Liberation. Management

Mar 07/2023

Deputy District Judge (Magistrates’ Court) 2023 Competition

This competition launched on Wednesday 8 March and the deadline for applications is 1pm on Wednesday 22 March.

There are only 15 vacancies across England and Wales so I anticipate this will be one of the most competitive competitions the JAC have ever run. About 10 years ago the DDJ Mags competition was the first one where the JAC used on-line qualifying tests as a shortlisting tool. I initially thought the JAC would not be using them for this competition but it has now been confirmed that they will be! However, candidates will be required ed to submit evidence of how they demonstrate the competencies before sitting the qualifyng tests.

May 19/2020

Blog

Judicial and Silk Appointment On-Line Interactive Workshops

Over the past few years I’ve been running my interactive workshops for barristers and solicitors wanting to gain insights into the Silk and/or Judicial application processes. I’ve very much enjoyed doing these and have received some excellent feedback. I was approached to run another one for a chambers on the Midlands Circuit in May – but then we were hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Aug 20/2019

Blog

Real Inspiration – Ted Talks or Songs?

I think there are some absolutely brilliant Ted Talks and I’ve eagerly shared them with many clients as well as during my workshops on leadership and communication. However, I find that music and songs have a greater impact on people. Perhaps it is true: “We learned more from a 3-minute record then we ever learned in school”.

Oct 09/2018

Blog

Hope & Tears

I don’t think there were many dry eyes in the Brudenell Social Club, Leeds on Friday 5 October 2018.

Music has always been important to me, even though I can’t play any instrument, I can only sing enthusiastically (and feel sorry for people near me at gigs) and I can’t even clap in time! But being at a gig with others is one of the places I feel most at home, connected and alive. Over the years I’ve been lucky enough to see some of the best bands in the world (I know that is very subjective) and been to some wonderful and memorable gigs. A number of years ago, a friend thought I may like to check out a band described as “A cross between Arcade Fire meets The Faces like a Yorkshire’s E Street Band” – they sounded right up my street! Ladies and Gellyspoons… please allow me to introduce you to Hope and Social.

Jul 09/2018

Blog

A Cold Swim for Some Hot People

When we were in Wasdale last summer we saw two guys swimming Wast Water and although we are all now blaming each other, someone (Sarah, Jim or I) said “we should do that next year”. The vague idea has been in the back of our minds and then, before we knew it, it was Easter and a few months to our annual camping trip.

To complicate matters our local swimming pool has been closed for refurbishments. We’ve had to find other pools and I’ve had the most flexibility and have swum most mornings. It has been much harder for Sarah and Jim to find space in their schedules and swimming a distance takes us some time!

Jul 31/2017

Blog

Up, Up and Away

What is it like starting your own business? I use the analogy of an airplane taxiing down the runway and then opening the throttle to take off. It is unnerving. It takes a lot of effort and you think you’ve built enough momentum, but you’re running out of runway and you have to hold your nerve. It is stressful, liberating, fun, challenging, frustrating, rewarding. It is time and life consuming.

I started my business 4 years ago and I’ve learnt so much. One of the toughest things, when you are building your business, is trying to find a healthy work/life balance.

Jun 15/2017

Blog, Staple Stories

An Amazing Woman

When I was growing up in West London we had a wonderful next door neighbour, Mrs. Cooper, who was more like a grandmother to me. She was such a gentle yet great character, frail but immensely strong, wise and patient. As a trainee nurse she slipped while pushing a trolley and lost all her teeth when she was just 18. She drove ambulances throughout London during the Second World War. She had a budgie called Joey and deep brown eyes. If I were to describe her in one word it would be: kind.

Jan 30/2017