Master Alix Beldam: Registrar of Criminal Appeals
“Working closely with the senior judiciary, and the Vice-President of the Court of Appeal, Criminal Division in particular, in this unique role is a real privilege and the nature of the role involves much learning on the job. The work can be very rewarding: it is hugely varied, often involving novel legal issues, high profile cases and policy matters.“
Background
My interest in law was sparked by my father, who was a barrister. I remember, as a child, having to wait for him to finish dictating before I could interrupt to tell him Sunday lunch was ready. He would often tell me what he was working on and sometimes ask what I thought the answer was.
I was called to the Bar in 1981 and after pupillage worked in the City as Assistant Legal Adviser at Societe General, a French bank. After a year, I left to have my first child. I started writing summaries for the Court of Appeal, Criminal Division when my daughter was barely two months old. The work was interesting and flexible while bringing up my family. When I was thinking of returning to work, applying to be a casework lawyer in the Criminal Appeal Office was an obvious choice. After a few years, I became a Team Leader then a Senior Legal Manager. In 2012, a colleague and I wrote a Practitioner’s Guide to the Court of Appeal, Criminal Division, with the second edition published in 2018 and a third edition currently in progress.
The application
I did not have any ambition to become Registrar, nor did I see myself in any judicial role, but my line manager suggested I should apply. Encouragement from colleagues and family persuaded me I had nothing to lose.
Drafting relevant examples for the JAC-run competition was a bit daunting and I was relieved to be selected for interview. I was nervous about the written exercise, but the panel put me at ease.
The role
The role of Registrar of Criminal Appeals was created by the Criminal Appeal Act 1907 to support and assist the judges who sat in the division from time to time. It later merged with that of Master of the Crown Office then expanded to include Registrar of the Court Martial Appeal Court. The post-holder is also King’s Coroner and Attorney, an appointment of historical interest only now.
The range of responsibilities means the work is varied and unpredictable, which makes it intensely interesting but can test time-management skills. Much of the work involves giving case management directions and referring applications to the full court as well as giving procedural advice. The ceremonial duties, include officiating at the swearing in of new High Court judges, Court of Appeal judges and Heads of Division.
Working closely with the senior judiciary, and the Vice-President of the Court of Appeal, Criminal Division in particular, in this unique role is a real privilege and the nature of the role involves much learning on the job. The work can be very rewarding: it is hugely varied, often involving novel legal issues, high profile cases and policy matters.
The Royal Courts of Justice is a very special place to work. It may lack some of the benefits of modern buildings but is steeped in legal history. Having colleagues in both HMCTS and the judiciary provides a rich source for both personal and professional support.
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