Clerk to HM Judges and a Judges' Clerks' Line Manager
Full‑time, permanent contract based in London (Royal Courts of Justice, Strand, WC2A 2LL). Closing date: 21‑Nov‑2025. Salary: £40,014 – £42,859. This vacancy is only available to existing civil servants and employees of accredited non‑departmental public bodies (NDPBs).
Overview
The role provides first‑line support to a Lord or Lady Justice of Appeal or High Court Judge, managing the judge’s day to enable focus on justice delivery. Responsibilities include diary management, document preparation, stakeholder liaison, and occasional circuit work.
Key Responsibilities
* Performance management of a team of 13–20 EO Judges Clerks, including quarterly reviews, probation plans, attendance management and formal action when required.
* Circulation of departmental communications and leading regular team meetings to share information.
* Escalation of conduct or behavioural concerns in accordance with the disciplinary policy.
* Maintain governance, risk management registers and contingency plans.
* Ensure training records for self and the team are up to date.
* Approve clerks’ expense claims and claims submitted on behalf of the judiciary, complying with policy.
* Administer HR duties such as leaver transfer, special leave applications and pay‑related queries.
* Provide visible leadership, role‑model engaging behaviours, coach, support and develop staff, especially during change initiatives.
* Support group and departmental initiatives, including operational reporting documentation.
* Assist in recruitment of new Judges Clerks, including application sifting and panel participation.
* Maintain the standards of customer service to judges, colleagues, professionals and other court users.
* Keep an up‑to‑date diary of judges’ court sittings, visits and meetings; coordinate visits and support visitors.
* Carry out domestic duties such as tea/coffee preparation, lunch collection, washing up, dry cleaning and other ad‑hoc tasks.
* Transport court bundles, files, computers, robes and personal belongings, including during circuit work.
* Communicate by telephone, email and correspondence to resolve many and varied queries and requests.
* Liaise regularly with judges, senior figures, litigants, jurors, court and tribunal users and representatives of other agencies.
* Make decisions regarding changing priorities without reference to the judge, working on own initiative.
* Represent the assigned judge at an operational level, ensuring confidentiality, tact, courtesy and diplomacy.
* Manage judges’ other commitments while on circuit, staying in judicial accommodation or hotels and handling domestic matters.
Essential Skills and Criteria
* Accurate typing speed of at least 35 wpm (tested in three parts: typed text, manuscript, drafting emails).
* Experience using Microsoft Office applications.
* High standard of spoken and written English, able to summarise information concisely.
* Prior experience in a judicial or legal support environment is advantageous.
Desirable Skills
* Full driving licence.
Working Arrangements
The role is based in London with reasonable daily commute. Circuit work up to three times annually for 2–6 weeks may be required. Working hours are normally 37 hours per week; longer hours may be necessary. Part‑time, job sharing and remote working are not suitable.
Security Level
Counter‑Terrorism Check (CTC) and potentially Higher Security Clearance (SC/DV) may be required. Existing civil servants on level transfer or promotion are considered; secondments and loans will be considered on an individual basis.
Application Process
Submit an online application including:
* Current CV
* 250‑word suitability statement against desirable and essential skills
* 250‑word statements for each of the following Success Profile behaviours (Level 3): Leadership, Communicating & Influencing, Making Effective Decisions
Successful candidates will be invited to an assessment day, comprising a practical assessment and a face‑to‑face interview. The assessment day is conducted in person.
Eligibility
Applicants must be existing civil servants or employees of accredited NDPBs. Staff on fixed‑term appointments must have been recruited through fair and open competition.
Contact Information
For assistance, call 0345 241 5359 (Mon‑Fri 08:00–18:00) or email. Please quote job reference 11674.
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