Location
Bromley Magistrates' Court (BR1) with travel to other London Magistrates' Courts as required, including dual-site working and attendance at various court venues for training and development.

Hours
Full Time - 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday excluding lunch breaks. Working pattern includes five days over six, including Saturdays and Public Holidays on a rota or as directed basis, with minimum one week's notice where possible.

Salary
£40,014 per annum plus £11,592 employer contribution towards Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

About the Role
The role of the Trainee Legal Adviser is vital to the smooth running of HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS). This highly rewarding position offers daily learning opportunities for those passionate about law. You will develop skills to provide magistrates with advice on points of law, practice, and procedure, and assist in drafting reasons behind judgments.

HMCTS is responsible for the administration of criminal, civil, and family courts and tribunals in England and Wales. As a trainee, you will be supported and mentored throughout a two-year training programme, working on a range of cases from minor motoring offences to serious crimes.

This role requires you to offer impartial and objective legal advice, help conduct case management hearings, and liaise with outside agencies involved in specialist court work. You will act as the professional face of the courts, working with integrity, empathy, and respect.

The training programme includes a two-day induction by the Judicial College, supplemented by workplace training, completion of modules from the Judicial College’s Legal Adviser Manual, court observations, and local and regional training events.

This is an office and court-based frontline role with a minimum assignment duration expectation of three years. Successful completion of training leads to progression to a Tier 1 Legal Adviser role with increased pay and further career development opportunities within HMCTS and beyond.

Flexible working requests will be considered in line with business needs and programme requirements. Visa sponsorship may be available for eligible candidates meeting Home Office requirements.

Experience
Applicants should have passed the academic stage of qualification to become a solicitor, barrister, or CILEX lawyer. Prior court observation at a Magistrates’ Court is essential before interview to understand the role and courtroom environment. Excellent communication skills and the ability to inspire confidence and speak in court are required. Experience in legal settings is advantageous but not mandatory as full training is provided.

About You
You are enthusiastic, adaptable, and committed to the fair and effective administration of justice. You demonstrate resilience, professionalism, and the ability to work under pressure with tact and diplomacy. You are open, approachable, and have excellent problem-solving skills with the capacity to think on your feet in a busy court environment.

Qualifications
To be eligible, you must have passed the academic stage of qualification to become a solicitor or barrister of the Senior Courts of England and Wales or be a Fellow or CILEX Lawyer by virtue of:
- Passing the necessary examinations (e.g., Legal Practice Course (LPC), SQE1 and SQE2, Bar Training Course, CILEx Level 3 and Level 6 Diplomas, or Graduate Fast Track Diploma)
- Having been granted exemptions by the appropriate examining body
- Or any combination of the above.
You may apply while completing the final academic stage but must provide evidence of final certification at the point of offer to proceed.

Behaviours
Assessment will include:
- Developing Self and Others
- Communicating and Influencing
- Making Effective Decisions
- Working Together

Technical Skills
Evidence of qualifications will be required at interview.