About us
Our work at HMCTS is vitally important to the smooth running of a fair, accessible and efficient justice system. We are responsible for the administration of criminal, civil and family courts and tribunals in England and Wales.
Right now, we’re 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.
Important
It is essential that prospective applicants visit a Magistrates’ Court to observe court proceedings before the interview stage. Candidates are encouraged to plan ahead because the time period between confirmation and date of interview may be limited and interviews may not proceed if an observation has not been made. The observation provides valuable insight into the duties of a Trainee Legal Adviser and offers a practical understanding of the courtroom environment, as well as the various roles and responsibilities involved.
About You
You’re an excellent communicator with the ability to inspire confidence in everyone you work with and the self‑assurance to speak in court. You’ve passed the academic stage of qualification to become a solicitor in England or Wales, or you’re a graduate member of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives. You’re enthusiastic about the responsibility that comes with being on the front line of the justice system and ready to take your career to the next level.
Learn new legal skills as you develop your career
When you join us as a trainee legal adviser, you’ll quickly discover that this isn’t your normal 9‑to‑5 role, as 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, after which you’ll have the opportunity to further develop your legal career within HMCTS.
Work as the qualified, professional face of the courts
Rather than acting for a client you’ll be offering impartial and objective legal advice. You’ll need to be passionate about the law and the issues that must be considered when magistrates deliver judgments and sentences.
Helping to conduct case management hearings
Managing case‑management hearings and liaising with outside agencies involved in specialist court work will be key parts of your role. Once you’re qualified, you’ll act as the professional face of the court, working with integrity, empathy and understanding, and ensuring that everyone who attends is treated with humanity and respect at all times.
Apply all your skills as you increase your knowledge of the law
In addition to your academic qualifications and excellent communication skills, you’ll be committed to increasing and maintaining your knowledge of the law. You’ll be open, approachable, professional and supportive, with excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to think on your feet in a busy court. You’ll remain resilient, calm under pressure and adopt a diplomatic and tactful approach to everyone you work with.
This is an office‑based/court‑based frontline role
You’ll be allocated to your agreed work base location as part of the recruitment process and expected to spend the duration of your training there to fulfil the demands of the training and the business needs. All employees must be security‑cleared before appointment, so you’ll undergo a vetting process if your application is successful.
Enjoy a healthy work/life balance with our range of benefits
When you join us, you’ll make an important contribution to HM Courts and Tribunals Service and in return we offer a competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement, a Civil Service pension and ongoing training opportunities. We understand the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer flexible working schemes, paid maternity and paternity leave and excellent childcare benefits.
We support diversity and inclusion
Our community of colleagues has different skills, backgrounds, cultures and identities. We support every individual so you’ll always feel welcome and valued. We have proactive staff networks, reasonable adjustments for those who need them and diversity talent programmes to help everyone, irrespective of background, to achieve their potential.
