I am extremely pleased to have been awarded the Kalisher/Sentencing Academy Internship for this year. I have followed the work of both organisations for a number of years, and I am proud to represent both organisations and the ethos they stand for.
I currently work as a Crown Court Caseworker at a practice specialising in criminal defence. I am the lead litigator for offences such as murder, attempted murder, firearms, serious sexual and violent offences and dishonesty offences. From my work in criminal defence, I have witnessed the practical impact of sentencing and the often-limited understanding of sentencing in the Criminal Justice System. I am particularly excited about the prospect of being able to write an article about an element of sentencing that I have had first-hand experience of dealing with.
I am keen to further my understanding and the understanding of others with support from both organisations and I instantly been made to feel settled owing to encouragement I have already received. To have my work published by the Sentencing Academy will be a significant achievement, that will hopefully contribute positively to the information gap in my chosen area.
I am also particularly grateful for the support and mentoring that this internship will offer me in my quest for pupillage and successful career at the Bar.
Finally, I hope my background provides encouragement for other under-represented students who are looking to start a career at the Bar and to highlight the fantastic opportunities that these brilliant organisations offer.
Lewis Hazeldine
