Trainee Legal Adviser (Ref: 22417)

Job summary

Please refer to Job Description

Job description

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.

About us

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

Important:

It is essential in understanding the unique nature of this role that prospective applicants visit a Magistrates’ Court to observe court proceedings before the interview stage of the process- if successful in reaching that 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. Those who have undertaken this experience often report increased confidence and motivation to excel in the role.

About You

To be eligible to apply for this post, you must have passed the academic stage of qualification to become a solicitor or Barrister of the Senior Courts of England and Wales or a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) or CILEX Lawyer. Please refer to the entry requirement section for more information.

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’re enthusiastic about the responsibility that comes with being on the front line of the justice system. And now you're ready to take your career to the next level and make a positive difference to society and the communities we live in.

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.

Work as the qualified, professional face of the courts

Rather than acting for a client you’ll be offering impartial and objective legal advice, so you’ll need to be passionate about the law and the issues that must be considered when magistrates are delivering judgments and sentences.

Helping to conduct case management hearings will be another key part of your role, as will liaising with outside agencies who are involved in specialist court work. Once you’re qualified, you’ll act as the professional face of the court, so we’ll expect you to work with integrity, empathy and understanding, and ensure 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. Open, approachable, professional and supportive, we’ll expect you to have excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think on your feet in a busy court. Important decisions will be made, and these can have a profound effect on the people who come to court, so you’ll be confident, impartial and capable of considering a wide range of risks and implications. Flexible and adaptable, and with a high degree of personal responsibility, there are times when you’ll be faced with challenging situations. With this in mind you’ll be resilient and remain calm under pressure and have 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 work base location that has been agreed between yourself and line manager as part of the recruitment process.

You’ll be expected to spend the duration of your training at your agreed base location to fulfil the demands of the training and the business needs in that location.

All our employees have to be security cleared before being appointed 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 be making an important contribution to HM Courts and Tribunals Service – but how will we help you in return?

In addition to a competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement and a Civil Service pension, we’ll support your development with training opportunities to help you advance your career with us. We also understand the importance of a healthy work/life balance and with this in mind we offer flexible working schemes, paid maternity and paternity leave and excellent childcare benefits.

The vital work we do takes an incredible community of colleagues with different skills, backgrounds, cultures and identities. We support every individual, so you’ll always know you’re welcome and valued. We have strong and proactive staff networks, reasonable adjustments for those who need them and diversity talent programmes to help everyone, irrespective of their background, to achieve their potential.

Your benefits with us

As part of our training we support qualifying work experience for the SRA and CILEX enabling legal professional qualification as a solicitor or CILEX.

This role is being offered on a Permanent basis. This role has a minimum assignment duration of 3 years – in line with the deliverables outlined within the advert. Please note this is an expectation only, it is not something that is written into your terms and conditions or indeed which the employing organisation or you are bound by.

Upon successful completion of the full training and submission of your training portfolio (usually completed within two years), a Trainee legal adviser will then progress to a SEO Tier 1 Legal adviser role (with the associated increase in pay, in line with the HMCTS Legal adviser Tier Progression Framework). You’ll have access to a variety of legal careers in HMCTS and beyond. As part of the Ministry of Justice, you’ll be entitled to a range of benefits including a civil service pension, flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, childcare and travel allowances and numerous staff networks and clubs. For further information on our benefits please select here Why join us - HM Courts & Tribunals service

Entry Requirements

To be eligible to apply for this post, you must have passed the academic stage of qualification to become a solicitor or Barrister of the Senior Courts of England and Wales or a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) or CILEX Lawyer by virtue of —

(i) having passed the necessary examinations; (example of which are listed below)

(ii) having been granted an exemption in relation to the necessary examinations (example of which are listed below) by the appropriate examining body; or

(iii) any combination of the two.

By way of example, the following list reflects the currently approved academic qualification routes.

· The Legal Practice Course (LPC) for Solicitors, or BOTH the SQE1 and SQE2 stages of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam; or

· The Bar Training Course; or equivalent for Barristers; or

· The CILEx Level 3 Professional Diploma in Law and Practice and the CILEx Level 6 Diploma in Law and Practice; or

· The CILEx Graduate Fast Track Diploma; or equivalent for Graduate Membership of CILEx.

Important Information for Bar-Qualified Candidates

HMCTS welcomes applications from candidates who have completed the Bar Training Course (BTC) or an equivalent qualification.

Please note that this recruitment campaign is separate from HMCTS's future pupillage provision.

Candidates whose primary objective is to obtain pupillage should note that HMCTS expects to advertise pupillage opportunities through a separate recruitment campaign from 2027, that will be promoted through the Pupillage Gateway, and Civil Service Jobs, with applications submitted through Civil Service Jobs. Details of that campaign will be published separately.

Successful appointment through this campaign will not lead to, guarantee, or provide access to pupillage within HMCTS.

You can apply for this role whilst you are completing the final academic stage of qualification but must be able to evidence your final certification at the point of an offer being made, to be able to proceed to appointment.

If you are unable to evidence the correct certification at the point of offer, you will be removed from the process. Training HMCTS delivers a bespoke training programme for trainee legal advisers to develop the skills, and knowledge for the legal adviser role. The training is delivered through a variety of methods, and you will be supported by an allocated mentor to guide them throughout the Induction and Training Programme. You will be required to attend a two-day Induction Programme run by the Judicial College which is followed by supplementary training in the workplace and the completion of modules contained in the Judicial College’s legal adviser Manual. This learning will be enhanced by relevant court observations and additional local and regional training events with peers.

Application process

Behaviour question: Developing self and others (250 words)

Please describe your understanding of the role of a Legal Adviser in the Magistrates' Court.

From that understanding tell us what you think that would mean for how you would approach your learning and development as a Trainee Legal Adviser. You may want to include examples of how you have:

· identified areas for your development and developed your knowledge or skills;

· used feedback to improve your performance;

· prepared for a new role, qualification or challenge.

To explain how these experiences would help you succeed as a Trainee Legal Adviser and support the fair and effective administration of justice.

500-word Statement of Suitability

Please submit a statement of suitability (maximum 500 words) explaining how your skills, experience, and personal qualities make you a strong candidate for this role. Your statement should highlight transferable skills and demonstrate your knowledge and experience.

Anonymised CV

Please submit a CV setting out:

· Your educational and professional qualifications (including the universities or institutions attended).

· Details of your legal qualifications and eligibility requirements relevant to the role.

· Employment history and experience relevant to the Trainee Legal Adviser role.

Important

• Be clear and concise.
• Ensure all information is accurate and your own.
• Plagiarism includes presenting the ideas or experience of others, or content generated by artificial intelligence, as your own.

• No additional info is required in your CV

If you have any queries about the role or entry requirement, then please contact: HQlegal@justice.gov.uk

Further Information – Meet and Engage Sessions

We will be holding Microsoft Teams Meet and Engage sessions on the following dates and times:

Register to attend:

30 September 1pm-2pm - TLA meet and engage session

7 October 1pm-2pm - TLA meet and engage session

What’s in store:

• A short presentation from our legal team (with up to four presenters sharing their insights)
• A live Q&A session where you can submit questions via chat
• Cameras and microphones will be off for attendees.
• Introduction to the role with an existing Trainee Legal Adviser

Why register?

• It helps us plan the session and tailor it to your interests
• It provides you with the opportunity to ask questions about the campaign, including, Eligibility criteria, Nature of the role and application process
• You’ll receive a confirmation email with the joining link and reminders

We look forward to welcoming you and sharing more about this exciting opportunity.

Delegates from HMCTS will be available to provide answers and guidance.

Interview Schedule Notice

Interviews are scheduled to take place 9 November – 4 December 2026

Please note that rescheduling will only be considered in exceptional circumstances, and any rearrangements must still occur within the interview period.

Additional Information

This is a full-time role (37 hours per week). The training programme requires broad practical experience across different court settings to support qualification as a Tier 1 Legal Adviser. Flexible working requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis in line with business needs, programme requirements and MoJ policy.

This is an 18-month programme. You will be required to operate on the following working pattern in line with the Legal Adviser working pattern and contractual obligations:

• Your contracted hours are 37 hours excluding lunch breaks. Your normal working days are Monday-Friday
• You will be required to work those hours five days over six, including Saturdays and Public Holidays and due to the nature of this post you may be required to work additional hours to enable the courts to perform their statutory tasks and duties.
• As a Trainee Legal Adviser, you are required to work on Saturdays and public holidays within the terms of your contracted hours. This may be on a rota basis or could be as directed by your management team. You will normally be given a minimum of one weeks’ notice if required to work on a Saturday or Bank Holiday but should a business need arise you may be directed without such notice.

Locations and number of vacancies

There are 9 Crime roles available across London, with one position at each of the following locations: Westminster Magistrates' Court (NW1), Thames Magistrates' Court (E3), Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court (N7), Barkingside Magistrates' Court (IG6), Willesden Magistrates' Court (NW10), Croydon Magistrates' Court (CR9), Bromley Magistrates' Court (BR1), Wimbledon Magistrates' Court (SW19), and Uxbridge Magistrates' Court (UB8).

This role will require you to work across more than one court location (dual-site working) and travel to other court venues where business needs require. This includes attendance at any London Magistrates’ Court as required, including for training and development purposes. Wherever possible, reasonable notice will be provided for any travel or attendance requirements.

Full details of location requirements, travel expectations and dual-site working arrangements can be found in the Locations and Important Information document.

Base Location and Reserve list information

It is important to note that whilst you may select up to three preferences, you should only indicate locations where you are prepared to travel to and work from every day. If you are offered a role in one of your stated location preferences (for example, your 2nd or 3rd choice), you will not be able to decline this and remain on the merit list for a higher preference. Or if you are offered a role in any one of your stated preferences and decline it, you will be removed from the reserve list for all your preferences.

We will be allocating roles and base locations using your selected preference location/s. We will appoint in merit list order for each location outlined in the vacancy.

After appointments have been made using this locational appointment process, any remaining candidates who met the benchmark for the role will be placed on a reserve list, based on your selected preferences. This will be for a period of 12 months in the event of a similar opportunity arising in one of these locations

Dual Site Working

These positions involve dual-site working. A base location will be assigned; however, post-holders should expect to travel between designated court sites in line with operational requirements

If you have a question about locations, dual-site working and travel requirements please contact the Vacancy Holder by email to hqlegal@justice.gov.uk during the recruitment process to avoid possible disappointment later in the process should your working arrangements not be compatible with the requirements of the role.

Explore More

Visit our microsite:

hmctsjobs.co.uk/legal-operations

Watch our You Tube video:
Inside the Criminal Courts - Legal Team Manager Nuwan - Hear directly from our legal advisers about what the role involves and why it matters.

Visa Sponsorship.

We may be able to offer visa sponsorship for eligible roles to applicants who meet the Home Office requirements for a Skilled Worker visa.

From 31st March 26, the minimum salary for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route is £41,700 per year, or the going rate for the role if higher.
For those eligible under the New Entrant route, the minimum salary is £33,400 per year or 70% of the going rate, whichever is higher.

External candidates join the MoJ at the band minima, currently:

· London: £40,014

Existing Civil Servants transferring into the MoJ will have their pay set in line with the MoJ Pay and Reward Policy.

For more info please see Skilled Worker visa: Overview - GOV.UK

Person specification

Please refer to Job Description

Qualifications

To be eligible to apply for this post, you must have passed the academic stage of qualification to become a solicitor or Barrister of the Senior Courts of England and Wales or a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) or CILEX Lawyer by virtue of —

(i)having passed the necessary examinations; (example of which are listed below)
(ii)having been granted an exemption in relation to the necessary examinations (example of which are listed below) by the appropriate examining body; or
(iii)any combination of the two.

By way of example, the following list reflects the currently approved academic qualification routes.

•The Legal Practice Course (LPC) for Solicitors, or BOTH the SQE1 and SQE2 stages of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam; or
•The Bar Training Course; or equivalent for Barristers; or
•The CILEx Level 3 Professional Diploma in Law and Practice and the CILEx Level 6 Diploma in Law and Practice; or
•The CILEx Graduate Fast Track Diploma; or equivalent for Graduate Membership of CILEx.

You can apply for this role whilst you are completing the final academic stage of qualification but must be able to evidence your final certification at the point of an offer being made, to be able to proceed to appointment. If you are unable to evidence the correct certification at the point of offer, you will be removed from the process

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Developing Self and Others
• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Evidence of Qualifications will be required at Interview

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £40,014, HM Courts and Tribunals Service contributes £11,592 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• Access to learning and development
• A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options to enhance your work life balance
• A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
• Annual Leave
• Public Holidays
• Season Ticket Advance

For more information about the recruitment process, benefits and allowances and answers to general queries, please click the below link which will direct you to our Candidate Information Page.

Link: https://justicejobs.tal.net/vx/candidate/cms/About%20the%20MOJ

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.https://justicejobs.tal.net/vx/candidate/cms/About%20the%20MOJ

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a standard (or equivalent) criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly 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 family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain 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

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team
• Email : moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk
• Telephone : 0345 241 5359

Recruitment team

• Email : moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Further information

Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. If you feel a department has breached the requirement of the Recruitment Principles and would like to raise this, please contact SSCL (Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com) in the first instance. If the role has been advertised externally (outside of the Civil Service) and you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their web pages: http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/civil-service-recruitm…

https://jobs.justice.gov.uk/careers/JobDetail/22417?entityId=22417