Court Legal Advisor
Job Description:Court legal advisers are lawyers who give advice about the law to magistrates and judges.
Job Category:What you will do:
In this role you could:
- organise court hearings
- make sure evidence is ready for court
- give advice to magistrates on the law
- make sure people in court understand what’s happening
- research legal issues
- help make decisions
- train admin staff and magistrates
Skills:
You’ll need:
- legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- to be thorough, organised and pay attention to detail (organisational skills)
- persistence and determination (ambition/drive)
- analytical thinking skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
- concentration skills
- the ability to learn through your work
Entry Requirements:
To become a Court Legal Advisor or a similar profession in the legal field, specific subjects are not typically required for entry. However, certain subjects and skills can be beneficial in preparing for a career in law and legal advisory roles. Court Legal Advisors often provide guidance and support to individuals representing themselves in court and assist judges and legal professionals with case-related matters. Here are some relevant subjects:
- English Language: Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for drafting legal documents, communicating with clients, and presenting information in court.
- Mathematics (Maths): Basic math skills are valuable for tasks such as calculating fees, understanding financial aspects of cases, and managing legal expenses.
- History: Courses in history can provide insights into legal systems, precedents, and the development of legal principles.
Post School
You can get into this job through:
- working towards this role
- applying directly
Work
You may be able to start as a trainee legal adviser. To apply, you need to have passed the academic stages of solicitor or barrister training.
As a trainee, you’ll complete a training programme that takes around 2 years.
Applying Directly
You can apply directly for jobs if you’re a fully qualified solicitor and have experience as a magistrate.
You may also need to show customer service and administration skills.
Restrictions and Requirements
You’ll need to pass enhanced background checks
Working Hours and Environment:
Your typical work hours could be variable.
You could work in a court or in an office.
Career Path & Progression:
Tiers of legal advisers
There are 5 levels of legal advisers known as tiers. To move up a tier you have to prove that you can do your job well.
You can become a mentor to help other legal advisers move to the next tier.
Similar roles
You’ve also got the option to become a:
- solicitor
- barrister
- prosecutor or advocate
If you have 5 years of experience, you could become a judge in a magistrates court or become a justice’s clerk.
Government agencies
Once you have some experience, you may like to work for a government agency. For example in the UK that would be at His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS) or the Ministry of Justice.