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When the law is complex,
justice looks to you
What is a Trainee Legal Adviser?
A Trainee Legal Adviser is a legally qualified professional in training who sits at the heart of the justice system, advising magistrates on points of law and procedure while developing the skills and experience needed to become a qualified Legal Adviser within HMCTS.
Unlike solicitors in private practice, Legal Advisers are completely impartial.
You do not represent either side in a case.
Instead, you help the court apply the law fairly, objectively and correctly.
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Discover the role
What does a Trainee Legal Adviser do?
As a Trainee Legal Adviser, you’ll begin by observing experienced Legal Advisers before gradually taking responsibility for courtroom work and legal decision-making.
You’ll:
✔ Advise magistrates on law, practice and procedure in open court
✔ Research legal issues and provide accurate legal guidance
✔ Assist magistrates with drafting and formulating legal reasons for decisions
✔ Ensure legal procedures are followed correctly
✔ Support the effective running of criminal and family courts
✔ Record and manage court outcomes on digital systems
✔ Work with magistrates, court users, advocates, witnesses and legal professionals
Every day is different.
You could deal with a straightforward motoring offence in the morning, a domestic abuse case before lunch and a complex legal argument later that afternoon.
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Be the voice of the law
Make a difference from day one.
As a TLA, you’ll develop confidence that few legal careers can offer so early.
You’ll stand in court, speak publicly, provide legal advice and support judicial decision-making from the very beginning of your career.
This isn’t a role where you’ll spend years watching from the sidelines.
It’s a role where you’ll help shape the administration of justice.
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The impact
Why become a Trainee Legal Adviser?
Step into the courtroom. Shape the administration of justice. Build a career like no other.
A Trainee Legal Adviser role offers:
- Meaningful responsibility from day one
- Extensive courtroom exposure
- Unrivalled variety of legal work
- Structured training and development
- Opportunities for progression and leadership
- A genuine opportunity to serve the public
No two days are ever the same.
Every case presents new challenges, different legal issues and opportunities to develop your skills.
When the stakes are high, justice looks to you.
Research the law live. Advise magistrates. Speak up in the courtroom.
Every day in magistrates’ courts across England and Wales, important decisions are made that affect people’s lives. Behind every decision is a legal professional ensuring the law is applied fairly, consistently and accurately.
As a Trainee Legal Adviser (TLA), you’ll be at the heart of that process.
From criminal and family cases to civil matters, you’ll help magistrates understand and apply the law, guide court users through legal procedures and support the fair administration of justice.
This is a unique opportunity to develop courtroom confidence, gain unparalleled legal experience and build a rewarding legal career within HMCTS.
“It pushes you to try more things. It is really nerve-racking at the start, but it makes you a better advocate in the end. You grow in confidence, you’re in court every day and you’re given real responsibility.”
Sonia Jassi, Trainee Legal Adviser
A legal career at the heart of justice
Whether your ambition is to become a qualified Legal Adviser, move into leadership, broaden your legal expertise or pursue judicial appointment in the future, the TLA role provides an exceptional foundation.
You’ll develop:
- Courtroom advocacy skills
- Legal research expertise
- Judicial decision-making knowledge
- Confidence under pressure
- Professional judgement
- Leadership capability
All while making a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
Who we are
HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) is an executive agency of the Ministry of Justice.
We are responsible for the administration of criminal, civil and family courts and tribunals across England and Wales.
Every year our courts and tribunals help millions of people access justice and resolve disputes fairly.
Our Legal Operations teams are central to that work, supporting magistrates and ensuring the fair administration of justice every day.
A day in the life
Why we work here
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The Trainee Legal Adviser Programme is typically a two-year training pathway designed to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence required to become a qualified Legal Adviser.
During your training, you’ll:
- Receive Judicial College and HMCTS learning
- Work alongside experienced Legal Advisers
- Be supported by mentors and managers
- Develop courtroom advocacy skills
- Build legal research and drafting expertise
- Gain practical courtroom experience
- Progress towards qualification
You’ll be supported every step of the way.
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To be eligible to apply for this post, you must have passed the academic stage of qualification to become a solicitor or Barrister of the Senior Courts of England and Wales or a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) or CILEX Lawyer by virtue of –
- having passed the necessary examinations; (example of which are listed below)
- having been granted an exemption in relation to the necessary examinations (example of which are listed below) by the appropriate examining body; or
- any combination of the two.
By way of example, the following list reflects the currently approved academic qualification routes.
- The Legal Practice Course (LPC) for Solicitors, or BOTH the SQE1 and SQE2 stages of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam; or
- The Bar Training Course; or equivalent for Barristers; or
- The CILEx Level 3 Professional Diploma in Law and Practice and the CILEx Level 6 Diploma in Law and Practice; or
- The CILEx Graduate Fast Track Diploma; or equivalent for Graduate Membership of CILEx.
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After successfully completing the programme, Trainee Legal Advisers typically progress to:
Tier 1 Legal Adviser
and can subsequently develop into:
- Senior Legal Adviser
- Legal Team Manager
- Leadership roles within Legal Operations
- Judicial appointments
- Specialist legal and policy opportunities
- Cross-government secondments
JUSTICE LOOKS TO YOU“Justice and the rule of law are hallmarks of a civilised society. England and Wales has a system of justice of international renown, and our work is at the heart of that. Justice looks to you. We are looking for committed, enthusiastic and talented lawyers with a strong belief in public service and the value of justice. We offer strong legal practice careers, competitive salaries, unmatched variety, intellectual challenge and ongoing professional development.”
Stephen McAllister, Deputy Director, Legal Operations
What our people say
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits including:
Civil Service pension
Competitive maternity, paternity and parental leave
Employee savings and discount programmes
25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days after five years
Flexible and hybrid working opportunities
Wellbeing support and resources
Additional privilege day for the King’s Birthday
Cycle to Work scheme
Learning and development opportunities throughout your career
At HMCTS you can
Develop your legal career
Gain unique courtroom experience and develop expertise that few legal careers can offer.
Feel supported
Learn from experienced colleagues, mentors and legal professionals who are invested in your success.
Help people and society
Play a vital role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring access to justice.
Learn and develop
Build your confidence, skills and professional expertise every day.
