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Southampton Law School

Third year Law student describes Fulford Marshalling Scheme “an incredibly unique and insightful experience”

Published: 27 September 2016

The Fulford Marshalling Scheme was an incredibly unique and insightful experience. I will focus here on just one aspect.

In the morning of my penultimate day under the auspices of Lord Justice Fulford and his clerks, I sat with Lord Justice Elias in the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) and saw a selection of matters. They ranged from appeals against sentence to appeals against conviction on a range of charges. It was fascinating to see the day-to-day workings of the Court of Appeal and how appellate advocacy is conducted in the real world. Having mooted extensively throughout my time at university, it was great to see the courtroom experience upon which mooting is modelled.

Later that day, I was offered the opportunity to attend a landmark case in the High Court. It was an insight into how courts deal with the most complex and sensitive cases, and how some of the most senior advocates go about arguing them.

In the evening, Lord Justice Fulford arranged for me to see the new Lord Chancellor being sworn in. Being interested in politics, this was something of particular interest to me and I was fortunate to hear the speeches of some of the most eminent and powerful lawyers in the country, including the Lord Chief Justice.

This was just one of the five days of the scheme. Every single day of my experience was just as interesting and there was never a dull moment. I met some of the most senior judges in the country. I spoke to some of the most senior counsel at the Bar, who took the time to give me advice and tips. I saw a whole variety of matters and Lord Justice Fulford and his clerks went out of their way to make sure I gained experience of all aspects of the law of interest to me. Students at Southampton Law School, aspiring to be barristers, would be wise to lay the appropriate foundations for this opportunity as early as possible. (In other words, seek to do your best in your studies, and explore relevant opportunities, from the very first day of your LLB).

Finally, I must thank Lord Justice Fulford, and the judges and counsel that I met throughout the week, for being incredibly friendly, welcoming and attentive. Finally, thank you to Southampton Law School for providing me with this fantastic opportunity.

Tom Davies

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