In a series of blogs we are speaking to our CLSA membership and asking them why they chose to qualify into Criminal Law…. Was it a passion from an early age, something inspired by events in their life, or a complete accident?
Jessica Dent, a Criminal Defence Solicitor at
Shelley & Co Solicitors shares her story…
Jessica, tell us a bit more about you…
I qualified as a solicitor in November 2022 and I work at Shelley & Co Solicitors, who are a boutique, specialist firm of criminal defence lawyers based in Cambridge.
What was your route into law?
I studied law at The University of Liverpool and graduated with a 1:1. I chose the criminal evidence module in my third year, which really inspired me to think more about criminal law.
After finishing my undergraduate degree, I took a year out of studying, and spent some time working in a Special Educational Needs school. I then undertook my Legal Practice Course (LPC) at BPP University in Cambridge in which I received a distinction.
Whilst undertaking the LPC, I worked as a support worker in the home of a young man with Angelman Syndrome – a rare genetic condition that results in physical and learning disabilities. Working with this person has had a significant impact on how I view people, and the world, around me. I learnt so much from him. I learnt to communicate without speech, and to understand without judgement. I will never forget the time I spent working with him.
Tell us a bit about your first role in a law firm…
After completing my LPC, I spent 6 months as a paralegal for Machin’s Solicitor’s in Berkhamsted in the residential conveyancing department. I learnt a lot of skills in this role, but I knew that this area of work was not for me, and I joined my current firm in March 2021.
Is this when you decided to focus on criminal law?
I believe I was born to be a criminal defence solicitor. From the day I started at Shelley & Co, I knew I had found my calling. I passed my police station accreditation within three months of starting my training contract, and I won the Cambridgeshire Law Society’s ‘Trainee Lawyer of the Year’ in their Legal Excellence Awards of 2022. I am now a qualified solicitor, with the full duty accreditation.
I spend my time between the police station and the Magistrates Courts. In between, I work as a litigator on Crown Court files, instructing counsel and taking detailed instructions from clients. I interact with clients at some of their lowest, most difficult points in their lives. I wear my heart on my sleeve, and I believe my down-to-earth personality is why client’s trust me. I already have built up a good own client base, which continues to grow.
What makes you so passionate about criminal law?
My passion for criminal law stems from the work and experiences I have had with some of the most vulnerable people in society. Criminal defence is the area of law I can work in where I know I am making a real difference to people’s lives. I am passionate about access to justice.
I do not come from a background of solicitor’s or indeed university educated parents. Nonetheless, I see myself as privileged. I have a loving, supportive family. I have never wanted for anything. I have always had a roof over my head and food on the table. The sheer amount of client’s I come across daily, who have never had any of these things, is staggering. This is why I am passionate about practicing in criminal defence.
There is no denying that some bad people do bad things. But a lot of the time, there are just people doing
desperate things. So many people did not get the nurture and love that so many of us had from childhood and which we take for granted, every day. I frequently remind myself of this.
Do you hope that your passion will inspire others to consider a career in criminal law?
Yes. I am always speaking positively about criminal law. It isn’t a career path for everyone, but if you have passion for justice then it is worth exploring. I recently visited my old secondary school and delivered a presentation about criminal defence. I am always asked this question, “How can you represent some people?”. I always respond with a question: “If your mother/ father /friend /sister, or indeed YOU were arrested for a crime, be it wrongfully or not, would you hope that person would have someone there to look after their or your legal rights?” Their answer is always the same.
In fact, some students were so interested that I have someone shadowing me for work experience over the Summer. I am proud to spread awareness and understanding about criminal defence work.
What made you join the CLSA? And then become part of the committee?
I am keen to be a voice for criminal justice, so joining the Criminal Law Solicitors Association seemed like an obvious organisation to be a part of. Being a member and joining the
committee has given me the opportunity to foster great relationships with other likeminded professionals in criminal law and it is incredibly valuable to have peers to talk to about the various challenges and frustrations that we all experience.
The CLSA is an important body for giving criminal solicitor’s a voice in key decision-making processes and I am thoroughly enjoying being a member of the committee.
What would you say to someone studying law and thinking about which practice area to qualify into?
Criminal law was never given the exposure that other areas of law were given throughout my years of studying. I never had a criminal solicitor giving a speech at my university. If you have the passion for it, then you will be rewarded with an incredibly diverse and interesting case load. No day is ever the same as a criminal lawyer and you get to meet people, hear their stories and widen your view of the world.
I would like to see criminal law have more exposure in universities so that the next generation are inspired to be the access to justice that their local communities so desperately need.
How do you prepare yourself for a day in Court?
Well, I always start off with a flat white! Court doesn’t start until 10am, but I always arrive for 9am. I like to make sure all of my files are open and I’ve had a chance to read over the evidence etc. I then have time to chat to probation or the prosecutor about which cases I’ve got and get any information from them that I need. I’m then fully prepared for when my client’s arrive.
What types of criminal cases do you work on?
I do a little bit of everything. From assaults, to sexual offences and murder, I have experience in most offences.
How do you switch off and enjoy a work/life balance when dealing with upsetting or stressful situations?
This is a good question. The most difficult thing about this job is the switching off. I am pretty good at not getting too emotionally involved in cases, but what I do struggle with is not thinking about my massive work load each night. If I’m particularly stressed, I will do an hours worth of work when I get home – just to clear some really urgent things. The only way I can totally switch off is by reading. I read almost every night (I think I read 20+ books last year) and I often fall asleep with my kindle on my face!
What do you like to do outside of work?
My fiancée and I own a little riverboat, so in the Summer you will usually find me somewhere along the river. I also love to cook – my speciality is chicken jalfrezi.
Do you have a favourite genre of music?
House music is my go-to, particularly when I need energy as I’m driving to the police station at 2am!
Have you read any good books lately?
Yes! I love recommending books. Some really good recent reads are:
- The ‘Scythe’ series by Neal Shusterman – dystopian. I read all three in about 10 days.
- The Wolf’s Hour by Michael Gallatin – it’s about a werewolf spy in World War II. It sounds bizarre, but it is fantastic.
- 22.63 by Stephen King – possibly my favourite book of all time. It’s about time travel and I love any time travel related book.
How said you enjoy cooking, what is your favourite cuisine?
If I had to pick one, it would be curry with a lot of spice! At the moment I really have a thing for Turkish cuisine – good kebab meat and rice.
