Voluntary magistrate — Victoria Hooton 

After serving in the Royal Navy Victoria completed a law degree and worked for the Ministry of Defence (MOD). Currently working in the defence sector, she dedicates a portion of her time volunteering as a magistrate

Tell us a bit about your work history.

I joined the Royal Navy at 18 and served for 27 years. I deployed as a warfare officer on Minehunters and Destroyers before re-training as a front-line Commando helicopter pilot, completing several operational tours. Although most of my career was in aviation, I also held roles in recruitment, assurance, and the delivery of military aid to the Civil Authorities.

Upon leaving the service, I completed a law degree and took on a role at DSTL (Defence, Science, Technology and Laboratory) in the MOD as a project manager for Future Technologies, where I managed innovation portfolios and supported complex stakeholder environments.

What inspired you to volunteer as a magistrate?

After leaving the Royal Navy, I felt a strong desire to give something back to the community. I realise that sounds rather cliché, but having spent much of my career in a structured environment, I wanted to do something different and to better understand the social challenges faced by people in our communities. 

I've always had a naturally inquisitive mindset and wanted to apply it in a way that made a tangible difference. While there are many voluntary roles available, the magistracy appealed to me because it is structured and bounded - once trained, you're able to sit and listen to hearings, and importantly, when you leave the courtroom at the end of the day, you can fully switch off. That clarity of purpose and balance really appealed to me.

How did you get your voluntary position as a magistrate?

My father served as a magistrate for over 30 years, so I grew up with a strong awareness of what the role involved and the contribution magistrates make to the justice system.

I researched the application process online, attended several court sittings, asked informal advice from other magistrates, and the rest followed from there.

What qualifications and experience do you need to volunteer as a magistrate?

Many people are surprised to learn that no legal background is required and magistrates come from all walks of life. You are fully trained for the role and are supported in court by expert legal advisers who guide you on matters of law and procedure.

Magistrates must be aged between 18 and 74 and are required to commit to a minimum of 13 days a year. My employer treats my absence in the same way as jury service, and I believe this is a valuable public duty that more organisations should actively support.

What does a typical day as a magistrate involve?

The day begins with logging into the judicial system and reviewing the case overviews in advance. Court usually starts at 10am and finishes around 5pm, with a break for lunch.

Depending on the court type - I sit in criminal and traffic courts, and also on warrant hearings - the nature of cases can vary enormously. The work demands a different level of focus and discernment depending on the complexity of the case. If anyone assumes traffic court is dull, think again; even something like a speeding offence can have an unexpected backstory and no two cases are ever the same.

What three skills are essential to your role?

• Strong communication skills - both listening and articulating decisions clearly.
• Fairness - being able to weigh the evidence and arguments impartially.
• The ability to consider multiple perspectives calmly and professionally.

I've found many of the skills I use on the bench are transferable to my day job. Sitting as a magistrate has definitely helped me grow in confidence, particularly in delivering clear, well-reasoned decisions.

What part of your job gives you the most satisfaction?

There's a real sense of satisfaction when, at the end of a long day, you've worked through a full list of varied and sometimes complex cases without undue delay or adjournment. It's rewarding to know that justice has not only been done but been seen to be done. It is honestly a latent, but meaningful sense of civic contribution.

What are the challenges?

Magistrates make decisions that can have significant consequences on people's lives. That responsibility is never taken lightly. While we sit as a bench of three and reach decisions collectively, some cases require deep discussion and careful consideration to ensure we arrive at the right outcome.

You need to be open-minded, able to absorb new information, and not afraid to ask questions when something is unclear. Working closely with your fellow magistrates is key. We learn from each other as well as from the legal guidance we're given.

What type of person would suit this type of work?

Someone with:

• a strong sense of fairness
• good attention to detail
• the confidence to ask the difficult questions when needed.

It also suits those who enjoy teamwork and collaboration. We mustn't overlook that magistrates rely on the broader judicial process and need to work respectfully with a range of professionals.

What advice can you give to others wanting to volunteer as a magistrate?

Visit your local court and spend some quality time observing the criminal and traffic courts to understand the variety of cases we decide upon. If it is appealing, apply. I've not yet met a magistrate who has regretted it.

Find out more

• Learn more about law enforcement and security jobs.
• Discover what you can do with a law degree.
• Take a look at what the law sector has to offer.
• Read up on volunteering.