Julie Akorley: Holding court in the House of Lords

A graduate from the OBV Magistrate Shadowing scheme in her first year on the bench has already been invited to speak at the House of Lords about being a magistrate from a Black and minority ethnic community. Her journey is both moving and compelling in its ability to inspire others to be civic and community role models.

Julie Akorley was inspired to become a magistrate after learning at an OBV event that anyone could apply, regardless of whether they had any legal background.

It really opened my eyes,”

said Akorley, who is a full-time psychiatric nurse.

She signed up for OBV’s Magistrate Shadowing Scheme, where she was put in contact with prominent magistrate Yvonne Powell. After sitting in on a few court cases, Akorley submitted her application. Two years later, in June 2013, she was sworn in as a magistrate.

Akorley has enjoyed her first year on the bench. She loves that being a magistrate allows her to give back to the community, while becoming part of another one – the magistrate community.

They are very nice, it’s like being in a family,” Akorley claimed.

Powell recently invited Akorley to appear in the House of Lords with a small group of magistrates and speak about being a BME on the bench. Akorley was honoured to be invited. The magistrates engaged in mock cases with the peers, discussed national policies, and debated how the magistrates could be used more efficiently in the future.

Her favourite part was when the peers asked the magistrates what legislation they thought should be changed. They discussed the decriminalisation of not paying your television license. Akorley is very excited to have been part of a debate that is now being hotly debated.

The one thing that disappointed Akorley about the House of Lords was the lack of BME representation, something she hopes will change soon. Akorley believes the benches need to be a good reflection of the different cultures they are serving.

She is proud to represent the BME community, and hopes to inspire its members to become magistrates themselves, especially more young people, who bring a fresh perspective. In the near future, Akorley plans to begin working with a program that helps educate the youth on magistrates.

To anyone considering becoming a magistrate: Akorley says:

Go for it. It’s very possible, your dreams can come true, keep knocking on those doors.”

Yet, she warns some patience is required during the application process. However, after she got her acceptance letter, she realized “It was so worth it.”

We at OBV are incredibly proud of your success Julie, and that you are taking this positive message further to new audiences.

Belinda Schwartz