For more information, see the Job Guides for Solicitor, Barrister and Legal Executive. The starting salary for a potential legal adviser is £18,775 and £27,137 for a legal adviser in training. Level 1 legal advisers can earn up to £45,827 per year. Level 2 legal advisers can earn up to £50,192 per year. This is an exciting time to work for HMCTS as we continue our journey towards the ambitious reform agenda. Legal counsel play a critical role in this change agenda that is changing the way we conduct our judicial activities. For legal teams, the biggest change has been that many of our court processes have been moved to “digital” processes, which included “paperless” law enforcement. Digital tagging of court proceedings; Virtual hearings; Uniform judicial procedures and reformed digital service delivery to citizens. 1. I can adequately prepare myself to act as legal counsel in the courtroom and in the exercise of my own judicial powers The ability to advise and make objective and impartial decisions is an important part of the role of legal counsel.
Sometimes these decisions involve complex issues and competing interests, and as a legal counsel, you must not only be able to make informed decisions, but also be able to provide clear reasons for each decision. The Legal Advisers of the Magistrates` Court are responsible for providing legal advice to the Magistrates` Courts in England and Wales. They assist judges in making decisions and set out the legal basis for decisions. In addition, they advise all parties before the courts on legal, practical and procedural matters. It may also be worthwhile to apply directly to individual courts of first instance by sending a CV, especially for trainee lawyers. A candidate for this position must be qualified under the Deputy Registrars of Judges (Amendment) Regulations 2007 and be able to demonstrate the competence of legal counsel. HMCTS offers a customized training program delivered through a variety of training methods. The Legal Advisor-in-Training is supported by a dedicated mentor who accompanies them throughout the initiation and training program. Qualified legal advisors are continuously trained to ensure they are up to date with changes in the legal system. Legal advisers can progress through the trial court system by focusing on the legal, educational or administrative aspects of work. Upon successful completion of the training, the Legal Advisor in Training becomes a Level 1 Legal Counsel role (with the associated salary increase). Upon appointment as Level 1 Legal Counsel, a development program will be offered to allow for advancement to a Level 2 General Counsel position (with associated salary increase).
The role of a legal advisor is diverse and interesting – our main functions include: Candidates for a potential legal advisor must have completed the academic phase of the lawyer or lawyer training, which requires studies for one of the following qualifications: The roles and responsibilities of a Level 1 Legal Advisor are expected to contribute to and impact the work of the courts throughout HMCTS, including working in another jurisdiction, such as the courts. The duties of a Magistrates` Court solicitor may generally include: Level 2 Legal Counsel must demonstrate a high level of legal professionalism and use these skills outside the courtroom for the wider benefit of his/her team and HMCTS. The Level 2 role provides an opportunity to demonstrate knowledge and skills in a recognized area of law, as well as all delegated authorities involved. Level 2 legal counsel play an important role in ensuring effective case and complex case management. The position offers a wide range of career opportunities in legal operations as well as broader roles in project management, training and delivery. This feature also provides incumbents with excellent and unique opportunities to gain experience relevant to the appointment of judges. As legal counsel to judges, you have a responsibility to ensure that those present in court, whether they are accused, victims or witnesses, are treated with humanity and respect. Good legal knowledge and the ability to communicate it clearly to judges and court users is essential to the courts` ability to deal with cases fairly.
Success in the role you envision will allow you to make a positive difference in your community and society. Legal advisers to the Magistrates` Court work approximately 37 hours a week, usually Monday to Friday from 8.45am to 5.00pm. Flexible work arrangements apply, provided they are available during hearings. Occasionally, legal counsel may need to work outside of normal working hours, weekends and holidays to cover urgent legal requests and hearings. Part-time work and job sharing are possible. For the Level 2 Legal Counsel job description, see Appendix. I have been with HMCTS for 30 years after joining the service as a trainee legal adviser and transitioning to my current role as Registrar of Deputy Judges (Level 4) during my career.
