About us

HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) is responsible for the administration of criminal, civil and family courts and tribunals in England and Wales. Our roles support our service users and colleagues, where people and businesses access potentially life-changing justice.  We are looking for individuals who are committed to public service and want to make a difference in people’s lives in delivering justice. If you are interested in developing a career with a real purpose, please apply.

Why we exist

Magistrates’ Courts deal with approximately 95% of criminal cases, 70% of civil cases, and 60% of family cases. Dealing with cases justly and speedily, and in ways that meet the needs of our court users, is at the heart of what we do.

The role of a Legal Adviser is pivotal to the smooth running of the court.

As a Legal Adviser to magistrates, you are responsible for ensuring that those attending court, whether as defendant, victim or witness are treated with humanity and respect. Good legal knowledge and the ability to communicate that clearly to magistrates and court users is vital to the courts ability to deal with cases justly. Success in the role will enable you to make a positive difference to your community and your society.

We are here to ensure everyone in need of our courts and tribunals receives a service that suits their needs.

Your role as the Tier 3 Legal Team Manager encompasses several key aspects (but not limited to):

• First line management responsibility for managing a legal team.

• Full responsibility for the professional development of the members of their legal team to include pro-active management of the Legal Adviser Career Structure in the context of the wider organisation and across various legal jurisdictions.

• Ensuring that continuous improvement activity is undertaken by each team member to resolve issues and improve processes.

• Working with other managers to ensure the achievement of business and performance objectives.

Please ensure that you read the attached role profile for a full overview of the main activities, responsibilities and essential skills required for this position before applying.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this post candidates:

• Must be an experienced Magistrates’ Courts Legal Adviser in England & Wales OR

• Must be able to evidence current or very recent experience in practice in magistrates courts in the crime or family jurisdiction, and Must be able to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English

Application Process

To apply for this role, you will be assessed on the following Civil Service ‘Success Profile’ Behaviors (Grade 7):

• Developing Self and Others (Lead Behaviour)

• Making Effective Decisions

• Changing and Improving

In the event of a high number of applications, the panel may carry out an initial sift based on information from the Lead Behaviour.

Additionally, you will need to confirm your eligibility for this role as part of the application process.

Interview

If successful at sift, you will be invited to a formal interview which will be comprised of three parts: 

1. Technical: Eligibility Confirmation

• The panel will ask you to confirm your eligibility for this position, as outlined above.

2. Assessment of the following ‘success profiles’ Civil Service behaviours

• Developing Self and Others

• Making Effective Decisions

• Changing and Improving

• Leadership

3. Assessment of the ‘success profiles’ Civil Service Strengths which will not be shared in advance.

Further details

This is a full-time, People Legal Team Manager role in the Crime jurisdiction.

You will be based at Manchester Magistrates’ Court.

Travel to the following courthouses within Greater Manchester may also be required, subject to local agreement and in line with business needs: Wigan, Bolton, Stockport, Tameside. - non-exhaustive list.

About our benefits

We reward our people for their hard work and commitment. We have a number of family friendly and flexible working polices that will help you achieve a healthy work-life balance. In addition, we offer a range of employee benefits which include generous annual leave, a highly competitive contributory pension scheme, childcare benefits, season ticket and bicycle loans.

Proud to Serve. Proud to keep justice going.