Legal Officer First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)

HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS); Manchester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A judiciary support organization is seeking a Legal Officer to assist in the effective administration of Tribunals. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage with judicial processes and stakeholders while making critical decisions to ensure timely case progression. The successful candidate should possess a law degree or equivalent experience and the ability to communicate effectively. This is an office-based position in Manchester with a commitment to public service.

Benefits

Annual leave of 25 days increasing to 30 after five years

Flexible working patterns

Access to pension schemes

Staff development opportunities

Paid leave for paternity and maternity

Qualifications

• Demonstrate decision-making aptitude within a set framework.
• Ability to liaise with various stakeholders effectively.
• Capable of understanding a wide range of information quickly.

Responsibilities

• Support administration of Tribunals business on a national scale.
• Make informed case-management decisions under supervision.
• Liaise with stakeholders to ensure effective justice administration.

Skills

Confident communicator

Impartial decision making

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Law degree or equivalent technical experience

Job description

General Information

Salary £35,335 - £37,847; Working Pattern Full Time; Vacancy Approach External; Location Manchester Region North West; Closing Date 27-Jan-2026; Post Type Permanent; Civil Service Grade HEO; Number of jobs available 1; Reserve List 12 Months; Job ID 13657.

Job Description

Proud to serve. Proud to keep justice going.

Our Legal Officers play a critical role in helping deliver justice. If you’re intent on serving the public by delivering excellent service, and are enthusiastic about working with the judiciary, then this role gives you the opportunity to play a pivotal role within HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS).

About Us

Part of HMCTS, the Tribunals Directorate is responsible for the effective administration of Tribunals in England and Wales and non‑devolved Tribunals in Scotland and Northern Ireland. We work with an independent judiciary across a wide range of jurisdictions to provide a fair, efficient and effective justice system.

Your role

Working within a Regional Hearing Centre (RHC), you will support the effective administration of Tribunals business on a national scale by undertaking a range of complex case work and assessment activity in order to how to advance caseloads and remove any barriers to effective and timely case progression.

Working independently with the support of a wider team, you will make informed decisions on how best to process appeals allowing all better access to justice. Under the supervision of a Senior Legal Officer and leadership judiciary, the Legal Officer will make case‑management decisions as part of their delegated judicial powers. A Legal Officer will liaise with key stakeholders and HMCTS colleagues to ensure the effective administration of justice.

This is an office‑based position. The successful candidate will be expected to attend the Manchester Tribunal Hearing Centre, 1st Floor Piccadilly Exchange, Piccadilly Plaza, Mosley Street, Manchester, M1 4AH.

About You

Are you able to reflect on an issue and take an informed and impartial approach to your work, making evidence‑based decisions? If you do, this varied and challenging role is for you.

A confident communicator and decision maker, you will effectively work and engage with all court users. You’ll understand the importance of impartial decision making, and the need to understand a wide range of information at pace. You’ll have the ability to communicate with multiple levels of stakeholders internal and external to the Tribunal, with varying communication methods and adapt your communication to your audience.

Experience

A law degree or equivalent technical experience is desirable.

The Equivalent Technical Experience Has Been Defined As:

The demonstration of a transferable decision‑making aptitude, working within a set framework or guidance and previous precedents, under a form of supervision.

Employment & Working Arrangements

Standard full‑time working hours are 37 hours per week. HMCTS welcomes part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing working patterns where they meet the demands of the role and business needs and are agreed prior to appointment. All applications for part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the MoJs Flexible Working policy.

Occasional travel to other courts may be required.

From 22 July 2025, the Government increased the salary threshold and skills level for Skilled Worker visas. This role does not meet the eligibility criteria for sponsorship in accordance with the current immigration rules if you are looking to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa for the first time. The Department cannot consider sponsoring you for this role unless you have held a Skilled Worker visa continuously since before 22 July 2025.

Successful applicants must ensure they have and maintain the legal right to live and work in the Civil Service and in the United Kingdom.

Benefits

• Annual leave of 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years of service.
• 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.
• The Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.
• Extensive staff development opportunities through training and development.
• Employee‑run networks for minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, caring responsibilities, women employees, and LGBTI employees.
• Family friendly policies such as reduced hours or job‑sharing.
• Access to flexible benefits, voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts.
• Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
• Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

Contact Information

MoJ: If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or email. Please quote the job reference - 13657.

HMPPS: If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or email.

Legal Officer Attraction Pack

• HMCTS809 Legal Officer attraction pack v5.pdf (Job Description Attachment)

Application Process

Sift based on the lead behaviour, “Making Effective Decisions” may be held if a large number of applications are received. If a large number of applications remain after the initial sift, your application will be progressed to a full sift.

Interview dates expected mid‑February 2026 (confirming). Behaviours assessed: Communicating and Influencing, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace. Strengths will be assessed but are not shared in advance.

Technical assessment: Legal scenario will be given at interview as part of the assessment.

Level of security checks required: DBS Basic.

Artificial Intelligence: Any evidence of plagiarised content may result in withdrawal of application.

Deputy/Other Policies

As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ is committed to providing adjustments throughout the recruitment process and workplace.

Diversity & Inclusion: Civil Service commitment to attract, retain and invest in talent. More information: Civil Service People Plan.

A great place to work for veterans: guaranteed interview scheme for eligible former armed forces members.

Redeployment Interview Scheme: MoJ explores re‑deployment before making a redundancy.

Nationality: Open to UK nationals; Republic of Ireland nationals; Commonwealth with right to work; EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein residents and family members with settled or pre‑settled status; various additional categories as described.

Reserve list may hold for up to 12 months.