"A Tremendous Experience" - The Fulford Marshalling Scheme
Southampton Law School student Anna Leatham has shared her experience of the Fulford Marshalling Scheme, which provides the opportunity to marshal a Court of Appeal Judge.
"My week marshalling Lord Justice Fulford at the Court of Appeal was a tremendous experience. Sitting in on appeals and being able to discuss the points of law with the judges was something in which I never could have imagined. Lord Justice Fulford was extremely kind and not at all intimidating, despite his seniority. He was appointed Senior Presiding Judge in January 2016, and it was particularly interesting to witness the different responsibilities he now has in addition to his judicial role. With this being the case, he was often attending confidential meetings and not sitting in the Court of Appeal.
As I had expressed an interest in the Criminal Bar, Lord Justice Fulford was keen for me to spend some time at the Old Bailey. The Recorder of London, Judge Hilliard QC, took me under his wing. He introduced me to numerous judges, ensured I sat in on interesting cases, gave me a personal tour of the Old Bailey itself and even let me try on his wig! I was also able to witness one of the three ceremonies held every year at the Old Bailey, with the Lord Mayor of London being addressed. I have been invited back for further marshalling experience at the Old Bailey, and I hope to conduct this in the summer.
The last three days were mainly spent in the Criminal Division with Lord Justice Fulford himself. Barristers asked who I was; Lord Justice Fulford’s clerk replying, “Anna is Fulford LJ’s marshal.” This felt incredibly satisfying. It was wonderful to discuss the cases with the judges individually, if not slightly nerve racking when they asked if I agreed with their judgment! As well as sitting in the Criminal Division, I also witnessed civil litigation in a case of clinical negligence with Mr Justice Hickinbottom. As with all the judges I met, he was very kind and accommodating.
Having undertaken a mini-pupillage, work experience with a criminal solicitor and marshalling at Winchester Crown Court, it was fascinating to see another stage of the legal system. I am extremely grateful to the Law School and to Lord Justice Fulford for providing me with this opportunity, and would wholeheartedly encourage future second year law students to apply to the scheme."
The Lord Justice Fulford Marshalling scheme offers two second year students from the Southampton Law School the opportunity to gain valuable court marshalling experience. Southampton Law School is grateful for the philanthropic support of Lord Justice Fulford, an alumnus of the University of Southampton.