Overview
The role of the legal adviser is vital to the smooth running of HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) and is a highly rewarding position within our organisation. You'll be surrounded by learning opportunities every day, so if you have a passion for law, this could be the right role for you. Our work at HMCTS is vitally important to the smooth running of a fair, accessible and efficient justice system, as we are responsible for the administration of criminal, civil and family courts and tribunals in England and Wales. We are looking for trainee legal advisers to join our exceptional legal team and develop the skills to provide magistrates with advice on points of law, practice and procedure, and assist with the formulation and drafting of the reasons behind their judgments.
Role and training You will join as a trainee legal adviser and will quickly discover that this isn't a normal 9 to 5 role; no two days are the same. You'll learn new skills every day as you work at pace in a fast-moving, fluid environment, and help to keep the courts running smoothly and efficiently. Working on everything from minor motoring offences to serious crimes, you'll be supported and mentored throughout your two-year training period. Upon completion, you'll have the opportunity to further develop your legal career within HMCTS.
Responsibilities - Work as the qualified, professional face of the courts, providing impartial and objective legal advice and considering issues when magistrates are delivering judgments and sentences. - Help conduct case management hearings and liaise with outside agencies involved in specialist court work. - Act with integrity, empathy and understanding, ensuring that everyone who attends is treated with humanity and respect at all times. - Apply your skills while increasing your knowledge of the law; maintain knowledge of the law alongside academic qualifications and strong communication skills. - Demonstrate open, approachable, professional and supportive conduct, with excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think on your feet in a busy court environment. - Be calm under pressure, resilient, and able to handle a range of risks and implications with a diplomatic and tactful approach. - This is an office-based/court-based frontline role; you will be allocated to a base location agreed with your line manager and spend the duration of your training at that location, as required by the business needs.
Locations and travel Your base location can be Ipswich or Norfolk. Travel to Norwich and Ipswich Magistrates' Courts will be required as needed by business needs. It is desirable but not essential to visit your local Magistrates' court prior to applying to familiarise yourself with the role and the work of the Magistrates' Court.
How to apply and further information If this sounds like you, use our online application form to apply for the role of trainee legal adviser. If you have any queries about the role, please contact HQlegal@justice.gov.uk. The reserve list for this campaign will be managed in accordance with location preferences and we will appoint in merit list order for each location. A locational reserve list will be held for 12 months for candidates who meet the benchmark. Please indicate preferences only if you are willing to work at those locations.
During the selection process we will assess behaviours and capabilities including: Communicating and Influencing; Working Together; Making Effective Decisions; Leadership; Developing Self and Others. This vacancy uses Success Profiles to assess Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.
Qualifications and eligibility You should be an excellent communicator capable of inspiring confidence in others and be prepared to speak in court. You may have passed the academic stage of qualification to become a barrister or solicitor in England or Wales, or be a graduate member of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX). You may apply while completing the final academic stage but must evidence final certification at the point of offer. Eligible routes include:
* The Legal Practice Course (LPC) for Solicitors, or SQE1 and SQE2 for Solicitors; or
* The Bar Training Course; or
* The CILEx Level 3 Professional Diploma in Law and Practice and the Level 6 Diploma in Law and Practice; or
* The CILEx Graduate Fast Track Diploma; or equivalent for Graduate Membership of CILEx.
Security and nationality All employees must undergo security checks. We operate within Civil Service policy on nationality and eligibility to work in the UK. This includes requirements around security clearances and the Civil Service's equality and diversity commitments.
Benefits and recruitment information In addition to a competitive salary and generous holiday entitlement, HMCTS offers a Civil Service pension, training opportunities, flexible working schemes, maternity and paternity leave, and childcare benefits. We promote inclusion and diversity and support networks for staff. The salary quoted is £35,335 with an employer contribution of £10,236 to the Civil Service Pension. Other benefits include access to learning and development, flexible working options, and season ticket support. For more information about the recruitment process, benefits and allowances, please visit the Candidate Information Page at the link provided by the employer.
#J-18808-Ljbffr