About this role
### Salary
The national salary range is £35,335- £37,847. London salary range is £40,014 - £42,859. Your salary will be dependent on your base location
### Location
Basildon, Bradford, Brighton and Hove, Bromley, Cambridge, Carlisle, Chester, Colchester, Crewe, Croydon, Folkestone, High Wycombe, Ilford, Ipswich, Leeds, London, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Oxford, Peterborough, Swindon, Taunton, Uxbridge, Warrington, Westminster, Wimbledon, Wolverhampton
Job description
Internal Trainee Legal Adviser Progression Pathway
Are you interested in advancing in the Legal field?
The National Legal Operations team is launching an internal development pathway as part of our ongoing commitment to developing legal talent from within the MoJ.
At HMCTS, training, learning, and career development begin upon joining the organisation. If you are committed and diligent, this programme will provide essential tools necessary for a legal career. It offers the chance to engage with the courtroom environment and gain insights into various aspects. The internal progression pathway aims to facilitate both professional and personal development through practical experience, supporting the growth of critical skills necessary for success as a Trainee Legal Adviser.
What does a Trainee Legal Adviser do? Key purpose of the role -
The role of a Trainee Legal Adviser is pivotal to the smooth running of the court. Magistrates are volunteers with no previous legal experience from the from the local community and sit on a voluntary basis. As Magistrates do not have a legal background, once trained as a legal adviser you will be required to sit in court with them to advise on legal points, practice and procedure and assist with the formulation and drafting of their reasons. As a Trainee Legal Adviser, you will commence a training programme designed to enable you to act as Legal adviser to the Magistrates and District Judge (Magistrates’ Court) in accordance with legislation and the Criminal and Family Practice Directions.
Who is this campaign open to?
This opportunity is open to MoJ staff who have either completed their qualification via the HMCTS legal apprenticeship programme or by their own means to the appropriate minimum level required for entry as a Trainee Legal adviser (see eligibility criteria below). This campaign aims to provide eligible colleagues entry to a defined and desirable legal career development pathway within HMCTS.
To be eligible to apply you must have undertaken and completed the appropriate legal post graduate academic qualifications (either via the HMCTS Legal Apprenticeship Scheme or via another route) as per the eligibility criteria of the Trainee Legal adviser profile (as outlined below).
This campaign is a fair and open recruitment competition advertised internally across MoJ.
Eligibility requirements are;
- Individuals must be an existing member of MoJ staff
- Individuals must have undertaken and completed the appropriate legal post graduate academic qualifications via the HMCTS Legal Apprenticeship Scheme or via another route included self funded routes (listed below).
Self funded routes:
Passed the academic stages of qualification as a solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales, or a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) 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.
Desirable Criteria
- Previous experience within a magistrates’ court, such as supporting court proceedings, observing legal processes or work alongside court staff.
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, which can be found on 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.
Additional Information
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 over five days, 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
We are advertising 35 vacancies across a number of regions in both the Crime and Family jurisdictions. The number of vacancies available at each location is set out below. Please note that some roles require travel to additional court locations and some involve working across more than one site. Full details of location requirements, travel expectations and dual-site working arrangements can be found in the Locations and Important Information document.
Midlands
Wolverhampton (1 Crime).
North East
Newcastle upon Tyne (1 Crime), Leeds (1 Crime), Bradford (1 Crime).
North West
Carlisle (1 Crime), Warrington/Chester/Crewe – (1 Crime), successful candidate will be able to choose their base location from these sites.
South East
Folkestone (2 Crime), Oxford/High Wycombe (1 Crime), Cambridge/Peterborough (1 Crime), Ipswich (1 Crime and 1 Family), Colchester/Basildon (1 Crime), Colchester (1 Family). Brighton (1 Crime and 1 Family).
London
Westminster (2 Crime), Thames (1 Crime), Highbury Corner (2 Crime), Barkingside (2 Crime), Willesden (2 Crime), Croydon (1 Crime), Bromley (2 Crime), Wimbledon (2 Crime), Uxbridge (2 Crime), East London Family Court (1 Family).
South West
Swindon (1 Crime), Taunton (1 Crime).
Applicants should review the Locations and Important Information document carefully before selecting their preferred location(s), as requirements vary by site and jurisdiction.
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 [email protected] 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
You should only apply if you are able to meet the required working pattern listed above.
Further Information – Webinars
We will be holding Microsoft Teams Webinars on the following dates and times:
Register to attend:
Tuesday 15 September at 12 noon - TLA Internal Pathway Webinar
What’s in store:
- A short presentation from our legal team explaining the internal pathway
- A live Q&A session where you can submit questions via chat
- Cameras and microphones will be off for attendees.
Why register?
- 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.
What happens if I am successful?
Successful candidates will attend a two-day Legal Adviser Induction Programme delivered by the Judicial College. This marks the start of a structured two-year training programme, combining workplace learning with the completion of modules within the Judicial College's Legal Adviser Manual.
Throughout the programme, you will develop your legal knowledge, build essential professional skills and gain valuable practical experience through a combination of supervised workplace learning, court observations, peer learning opportunities, and local and regional training events.
You will be supported throughout your development by an experienced mentor and your line manager, who will work with you to set and review objectives, monitor your progress, and help you achieve the Trainee Legal Adviser baseline competences. You will also be expected to take responsibility for your own learning, performance, and continuing professional development.
As part of our training, we support qualifying work experience for the SRA and CILEX enabling legal professional qualification as a solicitor or CILEX.
On successful completion of the programme and achievement of the required competences, you will be expected to undertake the duties of a Legal Adviser (SEO Tier 1), with the associated increase in salary. This includes providing legal advice and support in adult criminal, youth and family jurisdictions, as appropriate, without direct supervision.
We are committed to supporting talented colleagues to develop and progress within HMCTS. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are ready to take the next step in your professional journey, we encourage you to apply for this exciting development opportunity.
Application Process
The application process will require a 500 word suitability statement, along with confirmation under the technical aspect of the application that you have the appropriate qualification for this role.
The statement of suitability should include;
Why you are interested in the role and how you match the requirements of the role against key areas, specifically;
- The role purpose and accountability in the advert/role profile
- Knowledge, skills and experience you will bring to the role
Guidance on how to complete a statement of suitability can be found here
How to write your PS | Civil Service Careers
Completion of the Technical qualification section, detailing your qualifications, is mandatory. This must include details and dates confirming you have undertaken and completed the appropriate legal post graduate academic qualifications via the HMCTS Legal Apprenticeship Scheme or via another route included self funded routes. Incomplete submissions will result in your application not being considered for interview.
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.
For more info please see Skilled Worker visa: Overview - GOV.UK
Additional Information
Working Arrangements & Further Information
The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity.
Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.
For nationally advertised roles: All successful candidates will be appointed to the nearest viable office nearest to their home postcode and on its respective pay scale. This will be at either a HQ building (subject to desk allocation, a Justice Collaboration Centre (JCC) or a Justice Satellite Office (JSO) – See Map . All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity).
For current MoJ employees, your base location will need to be changed to the nearest viable office (to your home postcode), either at a HQ building, JCC or JSO within the National Office Network and moved its location’s respective pay scale (any legacy arrangements/locations will need to be amended).
Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.
MoJ candidates who are on a specialist grade, will be able to retain their grade on lateral transfer.
All candidates who are currently in receipt of Mark Time / Pay Protection should ensure they are familiar with the new policy on permanent and temporary promotion which can be found on the employee intranet.
Flexible working hours
The Ministry of Justice offers a flexible working system in many offices. Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week. MoJ welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the MoJ’s Flexible Working policy.
Benefits
The MoJ offers a range of benefits:
Annual Leave
Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service.
There is also a scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year. Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.
Pension
The Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.
Training
The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.
Networks
The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.
Eligibility
Staff on fixed term appointments must have been recruited through fair and open competition.
Vacancies advertised “cross-government” are only open to all Civil Service employees and employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) who were appointed on merit following a fair and open competition; or were appointed to a permanent post through an exception in the Civil Service Commissioners' rules.
Support
- A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
- Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
- For moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on www. www.GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/tax-free-childcare) or Childcare Choices (https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/) . You can determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/ .
- Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
- Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code 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 . Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order
- To Transformative Business Services (0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) );
- To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team ( [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) );
- To the Civil Service Commission (details available here (https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/recruitment/recruitment-complaints/) )
As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.
You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the TBS Recruitment Enquiries Team.
For more information on applying for a role as a candidate with a disability or long-term condition, please watch our animated videos .
Diversity & Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy .
Redeployment Interview Scheme
Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ is committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.
MoJ is able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidates will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.
Civil Service Nationality Rules
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) https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families (https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.uk%2Fsettled-status-eu-citizens-families&data=05%7C01%7Cchristopher.jeffery%40soprasteria.com%7C8a2293860362402c15da08dbf4cff146%7C8b87af7d86474dc78df45f69a2011bb5%7C0%7C0%7C638372946312587803%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=s%2BxUsev%2BGeeK%2FLgTUjpjfTJu%2FjpKQZ%2BQPJXNduvik3Q%3D&reserved=0)
- 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) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules
Reserve list
A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles.
Contact Information
MoJ:
If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail [email protected]
Please quote the job reference 21956
HMPPS
If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail [email protected]
Please quote the job reference 21956
### Guidance for the Statement of Suitability
Your statement of suitability should include, in no more than 500 words, why you are interested in the role and how you match the requirements of the role against key areas, specifically; 1. The role purpose and accountability in the advert/role profile 2. Knowledge, skills and experience you will bring to the role
Detailing your qualifications, is mandatory. This must include details and dates confirming you have undertaken and completed the appropriate legal post graduate academic qualifications via the HMCTS Legal Apprenticeship Scheme or via another route included self funded routes. Incomplete submissions will result in your application not being considered for interview
Detailing your qualifications, is mandatory. This must include details and dates confirming you have undertaken and completed the appropriate legal post graduate academic qualifications via the HMCTS Legal Apprenticeship Scheme or via another route included self funded routes. Incomplete submissions will result in your application not being considered for interview
Use of Artificial Intelligence (Al)
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 for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.