Adam Feest KC was appointed as a Circuit Judge by Queen Elizabeth II back in September 2022, based at Winchester Crown Court. Adam previously belonged to 3 Paper Buildings (3PB), one of the UK’s oldest chambers and third largest set of barristers in the UK. With a career that spans over 25 years, he has been at the forefront of some of the most challenging criminal cases across the Western Circuit.
We spoke to Adam about his career and what it means to him.
Did you have a career in mind during your time at Exeter School?
In answer to your questions, I wanted to be a criminal barrister for as long as I can remember – for no reason that I can now recall. Having been called to the Bar in 1994 and appeared in the criminal courts for many years, it was a natural progression to apply for part time judicial posts. I was lucky enough to have been appointed as a Crown Court Recorder in 2009 and from that time was able to mix my career at the bar with sitting as a judge. As I enjoyed sitting as a Recorder, there came a stage when I felt that applying for a full time job was the next stage in my legal career. By that time, I have been a silk for nearly seven years and was ready for the next challenge.
What do you enjoy/find most challenging about your career?
Every time I go into court, I get an immense sense of privilege that I am able to play some (albeit small) part in the criminal justice system. Whilst it may not be perfect, our system generally provides fairness and justice for all those who come into contact with it – to be part of that is both very rewarding and awe-inspiring at the same time. As to the challenges, one only needs to visit a crown court to see how we are battling daily with a whole range of issues that prevents us from carrying out our function most efficiently – lack of counsel to deal with cases, prisoners being produced late, technologies not working – to name but a few.
