Mark Emerton, an Old Persean (1979), has led an extraordinary career spanning the Royal Navy, the legal profession, and the judiciary. After studying Geography at Oxford while on a Naval Cadetship, Mark went on to qualify as a barrister and serve in a range of legal and operational roles within the Navy, including establishing the Summary Appeal Court.

After leaving the Navy in 2002, he joined the Criminal Cases Review Commission, investigating miscarriages of justice. In 2009, he became a full-time Employment Judge, specialising in equality and human rights law. Mark’s commitment to justice has extended beyond the courtroom. He's trained judges across Europe, served on the Judicial College Board, and championed diversity and inclusion within the judiciary.

Now 'retired' Mark remains deeply involved in public service through roles including being a Judicial Member of the Senior Salaries Review Body, Governor at the University of Lincoln, and Master of the Bench at Gray’s Inn. Listen to hear Mark reflect on his journey, from The Perse School to public life, and the lessons he's learned along the way. If you're interested in a career in law this podcast is for you!

In this conversation Mark and Claire Ziwa discuss the following topics.

Joining the Royal Navy.

Reading Geography at Oxford University.

Drama in the courtroom.

Making a difference.

The intellectual challenge.

A passion for the rule of law and justice.

Working in immigration law.

The Criminal Cases Review Commission.

Being Freeman of the City of London.

Setting up the Summary Appeal Court.

Becoming a Judge. Being a Dad.

Receiving a late ADHD diagnosis.

Understanding your strengths.

Guiding new entrants to a career at the Bar.

Working out if a legal career is the right choice for you.

The Senior Salaries Review Body. Artificial Intelligence.

Advice for life.

You can also watch this podcast on The Perse School Cambridge YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/M5R4Xq_mA7k?si=74sba1G-DfEU3ylq

Production Credits:

Host and Executive Producer: Claire Ziwa

Film Editor: Adam Crossland