.

As she looks ahead to a potential judicial appointment—not “if” but “when”—Alison is also paying it forward, contributing to a culture of encouragement, shared knowledge, and ambition within the Academy. Her story is a powerful example of what’s possible when experience, determination, and the right support align.

Interested in your own judicial future?
Find out more about the CILEX Judicial Academy and how it’s helping to shape the next generation of judges from diverse, experienced and dedicated legal professionals like Alison.