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Ministry of Justice; Town of Chatham (NY); On-site; USD 47,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of Justice is seeking Legal Adviser (Qualified Entrant) to provide magistrates with clear legal advice on points of law, practice and procedure. The role involves drafting reasons and exercising authorised judicial functions to maintain robust hearings.

Successful candidates will follow a structured Judicial College training plan, progressing through tiers as they gain experience in criminal and family jurisdictions, with opportunities for leadership and service improvement within

Qualifications

• Excellent communicator with the ability to inspire confidence in magistrates and colleagues.
• Ability to speak in court with authority and clarity.
• Strong legal research and analysis skills.
• Comfort with explaining complex legal issues in plain language.

Responsibilities

• Provide clear, impartial legal advice to magistrates and District Judges (Magistrates’ Courts).
• Support efficient case progression by applying authorised legal functions.
• Collaborate with National Legal Operations to deliver high quality court outcomes and a consistent service.

Skills

Clear communication

Courtroom advocacy

Legal research

Public speaking

Education

Qualified to practise in England and Wales as a solicitor, barrister or Fellow of CILEx

Job description

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. If you have a passion for law, being a part of a team committed to providing a quality service and want to take your career in a new direction, this could be the right role for you.

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’ll need to be fully qualified to practice as a solicitor, barrister or fellow of CILEX, enthusiastic about the responsibility that comes with being on the front line of the justice system and you're now ready to develop your career further and make a positive difference to society and the communities we live in.

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. We’re looking for legal advisers to join our exceptional legal team in Wales 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. You’ll also be required to exercise a range of authorised judicial functions. Not only will this draw on your sound legal skills, but you’ll need to demonstrate judicial independence, integrity and impartiality at all times.

Your role

As a Legal Adviser (Qualified Entrant) you will:

• Provide clear, impartial legal advice to magistrates and (where relevant) District Judges (Magistrates’ Courts), ensuring hearings are legally robust and fair.
• Support efficient case progression by applying authorised legal functions in line with the Criminal or Family Procedure Rules.
• Work with colleagues across National Legal Operations to deliver high quality court outcomes and a consistent service to court users.

Training and development

We recognise that qualified entrants join with different levels of experience. Successful candidates will receive a personalised training plan reflecting their current knowledge and experience, supported by a mentor throughout.

All Legal Advisers will be required to complete Judicial College training appropriate to their jurisdiction. This typically includes an induction programme followed by structured workplace learning and completion of core modules and learning activities.

Candidates are required to demonstrate substantial relevant experience as a minimum requirement, those having close to the minimum experience required should expect to complete the full 12 month Judicial College Legal Adviser training programme, building the knowledge and skills needed to advise across the relevant court types in your jurisdiction and to exercise authorised functions confidently and consistently.

On successful completion of training, Legal Adviser Qualified Entrants (also referred to as Legal Advisers in Training) progress to Tier 1 Legal Adviser (with the associated increase in pay). A further development programme supports progression to Tier 2, where Legal Advisers are expected to demonstrate high levels of legal professionalism, manage more complex work, and contribute beyond the courtroom (e.g., mentoring, training, leadership, service improvement).

The role also offers valuable experience relevant to wider opportunities across National Legal Operations (including management, training and project delivery) and can provide experience relevant to judicial appointment.

To be eligible for entry to this post, candidates must be fully qualified to practise in England and Wales as a solicitor, barrister or Fellow of CILEx, and have substantial practical experience in the criminal jurisdiction, with up-to-date knowledge of relevant law, practice and procedure. Practical experience may have been gained during a training contract, qualifying work experience or pupillage, and/or after full professional qualification.

The job holder must be able to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English.

This campaign is for fully legally qualified and experienced entrants to the Legal Adviser role. You will need to have successfully completed pupillage, be admitted as a solicitor or be a Fellow of CILEx to apply for this role. If you are fully qualified but do not have the necessary jurisdictional experience, you may be able to apply for our general trainee role later this year. This means applicants should consider carefully which route best reflects their current professional experience.