Masters of the Bench

Lesley was called to the Bar in 1977 and practised from Manchester chambers for over 20 years. Elected Head of Young Street Chambers in 1997, she served on numerous committees and organisations concerned with the development of family law, including, for many years, serving as a committee member of the Family Law Bar Association. 

Lesley was appointed as a Circuit Judge in 2001 and in 2004 was authorised to sit as a Deputy Judge of the High Court. She was the Circuit Judge member of the Family Justice Council from its inception in 2004 until she resigned in July 2011. Shortly after she was appointed as Course Director for Family Law at the Judicial College, where, she was responsible, with 2 colleagues, for the training of all full and part-time family judges in England and Wales in family law for 6 years.

Appointed Designated Family Judge for Greater Manchester in December 2014, Lesley was elected as President of the Council of HM Circuit Judges in 2016 having served on its committee in various guises for 12 years. 

Lesley is married to HHJ David Hernandez and together they have 2 grown-up children.