9721 - Trainee Legal Adviser – Kent (Family)

Overview

Proud to serve. Proud to keep justice going.

The role of the legal adviser is vital to the smooth running of HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) and is a highly rewarding position within our organisation. You’ll be surrounded by learning opportunities every day, so if you have a passion for law, this could be the right role for you.

Our work at HMCTS is vitally important to the smooth running of a fair, accessible and efficient justice system, as 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.

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. Once you’ve completed this, you’ll then have the opportunity to further develop your legal career within HMCTS.

Responsibilities

• Work as the qualified, professional face of the courts, offering impartial and objective legal advice.
• Assist magistrates with points of law, practice and procedure and help formulate and draft the reasons behind judgments.
• Help conduct case management hearings and liaise with outside agencies involved in specialist court work.
• Uphold integrity, empathy and understanding, ensuring all attendees are treated with humanity and respect at all times.
• Apply your skills to increase your knowledge of the law and support decision-making with consideration of risks and implications.
• Operate in an office-based/court-based frontline role, allocated to a base location as agreed with your line manager.
• Undergo security vetting and clearance as part of the appointment process.

In addition to your academic qualifications and excellent communication skills, you’ll be committed to increasing and maintaining your knowledge of the law and to developing problem-solving abilities in a busy court environment.

Training and Qualifications

• You’ve passed the academic stage of qualification to become a barrister or solicitor in England or Wales, or you’re a graduate member of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives.
• You’ll be on a two-year training program, receiving support and mentorship throughout the period, with opportunities to progress within HMCTS after completion.

Expected Qualities

• Open, approachable, professional and supportive with excellent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to think on your feet in a busy court, make important decisions, and consider a wide range of risks and implications.
• Resilient, able to remain calm under pressure, and able to take a diplomatic and tactful approach with colleagues and stakeholders.

Location and Security

This is an office-based/court-based frontline role. You’ll be allocated to your work base location and will be expected to spend the duration of your training at that base to meet business needs and training requirements. All employees must be security cleared before appointment.

Benefits and Work-Life Balance

Enjoy a healthy work/life balance with our range of benefits.

In addition to a competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement and a Civil Service pension, we’ll support your development with training opportunities. We offer flexible working schemes, paid maternity and paternity leave and childcare benefits.

The organisation recognises and values diversity and inclusion, with staff networks, reasonable adjustments for those who need them, and diversity talent programmes to help everyone achieve their potential.

Career Progression and Benefits

Upon successful completion of the full training and submission of your training portfolio (usually completed within two years), a Trainee legal adviser will progress to a SEO Tier 1 Legal adviser role (with an associated pay increase). You’ll have access to a variety of legal careers within HMCTS and beyond, plus civil service benefits including a pension, flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, childcare and travel allowances and staff networks.

For further information on our benefits please see HM Courts & Tribunals Service Benefits (hmctsjobs.co.uk).

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