Legal Officer

Proud to serve. Proud to keep justice going.

Our Legal Officers play a critical role in helping deliver justice. If you’re intent on serving the public by delivering excellent service, and are enthusiastic about working with the judiciary, then this role gives you the opportunity to play a pivotal role within HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS).

Part of HMCTS, the Tribunals Directorate is responsible for the effective administration of Tribunals in England and Wales and non‑devolved Tribunals in Scotland and Northern Ireland. We work with an independent judiciary across a wide range of jurisdictions to provide a fair, efficient and effective justice system.

Working within a Regional Hearing Centre (RHC), you will support the effective administration of Tribunals on a national scale by undertaking a range of complex case work and assessment activity. You will determine how best to advance caseloads and remove any barriers to effective and timely case progression, make informed decisions on appeals, and liaise with key stakeholders to ensure the effective administration of justice.

Under the supervision of a Senior Legal Officer, the Legal Officer will make case‑management decisions under delegated judicial powers. This role will be based in the Social Security and Child Support (SSCS) team in Leeds.

Office location: 31 York House, Leeds, LS1 2ED
. This is an office‑based position and you will be expected to attend the above office in person.

Are you able to reflect on an issue and take an informed and impartial approach to your work, making evidence‑based decisions? If so, this varied and challenging role is for you.

A confident communicator and decision maker, you will use your skills and abilities to effectively work and engage with all court users, communicate with multiple levels of stakeholders, and adapt your communication to your audience.

• A law degree or equivalent technical experience is desirable.

• Technical experience is defined as: the demonstration of a transferable decision‑making aptitude, working within a set framework or guidance and following previous precedents, under a form of supervision.

• New recruits to the Civil Service joining MoJ are expected to join at the band minimum.

• These operational roles are customer facing; successful applicants must be office based to provide HMCTS services to the public. Non‑contractual hybrid working may be available but is not guaranteed.

Standard full‑time working hours are 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Occasional travel to other courts may be required.

From 22 July 2025, the Government increased the salary threshold and skills level for Skilled Worker visas. This role does not meet the eligibility criteria for sponsorship if you are applying for a Skilled Worker Visa for the first time. The Department cannot sponsor you for this role unless you have held a Skilled Worker visa continuously before 22 July 2025.

If you do not meet the new eligibility criteria, you will need to consider your options for obtaining and/or maintaining your right to work in the UK.

Hybrid Working arrangements are available where the business need allows. All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity.

Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service. You may also buy or sell up to three days of leave each year, and receive additional paid time off for public holidays, one privileged day, and pro‑rata leave for part‑time and job‑share posts.

The Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the one that suits you best.

The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.

Employee‑run networks provide advice and support and enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed directly to senior management. Current networks include…