How we prepared - judicial reflections
At this online seminar, judges from a range of backgrounds will share their experiences of becoming a judge. Whilst we particularly encourage Black legal professionals to attend, everyone is welcome.
The Panel
Chair - Employment Judge Carol Taylor CBE
Judge Taylor has over a decade of experience as a leadership judge, managing a busy London Employment Tribunal. Retired from her full-time role, Carol now sits part-time as an Employment Judge. Appointed in 1992, she has substantial experience in employment and discrimination law and is a champion of diversity.
HHJ Leslie Cuthbert
With a background as a Criminal Defence Solicitor-Advocate, HHJ Leslie Cuthbert was appointed as a Circuit Judge at Snaresbrook Crown Court in January 2024, having previously sat as a Recorder for over 10 years. Before his full-time appointment, Leslie held a portfolio of roles, including Tribunal Judge for the Mental Health Tribunal, Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal, and Social Security Tribunal. He also adjudicated appeals regarding the London Congestion Charge, acted as an Independent Adjudicator for Companies House, served as a Legally Qualified Chair of the Police Misconduct Panel, and chaired misconduct panels for professional regulatory bodies.
HHJ Alexia Power
Judge Power was called to the Bar (Gray’s Inn) in 1992 and appointed as a Recorder in 2018.
District Judge Jamal Jeffers
Called to the Bar (Lincoln’s Inn) in 2012, Judge Jeffers was appointed as a Deputy District Judge in 2022 and as a Fee-paid Judge of the First-tier Tribunal, Social Entitlement Chamber, in 2023.
Tribunal Judge Clare Wood
Judge Wood was a civil litigation solicitor for 15 years before changing career to become a lecturer four years ago. She was appointed as a part-time First-tier Tribunal Judge in summer 2025.
United Kingdom