Overview
General Information Salary £42,914 - £46,182. Working Pattern: Full Time. Location: Aberystwyth, Cardiff, Haverfordwest, Merthyr Tydfil, Mold, Newport, Swansea, Wales. Closing Date: 02-Mar-2026. Post Type: Permanent. Civil Service Grade: SEO. Number of jobs available: 4. Reserve List: 12 Months. Job ID: 14655.
Descriptions & requirements Job description
You are an excellent communicator with the ability to inspire confidence in everyone you work with and the self-assurance to speak in court. Youll need to be a qualified solicitor, barrister or fellow of CILEX, enthusiastic about the responsibility that comes with being on the front line of the justice system and you are ready to develop your career further and make a positive difference to society and the communities we live in.
Our work at HMCTS is vitally important to the smooth running of a fair, accessible and efficient justice system. We are looking for legal advisers to join our exceptional legal team in Wales 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. Youll also exercise a range of authorised judicial functions. You should demonstrate judicial independence, integrity and impartiality at all times.
Important It is essential for prospective applicants to visit a Magistrates Court to observe court proceedings before the interview stage. If successful, plan ahead as the time between confirmation and interview may be limited. The observation provides insight into the duties of a Trainee Legal Adviser and the courtroom environment. Those who have undertaken this experience often report increased confidence and motivation to excel in the role.
Your role
As a legal adviser, youll work in a fast-paced, frontline environment. Youll handle matters from minor motoring offences to serious crimes, or in family cases involving disputes about children. Youll be supported by a 12 to 18 month national induction programme to acquire knowledge of law, practice and procedure, with a mentor, manager and colleagues. You will collect evidence during training to support promotion to a qualified Legal Adviser. After training there are wide career opportunities within HMCTS or related judicial roles.
Qualifications
To be eligible, candidates must be fully qualified to practice as a Solicitor or Barrister in England & Wales or hold the Qualifying Lawyers Transfer Test (QLTT) or be a Fellow of CILEX/CILEX Lawyer, including the completion of the relevant prescribed period of professional experience (e.g. training contract or pupillage).
Role and Responsibilities
Provide legal advice to magistrates, progress cases to ensure they are dealt with justly, fairly and expeditiously. In the crime jurisdiction you will advise magistrates on law, practice and procedure and record court decisions. With experience, you may manage cases in and outside the courtroom. You will be committed to providing a quality justice service to people in Wales. Youll act as the professional face of the court, working with integrity, empathy and respect for all attendees.
This is an office/court-based frontline role. Youll be allocated to a base location agreed with your line manager. All employees require security clearance.
Working Arrangements & Benefits
The MoJ offers hybrid working where possible, with a minimum 60% of time spent in office. The salary includes a competitive package with generous holiday entitlement and Civil Service pension, training and development opportunities, flexible working schemes, maternity/paternity leave and childcare benefits. The Civil Service codes and equal opportunity commitments apply, including reasonable adjustments for candidates who need them.
Base Location and Reserve List We have 4 hires. Successful candidates can be based at Haverfordwest, Aberystwyth, Mold, Cardiff, Swansea, Merthyr Tydfil or Newport. We will make up to one offer per location. If you specify multiple preferences, you may be offered a role in one of your preferred locations and you may be required to take a role in any of your stated locations.
Application & Interview
Interviews are scheduled for the week commencing 16th March. Rescheduling is only in exceptional circumstances and must occur within the interview period. Applicants should apply online; for queries contact the MoJ or HMPPS recruitment teams using the numbers provided in the advert.
Other information This role includes security checks (DBS Standard). The advertisement contains linkages to additional resources and guidance about visa sponsorship where applicable.
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