Overview
When you join us as a trainee legal adviser, you will work in a fast‑moving, fluid environment supporting the courts and helping to keep them running smoothly. You will learn new skills every day as you work on cases ranging from minor motoring offences to serious crimes, and you will be supported and mentored throughout a two‑year training programme. On completion you will have the opportunity to further develop your legal career within HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS).
Key Responsibilities
* Provide impartial and objective legal advice to magistrates on points of law, practice and procedure.
* Assist magistrates with the formulation and drafting of reasons for their judgments and sentences.
* Conduct case‑management hearings and liaise with outside agencies involved in specialist court work.
* Work as the professional face of the court, representing the service with integrity, empathy and understanding.
* Prepare and submit training portfolio and training reports during the two‑year programme.
Qualifications and Eligibility
* Pass the academic stage of qualification to become a barrister in England and Wales, a solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales, or a Fellow/Member of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX). Required routes include:
o The Legal Practice Course (LPC) for Solicitors, or both SQE1 and SQE2 stages of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam.
o The Bar Training Course (or equivalent for Barristers).
o The CILEx Level 3 Professional Diploma in Law & Practice and the Level 6 Diploma, or the CILEx Graduate Fast Track Diploma.
* Be physically and mentally able to handle challenging situations and remain calm under pressure.
* Show excellent communication, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
* Be committed to increasing and maintaining knowledge of the law.
* Evidence final certification by the offer date; failure to do so before April 2026 will result in removal from the process.
Hybrid Working Arrangements
The role offers a hybrid working arrangement where, subject to business needs and local estate capacity, a minimum of 60% of working time is spent in an office. Your base location will be the nearest viable office to your home postcode (HQ building, Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office). Hybrid working is not suitable for all roles; arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate.
Work Schedule
The contracted hours are 37 hours per week (excluding lunch breaks) over five days, including Saturdays and public holidays. Additional hours may be required to support the courts’ statutory tasks and duties.
Compensation & Benefits
* Competitive salary with a minimum base of £35,335 for national posts; sponsorship salaries start at £41,700 for Skilled Worker visas.
* Generous holiday entitlement (25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 after five years) plus public holidays, a paid privilege day, and a scheme to buy/sell up to three days of leave each year.
* Civil Service pension, flexible working schemes, and paid maternity, paternity, adoption and other leave.
* Training opportunities to support qualification as a solicitor or CILEx lawyer, and a structured progression to a SEO Tier 1 Legal Adviser upon completion.
* Access to employee‑run networks, diversity support programmes, and a range of voluntary benefits (retail vouchers, discounts, childcare support, etc.).
Application Process
To be considered, you must be in the process of completing or have completed the required academic qualification. Applications can only be made to the specific advertised role. Interview dates are scheduled for the week commencing 16th March. All applications will be processed by HMCTS in accordance with Civil Service recruitment principles. If you have any queries about the role, or if you are a disabled candidate, please contact HQlegal@justice.gov.uk.
Contact
Email: HQlegal@justice.gov.uk
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