Prominent alumni return to share their career journey with current students
The School of Law welcomed back alumni Dame Alison Saunders, former Director of Public Prosecutions, and Sir Julian Goose, a High Court judge, for an insightful 'In Conversation with' event.
On Wednesday, 12 February 2025, the School of Law had the pleasure of welcoming back two distinguished alumni: Dame Alison Saunders, Litigation, Arbitration & Investigations Consultant at Linklaters and former Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and Head of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), and Sir Julian Goose, a British High Court judge in the King’s Bench Division. The two alumni participated in an ‘In Conversation with’ talk, hosted by Alex Batesmith, Associate Professor in Legal Professions at the School of Law.
Prestigious careers
Dame Alison Saunders graduated from the University of Leeds in 1983 and was called to the Bar in 1984. She joined the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in 1986, serving in various roles, including Head of the CPS Organised Crime Division and Chief Crown Prosecutor for London. In 2013, she became Director of Public Prosecutions and Head of the CPS. She was also a member of the Criminal Procedure Rules Committee and the Sentencing Council. In 2019, she joined Linklaters, advising clients on investigations, sanctions, fraud, and crisis management.
Sir Julian Goose, also a graduate of University of Leeds in 1983 and called to the Bar in 1984, had a distinguished career in law. He was appointed as a Recorder in 1999 and became Queen’s Counsel in 2002. He was Head of Zenith Chambers from 2004 to 2013 and was made a Bencher of Lincoln’s Inn in 2009. Appointed as a Senior Circuit Judge in 2013, Sir Julian became a High Court judge in 2017, assigned to the King’s Bench Division. He was the Presiding Judge of the Northern Circuit from 2022 and is currently the Senior Presider.
Sharing experiences
The event provided an invaluable opportunity for students to hear directly from these highly accomplished legal professionals about their journeys through the legal world. Dame Alison and Sir Julian shared their experiences, from the early stages of their careers to their most senior roles, offering students a rare glimpse into the diverse paths one can take within law, from prosecution to judicial leadership. Throughout the talk, they discussed key moments and challenges in their careers, as well as the skills and dedication required to succeed in such competitive fields.
Alex Batesmith, Associate Professor at the School of Law and host of the talk, said:
On behalf of the School of Law, I would like to say how grateful we were to Sir Julian Goose and Dame Alison Saunders for taking time out of their busy schedules. It was inspirational for us all to hear two such eminent alumni of our School reflect on their careers with such candour. Their advice on taking opportunities when presented with them, and on meeting people and making connections, is a message that will have resonated with everyone present. These events are very important for our School as we look to preserve and strengthen links between the professions and our academic community.
Students engaged with the speakers through thoughtful questions, gaining further insights into the evolving nature of the legal profession and how they can navigate their own careers in law.
Current student Leon Kelman said about the event:
It was a real inspiration speaking to such high-esteemed and successful lawyers. Both Leeds alumni expressed that they had never envisaged being in the position they are in, but their ambitious nature has driven them to the very top of the legal sector. This experience has been a real motivation for myself in pursuing a legal career and has taught me to carry on taking every opportunity that arises.
Interested in learning more about our alumni’s careers? Find out more here.
