Day in the life of a legal manager

7.45am - Starting the day

My day begins early, after walking my three dogs - Luna, Sol, and Terran. With condensed hours due to care commitments, I make the most of a quiet start. The office is still waking up, so I settle down with a coffee and breakfast to check my emails and plan the day ahead. Staying informed about local news is a priority – if I come across reports of a crime that might involve my team, I often reach out to the police to see if they intend to refer the case to us.

9am - Managing systems and processes

My role in the Complex Casework Unit and the Serious Violence, Organised Crime, and Exploitation Unit involves making sure that systems and processes run smoothly. This includes managing the instruction of counsel and King’s Counsel, handling media enquiries, and monitoring the quality of our legal decisions.

When challenges arise – and they inevitably do – it’s my responsibility to address them, find solutions, and provide accountability. Alongside this, I support my team with their HR needs and ensure they feel recognised for the vital and high-pressure work they do.

11am - Supporting the team

A big part of my role is staying connected with my team. I make it a point to speak with everyone daily. They are the legal experts, and while I’m a qualified lawyer with years of experience, I don’t have all the answers. Together, we identify what needs to be done, collaborate on decisions, and seek additional support when necessary. It’s important to me that they feel supported – both mentally and practically – as they navigate the challenges of this high-responsibility role.

1.30pm – Lunch break

Lunch is a chance to reset, and I make time to step away from my desk. Some days, I’ll go for a quick walk with my dogs to get some fresh air. Other days, I’ll grab a coffee and cake with a colleague. These moments help me recharge for the afternoon ahead.

2.30pm – Engaging with stakeholders

Collaboration with external stakeholders is a regular part of my work. I often liaise with the police and, in some cases, with members of the public. This might mean engaging with a bereaved family to explain why a suspect is or isn’t being charged, or supporting students at Warwick University as they explore careers in criminal law. These interactions remind me of the bigger picture and the impact of what we do.

5.30pm - Wrapping up and reflecting

As the day winds down, I set tasks for the following day and ensure everything is in order. It’s also a time to reflect on the successes of the day, no matter how small. Managing the workload while maintaining quality is one of the most rewarding aspects of the role, even when it’s challenging.

Reflecting on my career, one of the highlights was attending a Queen’s Garden Party in recognition of my involvement in prosecuting cases during the 2011 riots. It was an incredible honour and a proud moment that reminded me of the impact we have in delivering justice. Moments like this highlight how the Crown Prosecution Service makes sure that people who work hard and are dedicated to their roles are recognised and rewarded. I find this really motivating.

With the day’s work complete, I log off, cook dinner, and transition into my evening. Evenings are for unwinding, often with something non-crime related on TV or attending my local quiz night. It’s a great way to clear my mind after a busy day.

My Fridays - A day for family and history

Working condensed hours means I have Fridays off, giving me time to care for my mother and enjoy extra social time with my partner and our dogs. As a lover of history – especially the Tudor period – I also use this time to indulge in my passion for the past or focus on learning French, which has been a new and exciting challenge.