Ideally, you should also have a full qualification as a lawyer or lawyer by entering into a training contract after your LPC or BPTC/BVC (see the Lawyer and Lawyer Employment Guides for more information). However, if you have successfully completed the CAP or BPTC/BVC but have not entered into a training contract, the courts may employ you as legal counsel. Magistrates serve on a voluntary basis and do not require legal qualifications, so your primary role as legal adviser is to explain the law and legal procedures to judges and other stakeholders in the juvenile court, family court and admissions committees. You can advise on possible punishment options, but you would never judge a case yourself. Successful candidates must complete a two-day induction programme run by the Judicial College, followed by additional on-the-job training and completion of the modules included in the Judicial College Legal Adviser`s Handbook. This learning is complemented by relevant judicial observations and additional local and regional training sessions with peers. When legal counsel is not in court, he/she must prepare for his or her courts, research legal issues, support the case processing function, process applications, and participate in other administrative team duties as directed by his/her legal team leader. Formal attire is required in the courtroom and offices. Qualified legal advisors are continuously trained to ensure they are up to date with changes in the legal system. It may also be worthwhile to apply directly to individual courts of first instance by sending a CV, especially for trainee lawyers. Judicial advisers are trained lawyers who advise judges and district judges on the law.
The role of legal counsel is crucial to the proper functioning of the court. Magistrates are unqualified judges from the local community and serve on a voluntary basis. Since judges have no legal training, legal counsel is required to sit with them in court to deliberate on legal issues, practices and procedures and to assist them in formulating and formulating their reasons. Candidates for a potential legal adviser must have completed the academic phase of the lawyer or lawyer training, which requires studies for one of the following qualifications: Level 1 legal advisers can move into positions at levels 2 to 4, assume regional and national responsibilities and, possibly, become a law clerk as a senior legal adviser to judges. Level 2 legal advisors can develop their careers at HMCTS by having the opportunity to apply for legal team manager positions or in the general public service. Maintaining relevant and up-to-date legal knowledge and skills is assessed during an interview. They usually start by observing court proceedings and experienced mentors. You can then give advice on a specific area such as road traffic courts, court proceedings, licensing, sentencing or enforcement of fines before covering all the work at the end of your training.
The Magistrates` Courts handle approximately 95 per cent of criminal cases and 60 per cent of family matters. At the heart of what we do is fair, timely and needs-based processing of cases that meets the needs of our court users. With 5 years of experience, you could become a deputy district judge or trial courts. With more experience, you could become a clerk (run multiple courts). The articling student must learn and be equipped to advise before the courts and resolve issues that fall within the jurisdiction of Level 1 legal counsel. A candidate for this post must be legally qualified after completing their university education to qualify as a solicitor or barrister under the Assistants to Clerks of Justice (Amendment) Regulations 2007. As a legal advisor-in-training, you will attend a structured on-the-job induction program organized by your court. Most training programs last between one and two years. When taking on the role of articling student, the articling student participates in the Conseil des études judiciaires` Initial Legal Counsel Education Program. Once the program requirements are met, the articling student should be able to develop the basic skills as a Level 1 legal advisor in adult court. During this time, the intern is also supported by a mentor.
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. They act as the professional face of the court, retain authority and control, and conduct themselves with integrity at all times. They take into account the needs of court users and respond to them with empathy and understanding. You will focus on providing excellent service, identifying opportunities to improve processes and performance, and taking personal responsibility for your own learning and development. Candidates who have completed a recognised training contract as a lawyer or a student as a lawyer can apply as a legal adviser in training.