Loraine Ladlow

Meet Loraine a Herts graduate who defied the odds to build a remarkable career in law, Loraine went from leaving school at 16 to becoming a Barrister, senior legal leader, and mentor, inspiring others through her resilience, determination, and lifelong commitment to justice and equality.

Breaking barriers and building a career in law

Leaving school at 16 with very few qualifications, Loraine could never have imagined the career that lay ahead. She recalls: “My school career teacher told me to get a job in Woolworths!” After working in administrative roles and serving as a police officer from the ages of 18 to 22, she left to travel with her husband. On returning, she was expecting her first child and decided to return to education. She undertook an A-level in law at night school at St Albans College of Further Education.

Inspired by an advert in her local newspaper, she applied for the University of Hertfordshire’s first part-time degree for mature students, a social science degree with a law option. “I only had my one A-level, but after an interview, I was accepted onto the course.” Starting with little experience of higher education, she navigated subjects such as economics, the sociology of law, and computers, and received guidance from tutors and fellow students on how to write essays and succeed academically.

A few months into the course, she discovered she was expecting her second child. Concerned she might have to leave, she received strong support from her tutors, who encouraged her to continue. “They assured me I would pass. I did. But really only with their help and kindness.” She sat exams while heavily pregnant and returned to university weeks after giving birth, dropping one module to make the workload manageable. Her determination and resilience were recognised with a Polytechnic prize for consistently high marks in the face of adversity.

During her studies, she campaigned for better childcare facilities and joined the student council. Looking back, she credits Herts with giving her confidence, opportunity, and the belief that she could succeed.

A remarkable career shaped by Herts

After successfully completing the bar finals course and qualifying as a Barrister’, Loraine began her career in the Magistrates’ Court with support from her law tutor.  She progressed to senior roles, including Head of Legal Services for Bedfordshire, Director of the Court of Appeal for England and Wales, and Assistant Director of Adjudication for a healthcare regulator. Her work also took her overseas, delivering justice projects in Croatia, Serbia, Kosovo, and Nigeria.

In 2011, she returned to Herts to complete an MA in Human Resource Management, gaining further skills in leadership and strategy. Today, she serves as an Independent Panel Member and Chair for the Judicial Appointments Commission, interviewing candidates for judicial roles, and as an Independent Chair for the Football Association, hearing national serious cases and appeals in grassroots football.

Giving back and inspiring the next generation

The first in her family to attend university and growing up on a council estate, Loraine is proud of her achievements. She remains committed to supporting others, having campaigned for better childcare during her studies, served on the student council, and now mentoring students and professionals in law and HR.

Reflecting on her journey, Loraine says: “The encouragement and support I received, especially after I had my son, made all the difference. It boosted my confidence and made me believe in myself.”

Her story shows that with resilience, support, and determination, it is possible to overcome setbacks and build a meaningful career. Though now at the tail end of her professional journey, she remains deeply grateful to Herts and passionate about helping the next generation find their path