Rebecca Nowell: District Tribunal Judge
Background
I had always wanted to pursue a career in law. I trained as a solicitor at a criminal defence solicitors before qualifying and becoming a Prosecutor in the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
In 2013, whilst working for the CPS, I was appointed as a Disability Qualified Tribunal Member (DQTM). This introduced me to judicial work and the real impact tribunal decisions have on people’s lives. This sparked my interest in roles where I could be involved in making the decisions rather than presenting a case, and I later began working as a Fitness to Practice panel member for the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
The application
I applied for a salaried tribunal judge position because I found the DQTM and the fitness to practice roles rewarding, and I felt ready for a new professional challenge. A lot of the work that I had been doing had given me good experience of legal analysis and fair decision-making.
The Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) selection process was challenging, but it was clear and transparent at every stage, which helped me prepare effectively. When you are appointed, you undergo a comprehensive training programme over time. The judiciary is a collaborative environment, with colleagues who are generous with their knowledge and experience.
The role
Since appointment, I have found the role extremely enjoyable, and I meet a wide variety of people. One aspect that I had not anticipated was the amount of pastoral work involved supporting my judicial family, but this has become a meaningful part of the role.
Listening is a key judicial skill. Although I always read the bundle thoroughly before a hearing, the documents only tell part of the story. One thing that I enjoy about the role is that it is not unusual for my initial view, formed from the written evidence, to change once I hear the parties give oral evidence or having discussed the evidence with the Tribunal.
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