Stephen Finegold started volunteering as a magistrate after returning from a five year stint directing performing arts at an American school in China.
His acting career has included performances with Ralph Fiennes in Shakespeare stage productions, as well as roles in popular television series like Emmerdale, Absolutely Fabulous, My Family, Hustle, The Only Boy for Me, Crocodile Shoes and Heartbeat.
But it was a social media advertisement which encouraged the 66-year-old to fill out a magistrate application.
He now serves primarily in the West Yorkshire region covering Bradford, Leeds, and Kirklees.
Stephen Finegold on the stage(Image: Via Ministry of Justice)
His role usually sees him volunteer for one day per week.
Stephen said: “As an actor, I’ve played lawyers so many times – and I’m interested in the justice system.
“There’s a lot to learn as a magistrate and as an actor you spend a lot of time learning lines. One of the skills I’ve picked up over the years, which is transferable to this role, is to learn a lot of information fairly quickly.
Anyone over the age of 18 can become a magistrate and no legal experience is needed.
The minimum commitment is for 13 days a year, plus training.
Looking ahead, Stephen aspires to become a bench chairman. The role is an elected senior magistrate who presides over court sittings, acts as the bench’s ambassador, and supports other magistrates within their local justice area.
He continues to balance magistrate duties with ongoing voice-over work and international theatre festival directing for schools worldwide.
Stephen hopes that by sharing his story, more people will apply to be a magistrate.
He added: “It’s a great privilege to be entrusted to deliver justice in your community – I’d highly recommend it to people who want to play a part in what is a core role in our judicial system.
Bradford and Keighley Magistrates’ Court(Image: )
“Essentially, if you want to make a difference in society, give back to your community and help to deliver justice, then you should consider volunteering.
“All training, including legal advice with support from a legal adviser and other members of the panel, is provided.”
Magistrates work closely in groups of three with a legal advisor, who offers guidance on the law.
Anyone aged between 18 and 74 who can commit to at least 13 days a year, plus training for at least five years, is encouraged to apply.
The Judiciary of England and Wales, and The Ministry of Justice, is aiming to boost numbers by recruiting 2,000 new magistrates across England and Wales by March 2026.
Minister Sackman, Minister of State for Courts and Legal Services, said: “Over 90 per cent of all criminal court cases are heard by these local volunteers.
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