by Viktor Kirilov, LLB Law alumnus
I was invited to participate in a Q & A event with The Honourable Mr. Justice Wall, who sits in the Queen’s Bench Division of the High Court. The meeting occurred in the Coventry Crown Court, before the judge’s cases were scheduled. We were a small group going into the court and being able to sit inside such a building was an experience in itself. The atmosphere in a court building is inherently interesting to a law student, being able to observe lawyers in their natural habitat with their clients and casework. I would strongly encourage law students to visit their local courts if they ever have the opportunity to.
We were escorted into a courtroom by Mr Justice Wall’s clerk, which we were informed travelled with him to the different locations in which cases needed to be heard. As Mr Justice Wall entered, he was dressed in his formal court dress. He began by introducing himself and how his legal career led him to this post. He led us through his experience as a law student at university and later his journey as a barrister working in the Midlands Circuit focusing on criminal law. He also explained how his current position works, what sorts of cases he decides on, and actions he takes to fulfil his judicial duties. It was interesting to hear about a High Court Justice’s path in law, from graduating University to the bar course, taking silk to then transitioning to judiciary and progressing to the High Court.
We were escorted into a courtroom by Mr Justice Wall’s clerk, which we were informed travelled with him to the different locations in which cases needed to be heard. As Mr Justice Wall entered, he was dressed in his formal court dress. He began by introducing himself and how his legal career led him to this post. He led us through his experience as a law student at university and later his journey as a barrister working in the Midlands Circuit focusing on criminal law. He also explained how his current position works, what sorts of cases he decides on, and actions he takes to fulfil his judicial duties. It was interesting to hear about a High Court Justice’s path in law, from graduating University to the bar course, taking silk to then transitioning to judiciary and progressing to the High Court.
Additionally, we learned about a High Court Justice’s approach to following legal precedent as well as setting new precedent if the High Court decision becomes persuasive in the Court of Appeal. It was also fascinating to discover how High Court Judges have to be able to switch legal jurisdictions at a rapid pace and stay on top of legal principles and new developments as part of their job.
Afterwards, we moved on to the questions and answer part of the event and some really insightful questions were asked of the High Court Justice. One of the questions I remember was regarding progression in the legal field and activities that can aid students with their legal skills from an early age. I remember the Judge being very helpful and pointing students to activities like mooting, specifically finding mooting competitions, for the purpose of meeting other law students whilst accumulating advocacy, legal reasoning skills and confidence.
Among the questions from the group there was also one regarding remaining professional in what can sometimes be a very emotional environment with the crimes and acts being considered in a particular case. Mr Justice Wall gave advice as to how to switch off when dealing with sensitive issues in a case and not taking your work home, as well as remaining objective and being able to serve the justice system. Further, the judge was asked about the nature of the court environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr Justice Wall told stories about how creative lawyers and court staff have had to be to adapt to the rapid transition to remote hearing as well as how that has reflected on decisions and the jury.
All and all, this experience was a fascinating insight into the reality of the courtroom and the legal profession. It is easy to forget that there are only 107 High Court Judges in the UK (at the time of writing) and therefore it was a tremendous honour to be able to meet and talk with such an esteemed judicial officer. The knowledge and experience that was derived from this event was extremely valuable!
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