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Judicial Appointments – Fundamental Changes in 2017

The judicial appointment process continues to evolve but it seems to have reached a bit of a crossroads.  The core problem appears to be the widely held view that the MoJ are unable to attract the required quality of candidates for some High Court Divisions. Hence the launch of the Deputy High Court Judge competitions last year which is being run again as I write.  When the list of successful candidates, from the 1^st competition, was finally published it featured many highly respected Silks (although a number of these were already sitting as Recorders) and one solicitor. It is an impressive array of talent and bodes well for future full-time appointments.  The JAC have just announced a 2 track  High Court Judge competition for those who have not previously sat and s9(4) judges.

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Phoenix FM Radio Interview

A 40 minute interview with Tee Liburd broadcast live from Halifax, Yorkshire, UK on Wednesday 26 November 2014. We discussed my career, what I do now, why I do the things the way I do and what I love. He also played a few of my favourite songs that are very significant to me and how I work.

“Blues skies, green fields, I keep them all in here” – bonus intro track – Red Red Rose by Hope & Social

And you may ask yourself – well, how did I get here?

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Seconds Out! – Year 2

I can’t believe how fast the last year has flown by, but it has been a very enjoyable and productive one. It has also been a year of some real learning. More learning, challenges, mistakes, anxiety, growing confidence, fun and meeting and working with some really interesting, open and great people.

I have been to some outstanding talks this last year: my highlights have included Simon Biltcliffe, Steve Edge, Dominic Wilcox and Dr George Madine.  I’ve tried to blog or share the best bits I’ve found as well as

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Lead a Ship or Jump Ship?!

There are huge challenges facing many firms and enormous pressure on leaders. I think our old models and ways of leading no longer adequately serve 21^st century firms. However, there is a jungle of advice out there, the good, the bad and the ugly.

I‘m really interested in learning about the latest thinking and ways in which we can unlock the talent and potential in firms. But I appreciate that this is a massive task and there are no magic solutions. However, there are a lot of great people out there doing amazing things. I wanted to share this latest thinking and learning with anyone who is frustrated with the old methods and wants to learn how situations can be transformed.

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5- A- Side Charity Football Quiz – The Biggest Event in Leeds Since Le Grand Depart?!!

A couple of years ago we ran a 5 a side football quiz for The Stephen Switalski Trust it was a roaring success. So we have decided to run another quiz this autumn to raise much needed funds for two charities Kids & Simon on the Streets. We’re delighted to confirm that the quiz master will again be Richard Clews who set and ran a fantastic quiz last time.

It will take place in Trinity Arts, the wonderful venue adjacent to Trinity, in Leeds city centre on Thursday 18 September with a prompt kick off at 6pm and full time due for 7.45pm.

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A Truly Liberating 5 Letter Word

I had a painful divorce 19 years ago after my wife left me and subsequently I moved away from Sheffield. Sadly I’ve seen her at a few funerals since and it has smarted. I could see we had both been invited to a mutual friend’s 50^th weekend party and mini-festival. I wanted to see my other friends but not her nor the guy she left me for.

My wife has been encouraging me to let go and forgive my ex for years but I couldn’t, as I believed I needed her to say sorry.

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The Next Tango in Halifax – Luxury Skimming Stones

Artist, inventor and designer Dominic Wilcox came to Creative Calderdale and presented some of his unique work. He gave us an insight into how he develops his ideas and his creative work. He opened with the classic truism from Leonard Cohen “If I knew where ideas came from I’d go there more often”.

At the bottom I’ll share a link to his website as it is simply brilliant.

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“The Angels Wanna Wear My Red Shoes”

Back in 2013,  I started wearing my Red Kickers to all my business meetings. I now understand there is some research from Harvard Business School indicating that wearing red shoes enhances perceptions of status and competence: Washington Post. Anyhow below is the story of when I bought my first pair.

I’ve never had any real fashion sense but was very fortunate that I grew up in London and just before I was going to university Dicky Dirts had a closing down sale. I walked into a scene of carnage as I entered the shop – I think it could have been a record for how many people you could cram into per square foot of shop. People were wandering around with arms full of merchandise with glazed grins and wide eyes scanning for more bargains.

I quickly found a couple of pairs of jeans, a few shirts, a duffle coat, some brown cord dungarees (I know!) and a size 10 red Kickers left boot – the holy grail. Now where was the right one?

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