Court legal adviser

You may be able to start as a trainee legal adviser if you've passed the academic training stages to qualify as a solicitor or barrister. You can find out more about this from The Law Society.

As a trainee, you would complete the Judicial College Legal Adviser Induction Training Programme. This can take around 2 years.

You can apply directly for jobs if you've got some of the relevant experience and knowledge needed for this role.

You'll usually need to be a fully qualified solicitor, and have experience as a magistrate. Employers may also look for customer service and administration skills.

Further information

The Bar Council and The Law Society have more information about legal careers and training.

You'll need:

• legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• knowledge of English language
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• analytical thinking skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to read English
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

In this role you could be:

• managing court schedules to make the best use of time and resources
• preparing for court sessions and making sure evidence is ready
• advising magistrates on the law and procedures
• making sure defendants understand how the court works
• reading charges to the court
• identifying and researching legal issues during hearings
• helping with the decision-making process using a formal method
• training administrative staff and magistrates

You could work in a court or in an office.