Can you introduce yourself?
I am Jamal Jeffers, a Deputy District Judge sitting in the Midlands, primarily in Family. I was appointed in October 2022. I was born in Tottenham, London. My grandparents came to this country from the Caribbean (Barbados and Montserrat) in the late 1950s. I was the first in my immediate family to go to university.
What was your journey to becoming a judge?
I have been a specialist Family barrister since 2016, having been called to the Bar in 2012. I studied the LLB at De Montfort University and completed the Bar Professional Course (as it was called at the time) at Nottingham Law School.
A few years into my career, I realised that I would like to progress into a slightly different role. I respected a number of judges, and they left an indelible mark on me, and I thought I would give the role a try. I made an application to be a DDJ at the first moment that it was possible for me to do. I was confident that I had the knowledge and experience to see cases from all angles and to get to the heart of issues quickly.
The job has been rewarding, interesting and ultimately a challenge that I have fully enjoyed so far.
What does Black History Month (BHM) mean to you and why is it important?
Growing up, I was privileged to be taught the history of our people by my parents and by groups that they enrolled me in. BHM for me as a child gave me a deeper understanding and appreciation of the contributions of Black people that were not forthcoming within the school system. I also felt like it was the time in the year that I could proudly share my history with my non-black peers to give them a better understanding.
I now view BHM as a chance to reflect on the individuals and events that have shaped our history and culture, and to acknowledge the vital contributions of diverse people to our society. It also provides an opportunity to celebrate and spotlight the ongoing achievements and historical milestones being made by Black individuals in this country every day.
The unprecedented levels of Black people in our professions is a cause for celebration. Though BHM also allows us to reflect on the things that still need to be achieved, improved upon, and fought for.
Do you have any black role models who have paved the way, or can you share an important piece of advice that was given to you?
In the judiciary, it is impossible to name role models without naming Dame Linda Dobbs DBE, the first Black High Court judge or Eric Irons OBE, the first Black magistrate. They are incredible shining lights and examples of people to follow. I am always in awe of the courage and the leadership it would have taken for them to take those steps on the journey and to carry out their roles, doubtless in the face of much adversity.
The best piece of advice I have ever received has been from my paternal grandmother. She used to say, “when you see a crowd, turn around and go the other way”. I used to interpret that literally as a child and, now I have matured, I realise that she was actually telling me to chart my own path – not to be beholden to the expectations and dreams of others. I like to think that I have taken that advice to heart and live by it daily.
What advice would you give to a black person who is considering joining the judiciary?
Come! Don’t be put off. The judiciary needs you. The judiciary needs to be representative of the public that we serve. Our judiciary is only strengthened by the diverse voices and thoughts that come with a larger pool of judges with different backgrounds, cultural references and perspectives.
Any perception that the judiciary is not welcoming should not be entertained. I have found all members of the senior judiciary to be truly welcoming and encouraging of me and my future progression.
This year’s BHM theme serves to shine a brighter light on our stories, allegories, and history. Is there a black person who has contributed to the judiciary that you feel has been overlooked?
The numbers of Black people in the judiciary are so small, it is likely that names are already well known but I would like to shine a light on HHJ Carole Burgher.
I first came across HHJ Burgher when I was a solicitor’s agent, prior to starting my pupillage. At the time she was a District Judge sitting in Milton Keynes. DJ Burgher (as she then was) was the first Black judge I ever appeared in front of. In her own way, she was an inspiration, quietly and expertly going about her job and doing it well.
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