Article written by:
Ami Dollery
When I joined Bond Turner on 15 September 2025, I was excited to start a new chapter after 13 years at another firm. However, shortly after I arrived, the Mazur judgment was handed down. For me, as a qualified CILEX Fellow, this decision felt like a seismic shift. I remember being worried about the potential impact on my ability to practise independently and what it might mean for my career. As someone new to the firm, I also wondered whether this would undermine my value to the clinical negligence team.
Instead, the opposite happened. The experience showed me just how valued I am at Bond Turner and how committed the firm is to supporting its people.
The process of collating my portfolio and logbooks took around two and a half full working days. It could easily have been overwhelming. I remember thinking, “How am I going to manage this!” However, I received nothing but support from John Doyle and the wider Bond Turner team. They ensured I had the time and space to focus on what needed to be done and made sure I felt comfortable throughout. John checked in with me regularly, and Lisa Birchall, our training coordinator, was always on hand to offer guidance and reassurance. That proactive communication made all the difference.
Bond Turner even allowed me to return to my previous firm to gather evidence for my portfolio, which was a huge help. Every interaction reinforced that I was not just another employee but someone whose contribution and future mattered.
What is the Mazur Judgment?
The Mazur judgment, handed down in 2025, raised significant questions about the scope of independent practice for CILEX Fellows. It challenged the extent to which Fellows could exercise rights traditionally associated with solicitors, creating uncertainty for many in the profession. Although the appeal is scheduled for February 2026, the judgment has already prompted Fellows to review their practice rights and, in some cases, to reaffirm their position. For those of us who have worked hard to build careers on these rights, the decision felt unsettling and, frankly, daunting.
Looking Back
What could have been a stressful and uncertain time became an experience that strengthened my confidence in both my career and the team around me. I have felt welcomed, supported and encouraged to thrive. This experience truly reflects the culture at Bond Turner, and I am proud to be part of a firm that values its people.