Location
Various court locations across the North West including Carlisle, Warrington, Chester, Crewe, Preston, Manchester, and Liverpool. This role may require travel between court sites and dual-site working arrangements.

Hours
Full Time - 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Working pattern includes five days over six, with required work on Saturdays and Public Holidays on a rota or directed basis, with notice where possible.

Salary
£37,847 per annum plus £10,236 employer contribution to the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

About the Role
The role of Trainee Legal Adviser is vital to the smooth running of HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS). You will develop the skills to provide magistrates with advice on points of law, practice, and procedure, and assist with drafting the reasons behind their judgments. This is a frontline role requiring integrity, empathy, and professionalism to ensure fair and effective administration of justice.

You will undertake a bespoke two-year training programme, including a Judicial College induction, workplace training, court observations, and regional events, supported by a dedicated mentor. The role involves working in a fast-paced, fluid environment, handling cases from minor offences to serious crimes, and conducting case management hearings.

Upon successful completion of training and portfolio submission, you will progress to a Tier 1 Legal Adviser role with opportunities for further career development within HMCTS.

Benefits
Competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement, Civil Service pension with employer contribution of 28.97%, flexible working options, paid maternity and paternity leave, childcare benefits, and access to learning and development opportunities. HMCTS promotes an inclusive and diverse working culture with strong staff networks and support.

Experience
Applicants should have passed the academic stage of qualification to become a solicitor, barrister, or CILEX lawyer. No specific prior work experience is mandated, but excellent communication skills, confidence in court, and a passion for law are essential.

About You
You are an excellent communicator, enthusiastic about the justice system, and ready to take your legal career to the next level. You must be resilient, calm under pressure, diplomatic, and able to think on your feet. You will demonstrate integrity, empathy, and professionalism in all interactions.

Qualifications
To be eligible, you must have passed the academic stage of qualification by one of the following routes:
- The Legal Practice Course (LPC) for Solicitors, or both SQE1 and SQE2 stages of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam
- The Bar Training Course or equivalent for Barristers
- The CILEx Level 3 Professional Diploma in Law and Practice and the CILEx Level 6 Diploma in Law and Practice
- The CILEx Graduate Fast Track Diploma or equivalent for Graduate Membership of CILEx
You may apply while completing your final academic stage but must provide evidence of final certification before appointment. Failure to do so will result in removal from the process.

Behaviours
Applicants will be assessed on:
- Developing Self and Others
- Communicating and Influencing
- Making Effective Decisions
- Working Together

Technical Skills
Evidence of qualifications will be required at interview.