Legal adviser to the Senior President of Tribunals (Ref: 12935)

Job Overview

This is an exciting opportunity for a lawyer to work directly with the Senior President of Tribunals (SPT) and other senior judiciary members. The SPT leads the tribunals judiciary, overseeing around 5000 judicial office‑holders across the First‑tier, Upper, Employment, and Employment Appeal Tribunals. In this role you will assist in a high‑profile project shaping the statutory leadership structure of England and Wales’ tribunals system, working with lawyers in the Judicial Office and the Ministry of Justice to realise the vision.

Key Responsibilities

• Advising the Senior President of Tribunals on statutory responsibilities under the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 and other legislation.
• Advising the SPT on duties delegated by the Lady Chief Justice.
• Conducting legal research and supporting the SPT’s preparation of lectures, speeches and articles on legal and policy matters.
• Representing the SPT’s private office at meetings of the Tribunal Procedure Committee.
• Providing advice on the development of the digital justice system, particularly as a member of the Online Procedure Rules Committee.
• Advising the Judicial Office’s Strategy and Modernisation Team on projects affecting the tribunals, including changes to working practices and legislation reforming the SPT role.
• Deputising for the Private Secretary to the SPT on occasion.
• Supporting other members of the Judicial Office legal team on complex or cross‑cutting legal issues.

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window) and will assess your behaviours, strengths, experience and technical skills.

Required Skills and Experience

– Qualified to practice as a solicitor or barrister in England and Wales, holding or able to obtain a valid practising certificate.
– Ability to provide high‑quality written and oral legal advice within a broader policy and operational context.

Desirable Experience

• Experience in equality law as it applies in England and Wales.

Selection Criteria – Technical Legal Skills

• Strong understanding of public law and constitutional principles.
• Knowledge of tribunals procedure.
• Sound analytical skills, using research to produce timely, fit‑for‑purpose advice.
• Effective communication of advice in writing and orally, with minimal supervision.
• Reliable legal judgement and ability to assess risk, identify options and steer appropriately.
• Understanding of the advisory lawyer role.

Behaviours

• Communicating and influencing.
• Making effective decisions.
• Delivering at pace.

Security and Vetting

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check and meet the required security level (counter‑terrorist check). Applicants will also complete baseline personnel security standard checks.

Nationality Requirements

This role is open to the following groups:
• UK nationals
• Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and their settled or pre‑settled family members under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein with a valid application for settled or pre‑settled status under the EUSS
• Individuals with limited or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals and certain family members of Turkish nationals who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Benefits

• A salary of £63,343, plus £18,350 contributed towards the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
• Access to learning and development.
• Flexible working options to support work‑life balance.
• A culture that encourages inclusion and diversity.
• Annual leave, public holidays and season ticket advance.

Candidates invited to interview will prepare a short presentation; feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview.