Judicial Assistant (part time) - HM Courts & Tribunal Service

Closes : 10 October 2025

Job summary

Please refer to Job Description for full information via Apply.

HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) is responsible for the administration of criminal, civil and family courts and tribunals in England and Wales. Joining us is a chance to play a pivotal role in the smooth running of our courts, which give people and businesses access to potentially life-changing justice. Not only will your work be of crucial importance for those who use our services, you’ll be able to build a varied, challenging and rewarding career.

The key purpose of the role is to

This is a part time role: Core hours are 9 hours a day Mon/Tues/Weds between 8am and 6pm (27 hours pw in total) but flexibility is required to ensure full coverage of the Judge’s needs beyond court sitting times- see below.

The role is to work alongside 2 other Judicial Assistants (“JAs”) (already in place) one working full time (Core hours: 35 per week 9 am to 5pm) and another part time (Core hours: 18 hours over Thursdays and Fridays).

To provide assistance for a severely sight impaired Designated Family Judge dealing with family cases primarily at the Sheffield Designated Family Court. The key role is to act as a sighted guide for the Judge. This includes:

• Ensure the Judge is supported at all times while in the court buildings. Meet the Judge on arrival and remain with him throughout the day until he departs. A typical day will be 8am to 6pm. Candidates are required to be flexible in respect of finish times and work as part of the team to assist the Judge if cases overrun, or, if the Judge has other commitments in addition to court hearings.
• Assist the Judge in moving around the building, including alerting the Judge to the presence of people in his chambers and courtroom and describe room layouts to provide a perspective of the environment.
• Sit with the Judge while in court using a laptop which mirrors the Judge’s so as to provide information when required by him and to observe the court room keeping the judge discretely informed of anything he may need to be aware of.
• Be alive to the safety and security of the Judge and generally, the courts.
• Recognise the paramount need for confidentiality, sensitivity, courtesy and diplomacy in carrying out all activities.
• As a leadership judge, in addition to management meetings, the Judge attends a variety of non-court related activities including attendance at Judicial College, conferences, and related social events. Occasionally, the Judge may sit in London for a week. This can involve travelling to the events and overnight stays before or afterwards. Costs will be covered by the business. This year approximately 45 days have been identified to date. This will be covered by agreement between the Judge and the 3 JAs.
• Work flexibly as a member of the JA team.

Interview

Part of the interview will involve a written exercise consisting of proof reading documents.

Skilled Worker Visa

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 in accordance with the current immigration rules if you looking to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa for the first time.

The Department cannot consider sponsoring you for this role unless you have held a Skilled Worker visa continuously since before 22 July 2025. If you have held a Skilled Worker visa continuously, please raise this during your vetting checks and eligibility will be assessed in accordance with the immigration rules and transitional provisions in place.

If you are applying for this role and you do not meet the new eligibility criteria for sponsorship (or the transitional provisions), you will need to consider your options for obtaining and/or maintaining your right to work in the UK in light of these changes. Successful applicants must ensure they have and maintain the legal right to live and work in the Civil Service and in the United Kingdom.