Overview
When you join us as a trainee legal adviser, you’ll quickly discover that this isn’t your normal 9‑to‑5 role. You’ll learn new skills every day, work at pace in a fast‑moving, fluid environment and help 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. Once you complete training, you’ll have the opportunity to further develop your legal career within HMCTS.
Responsibilities
* Provide impartial and objective legal advice to magistrates on points of law, practice and procedure.
* Assist with the formulation and drafting of reasons behind judges’ judgments.
* Conduct case‑management hearings.
* Liaise with outside agencies involved in specialist court work.
* Act as the professional face of the court, working with integrity, empathy and understanding.
* Maintain a high standard of professionalism and ensure all who attend are treated with humanity and respect.
Qualifications
* Pass the academic stage of qualification to become a solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales, or a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) or CILEx lawyer.
* Examples of approved academic routes include:
o The Legal Practice Course (LPC) for Solicitors, or BOTH the SQE1 and SQE2 stages of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination.
o The CILEx Level 3 Professional Diploma in Law and Practice and the CILEx Level 6 Diploma in Law and Practice.
o The CILEx Graduate Fast‑Track Diploma; or equivalent for Graduate Membership of CILEx.
* At the point of offer, evidence the correct certification. If you are unable to evidence the correct certification you will be removed from the process.
Training Programme
* Attend a two‑day Induction Programme run by the Judicial College.
* Complete supplementary training in the workplace and modules in the Judicial College’s legal adviser manual.
* Receive support from an allocated mentor throughout the induction and training programme.
* Participate in court observations and local and regional training events.
* Upon successful completion, submit your training portfolio (usually completed within two years). You will then progress to an SEO Tier 1 Legal Adviser role.
Benefits
* Civil service pension.
* Flexible working arrangements.
* Generous annual leave.
* Childcare and travel allowances.
* Access to staff networks and clubs.
* Paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
* Professional development opportunities to qualify with the SRA and CILEx.
How to Apply
* To apply, use our online application form.
* Submit a statement of suitability (maximum 500 words) explaining how your skills, experience and personal qualities make you a strong candidate.
* Maximum 250 words for the technical question, explain how you meet the qualification requirements.
* Provide evidence of your final certification at the point of offer.
Additional Information
* All employees are required to have security clearance before appointment.
* Governing legislation and civil service codes apply.
* Hybrid working is available with a minimum of 60% office presence, subject to local capacity. Some roles may be unsuitable for hybrid.
* Visa sponsorship may be available for eligible roles based on the Skilled Worker route, where required.
* Locations include Worcester, North Staffordshire, Leicester, Lincoln, Northampton, Nottingham, Derby, Newcastle, Leeds, Bradford, York, Hull, Sheffield, and others across England and Wales.
Legal and Diversity Statements
* We are a Disability Confident employer and committed to providing a discrimination‑free environment.
* We welcome and support veterans and encourage applications from former members of the Armed Forces.
* All policies, including the Civil Service People Plan and Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, apply.
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