Location
St Marys Court, London with dual-site working across designated court sites in England and Wales. Travel between court locations is expected as part of operational requirements.

Hours
Full Time - 37 hours per week, worked over five days including Saturdays and Public Holidays. Additional hours may be required to meet court statutory duties.

Salary
£42,914 per annum plus £12,432 employer contribution towards the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

About the Role
The role of Legal Adviser is vital to the smooth running of HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) and offers a highly rewarding career within the justice system. As a Legal Adviser (Qualified Entrant), you will provide clear, impartial legal advice to magistrates and District Judges (Magistrates’ Courts), ensuring hearings are legally robust and fair. You will support efficient case progression by applying authorised legal functions in line with Criminal or Family Procedure Rules and work collaboratively with colleagues across National Legal Operations to deliver consistent, high-quality court outcomes.

This role requires you to exercise judicial independence, integrity, and impartiality at all times, acting as the professional face of the courts. You will be responsible for advising on points of law, practice, and procedure, assisting with drafting reasons behind judgments, and exercising a range of authorised judicial functions.

Successful candidates will receive a personalised training plan and mentoring to support their development, including Judicial College training appropriate to their jurisdiction. This includes induction, structured workplace learning, and completion of core modules.

Career progression opportunities include advancement to Tier 1 and Tier 2 Legal Adviser roles, with increased responsibilities such as managing complex work, mentoring, training, leadership, and service improvement. The role also provides valuable experience relevant to wider opportunities within National Legal Operations and judicial appointments.

HMCTS is committed to a fair, accessible, and efficient justice system and values diversity, inclusion, and a healthy work/life balance. Flexible working options, generous holiday entitlement, paid parental leave, and excellent childcare benefits are offered to support employees.

Experience
Substantial practical experience in the criminal or family jurisdiction is required, with up-to-date knowledge of relevant law, practice, and procedure. Experience may have been gained during training contracts, qualifying work experience, pupillage, or post-qualification roles.

About You
You will be an excellent communicator with the confidence to speak in court and inspire trust in colleagues and court users. You must demonstrate judicial independence, integrity, impartiality, resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, diplomacy, and a tactful approach are essential. You should be committed to continuous professional development and able to work flexibly across multiple court sites.

Qualifications
Fully qualified to practise in England and Wales as a solicitor, barrister, or Fellow of CILEX, including completion of the relevant prescribed period of professional experience (e.g., training contract or pupillage). Candidates must provide certificates of qualification at interview stage. Fluency in spoken English is essential to fulfil all aspects of the role.