SEO Lawyers

His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) is responsible for the administration of the criminal, civil and family courts and tribunals in England and Wales, and non‑devolved tribunals in Scotland and Northern Ireland. HMCTS supports the Court of Appeal Criminal Division (CACD) by providing high‑quality legal casework, case management and procedural advice to aid judicial decision‑making.

Responsibilities

• Case management: Manage and progress allocated cases effectively, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, procedural rules and practice directions, and supporting the timely and just determination of proceedings.
• Legal analysis and advice: Identify, analyse and clearly articulate legal and procedural issues arising in cases, including undertaking legal research and providing accurate, well‑reasoned advice to senior lawyers, the judiciary and court users as appropriate.
• Preparation of legal materials: Produce high‑quality written products such as case summaries, procedural notes, draft directions, recommendations and other materials to support judicial consideration and decision‑making.
• Procedural guidance: Provide advice and guidance on court or tribunal procedure to colleagues, professional court users and litigants in person, ensuring clarity, consistency and fairness.
• Judicial support: Work closely with the judiciary, senior legal managers and colleagues to ensure cases are ready for hearing or determination, and that issues are clearly identified and appropriately presented.
• Continuous professional development: Maintain and develop specialist legal knowledge and skills relevant to the jurisdiction, keeping up to date with changes in law, procedure and practice, and meeting applicable CPD requirements.
• Flexible contribution: Undertake additional duties reasonably required, commensurate with the grade and nature of the role.

Jurisdiction‑Specific Responsibilities

• Exercise delegated case management or decision‑making functions, where formally authorised and appropriately trained.
• Proactively identify risks, delays or barriers to effective case progression across a caseload or work area and take action to address these.
• Manage more complex, sensitive or high‑profile cases, with appropriate support and oversight.
• Contribute to training, guidance or knowledge‑sharing activity, including supporting the design or delivery of legal or procedural training.
• Participate in or lead small development or improvement projects that enhance the efficiency, quality or user experience of court or tribunal processes.

Working Relationships

• Judiciary
• Senior Legal Managers and Grade 7 Lawyers
• Administrative teams
• Professional court users and litigants in person

Qualifications

Essential:

• Legally qualified as a Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) Lawyer, having completed the required training contract, pupillage or qualifying period of employment.
• Strong legal analytical skills, with the ability to identify key issues, apply relevant law and procedure, and exercise sound judgement.
• Clear and effective written and oral communication skills, including the ability to explain complex legal or procedural matters concisely.
• Good organisational skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively, professionally and with integrity in a judicial environment.
• IT competence and the ability to use legal research tools effectively.

Desirable:

• Experience of appellate, tribunal or complex casework.
• Knowledge of criminal law and procedure.
• Experience of contributing to training or improvement projects.

Assessment Process

• 1‑hour drafting and legal‑risk assessment, followed by a 1‑hour interview.
• Preparation: The required reading for the drafting assessment will be sent one week prior to the interview.
• During the interview, candidates will provide written answers to questions and be asked to consider legal‑risk scenarios.
• Following the assessment, candidates will receive feedback from the panel.

Benefits

• Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years’ service; additional paid leave for public holidays and one privilege day.
• Pension: Choice of pension schemes within the Civil Service.
• Training: Extensive range of training and development opportunities.
• Family‑friendly policies: flexible working arrangements, reduced hours or job sharing where appropriate.
• Paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
• Free annual sight tests for employees using computer screens.
• Hybrid working arrangements may be offered where business need allows, with a minimum of 60 % of working time expected in an office.