Court Associate - Role Profile
March 2024
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.
We are here to ensure everyone in need of our courts and tribunals receives a service that suits their needs.
Job Description
The role of court associate operates in accordance with directions of the Head of Legal Operations, or their nominee, in court with a district judge working to keep a full and accurate record of proceedings. The court associate will further manage the District Judges’ diary and undertake such administrative roles as appropriate to grade as directed by their line manager.
Administration
To ensure that all relevant documentation is completed fully, accurately and in timely manner (including cracked and ineffective trial monitoring forms).
To ensure that the digital court files are kept up to date and complete.
To fully result all cases electronically.
Drafting
To take a note of the evidence given and any legal submissions.
To make a full and accurate record of all adjudications made.
Operations
To be aware of, and act on, any special requirements such as video equipment, tape recorder, interpreter etc.
To be in court no later than 30 minutes before the start of the court list.
Thoroughly check case papers in good time before the court session.
In the absence of an usher, to call in witnesses and administer oaths and affirmations.
To use the courts digital systems (Libra, court store and common platform) to access the diary, book trials, adjournments, move cases, result cases and produce all relevant documents including warrants and others, and validate court sessions.
To meet with the district judge before the start of the court and appraise them of the state of the day’s list and continue to update throughout the day as necessary.
To be able to answer questions on the case (in particular being able to give a history of the case) in court and to the district judge as required.
Ensure the effective management and planning of the business within the courtroom.
Take part in employee engagement activities to effect good working relationships with staff and to improve service delivery and staff morale / motivation.
Comply with HMCTS values, policies and procedures (including diversity, attendance and discipline).
To participate in any relevant training as required.
Team Leadership
All staff within this grade (EO) are required to undertake ad hoc managerial responsibilities, including line management duties as necessary.
Processing and Managing casework
Work with staff to ensuring that casework is appropriately managed, providing advice where process deviations have occurred.
Calculations and analysis
Identify and implement solutions to local problems, referring more complex problems to a local manager.
Communicating with the public, juries, the judiciary, other court and tribunal users and representatives of other agencies and organisations
Maintain effective liaison with judiciary, user groups and representative organisations.
Think beyond own area of responsibility, considering wider policy and organisational implications of issues.
Implement local communication plans which meet the needs of the target audience.
Representation
Represent the function you have been assigned to at an operational level
Specialist Roles
To have a working knowledge of functions undertaken within the Cluster, to support the development and review of policies and procedures.
Accountability
The court associate will report to a Legal Team Manager.
Customer service and standards
Promotes customer focussed activity and standards - has strong written and interpersonal skills utilising principles of Human Voice of Justice
Contributes to HMCTS’ Standard Operating Controls (SOC) and Service Assurance Framework (SAF) - leads on maintaining standards of service and identifies areas for improvement - takes forward solutions using ‘continuous improvement’ techniques.
Management of complaints and competent in use of OPTIC, HMCTS complaints system.
Other duties
The post holder is required to work in a flexible way and undertake any other duties reasonably requested by line management which are commensurate with the grade and level of responsibility of this post.
Base Location
Whilst a Court Associate will have a specific base court, you may be required to travel to a different location across the business/functional areas, within reasonable distance and travel time on a non-permanent basis.
This job description is a guide to the principal current duties of the post. It is not an exhaustive list of the duties and responsibilities and the postholder may be required to undertake any other duties from time to time that are commensurate with the seniority and nature of the post.