13397 - Legal Researcher

This vacancy is only available to existing Civil Servant employees and employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs). Please review the "Eligibility" section before you apply.

General Information

Salary £40,014 - £42,859 Working Pattern Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working Vacancy Approach Cross Government Location London Region London Closing Date 21-Jan-2026 Post Type Permanent Civil Service Grade HEO Number of jobs available 1 Reserve List 12 Months Job ID 13397

Descriptions & requirements

Job description

Job Title: Legal Researcher

Grade: HEO

Location: Field House, 15-25 Breams Building, London | EC4A 1DZ

Background:

His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) is responsible for the administration of the criminal, civil and family courts and tribunals in England and Wales, and non-devolved tribunals in Scotland and Northern Ireland. It provides a fair, efficient and effective justice system delivered by an independent judiciary. HMCTS aims to ensure that all citizens receive timely access to justice according to their different needs, whether as victims or witnesses of crime, defendants accused of crime, consumers in debt, children at risk of harm, businesses involved in commercial disputes or as individuals asserting their employment rights or challenging the decisions of government bodies.

HMCTS is undertaking an ambitious reform programme. The programme will enhance the provision of a world-class justice system, in a manner that provides an improved user experience at reduced cost to the taxpayer. This will contribute to consolidating the UK’s position at the forefront of an increasingly competitive international legal market as well as ensuring access to justice for all.

The programme includes creating high quality digital services, modernising the court estate, updating and replacing its technology, speeding up and streamlining working practices, refurbishing buildings to reduce maintenance costs and provide much improved services for service users, especially vulnerable witnesses and victims.

Consequently, there are high expectations of all staff regardless of the job they do, and high performance is expected from everybody. The organisation is continuously adopting new or better ways of working to ensure that it focuses on just that which is essential. HMCTS senior management expects all leaders to operate in a culture of openness and honesty, demonstrating a commitment to change through involvement and empowerment, and by delivering results.

Overview:

Working within the Royal Courts of Justice and Upper Tribunals group, the Legal Researcher (LRU) will support the effective administration of the Upper Tribunal Immigration and Asylum Chamber (UTIAC) and First-tier Tribunal Immigration and Asylum Chamber (FtTIAC).

The primary role of the LRU is to ensure that IAC judges of both the First-tier and Upper Tribunal have legal information that is relevant, informative and up-to-date so that they are able to make decisions based on a sound understanding of the law. Given the large amount of complex material available it is the task of the LRU to identify the most recent and relevant law and present it to judges in a clear, concise and logical format. The LRU works with judiciary to ensure that the Tribunal’s objective of delivering expeditious, authoritative and legally sound decisions is fulfilled. 

The Key Purpose of the Role:

The LRU provides legal, research and secretariat services to the judiciary of both the First-tier and Upper Tribunal of the Immigration and Asylum Chamber, producing publications, undertaking specialist legal research, supporting judicial committee work and maintaining physical and virtual libraries.

 This role is more than just assisting with Tribunal work but involves autonomy and responsibility for the relevant area of the Tribunal’s work subject to normal line management direction. The post-holder will work closely with judiciary, the Head of the LRU (grade 7 lawyer), SEO Lawyer of the LRU, UTIAC lawyers, legal professionals and administration teams. The post holder will report to the Head of the LRU

Key Responsibilities:

Operations

•  Research and monitor developments in UK, ECHR and EU jurisprudence and legislation.
• Research, write and produce materials for publication for the IAC judiciary.
• Write summaries of immigration and asylum cases from UK and EU courts, which will usually involve complex legal and policy research.
• Write headnotes for the Immigration Appeal Reports in consultation with senior members of the Upper Tribunal judiciary.
• Monitor case law and legislative developments, including the Immigration Rules, with a view to contributing to LRU publications, judicial resources and training events.
• Support the SEO Lawyer in case management of Country Guidance decisions of the Upper Tribunal.
• Support the SEO Lawyer in case management of permission to appeal decisions from the Court of Appeal
• Work across jurisdictions to provide legal research and case management services to other tribunals when necessary.

Managing resources

•  Produce and oversee maintenance of legal research resources, in particular the LRU Electronic Library on eJudiciary and other judicial websites.
• Liaise with content managers for internal and external public websites to ensure materials are relevant and up-to-date.
• Deliver training to IAC judiciary on legal research methodologies and using electronic legal and country information databases.

Research & Analysis

•  Respond to research requests from IAC judiciary regarding recent case law, legislation and country information.
• Provide research materials for judicial training events.

Communicating with the public, the judiciary, other court & tribunals users and representatives of other agencies and organisations

•  Provide accurate, relevant and prompt research responses to IAC Judiciary.
• Provide prompt responses to requests for information from members of the public.
• Ensure all LRU publications are to the high standards required for internal and external subscribers (including judges, practitioners, academic institutions and other tribunals and courts).
• Liaise with Judicial Office and Court of Appeal to maintain resources on external websites and permission to appeal tracker.

Representation

•  Represent the LRU at internal and external meetings, workshops and committees including at a senior level.
• Provide secretariat services for judicial committees including UTIAC Reporting Committee, Country Guidance Advisory Group and Editorial Board.

Team leadership

•  Contribute to managing and training a small team of staff.

Knowledge, skills and experience expected (after any required training):

•  Undergraduate Law Degree or equivalent legal work experience.
• Knowledge of the legal and administrative functions of the Tribunal system and the relevant Chamber.
• Knowledge of relevant law and methodologies of legal research.
• Ability to acquire new specialist knowledge rapidly.
• Excellent legal reasoning, research and writing skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels, both verbally and in writing.
• High level of interpersonal skills, to develop and maintain effective relationships with staff and stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to analyse problems and situations quickly and effectively.
• Competent use of IT and legal resource material.
• Knowledge and experience of immigration law is desirable.

Autonomy

A Legal Researcher works within the framework provided by the Ministry of Justice and HMCTS policies, case law and legal process. The post holder has an obligation to keep up to date with their knowledge and understanding of current law and legal practice. This can be achieved through access to a wide variety of legal authorities and reference works.

It is expected that the Legal Researcher will work with a high level of autonomy. This will include organising their own workload, engaging in complex legal research and analysis, assisting to develop the practices of the Chamber to enhance the experience of stakeholders.

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.

Technical

 At interview, you will be required to provide evidence on the following Legal Professional Skills:

 Reliable Legal Judgement and Appreciation of Legal Risk:

•  Identify and explain legal options, giving a steer as appropriate. Extract key legal issues. Reach sound legal judgement based on available evidence.

 Understanding of the Legal Issues that are Specific to the Post:

•  Identify the specialist aspects of the law relevant to the post. Identify the legal context within which clients work.

 Sound Analysis and Use of Secure Legal Research:

•  Identify where law is found and how to use it. Interpret statues, case law and other sources of law. Use evidence appropriately.

Candidates invited to interview will be asked to provide one recent example of written work undertaken (preferably demonstrating legal reasoning skills). The work will of course be kept confidential.

Candidates invited to interview will be given a legal writing exercise to complete and will be presented with scenarios reflective of the work that they are likely to encounter in the LRU. 

Further Information

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

Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week. HMCTS welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs and are agreed prior to appointment. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the MoJ’s Flexible Working policy 

Additional Information

Working Arrangements & Further Information

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity.

Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.

For nationally advertised roles: All successful candidates will be appointed to the nearest viable office nearest to their home postcode and on its respective pay scale.  This will be at either a HQ building (subject to desk allocation, a Justice Collaboration Centre (JCC) or a Justice Satellite Office (JSO) – See Map. All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity). 

For current MoJ employees, your base location will need to be changed to the nearest viable office (to your home postcode), either at a HQ building, JCC or JSO within the National Office Network and moved its location’s respective pay scale (any legacy arrangements/locations will need to be amended).

Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.

MoJ candidates who are on a specialist grade, will be able to retain their grade on lateral transfer.

All candidates who are currently in receipt of Mark Time / Pay Protection should ensure they are familiar with the new policy on permanent and temporary promotion which can be found on the employee intranet.

Flexible working hours 

The Ministry of Justice offers a flexible working system in many offices. Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week. MoJ welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the MoJ’s Flexible Working policy.

Benefits 

The MoJ offers a range of benefits:

Annual Leave

Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service.

There is also a scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year. Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.

Pension 

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

Training 

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

Networks 

The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.

Eligibility

Staff on fixed term appointments must have been recruited through fair and open competition.

Vacancies advertised “cross-government” are only open to all Civil Service employees and employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) who were appointed on merit following a fair and open competition; or were appointed to a permanent post through an exception in the Civil Service Commissioners' rules.

Support

• A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
• Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
• For moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on www.www.GOV.UK or Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
• Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
• Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order

• To Transformative Business Services (0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk);
• To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team (resourcing-management-office@justice.gov.uk);
• To the Civil Service Commission (details available here)

As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.

You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the TBS Recruitment Enquiries Team.

For more information on applying for a role as a candidate with a disability or long-term condition, please watch our animated videos.

Diversity & Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

Redeployment Interview Scheme

Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ is committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.

MoJ is able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidates will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.

Civil Service Nationality Rules

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules

Reserve list

A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles.

Contact Information

MoJ:

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Please quote the job reference 13397

HMPPS

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Please quote the job reference 13397

Job Description Attachment

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Application form stage assessments

Behaviours A sift based on the lead behaviour, Managing a Quality Service, may be held if a large number of applications are received. If a large number of applications remain after the initial sift, your application will be progressed to a full sift, where all behaviours will then be considered. Behaviours Application Form Question Word Limit 250 Managing a Quality Service Communicating and Influencing Working Together Developing Self and Others

Interview stage assessments

Interview Dates Interviews are expected to commence mid February 2026. Behaviours Managing a Quality Service Communicating and Influencing Working Together Developing Self and Others Strengths Strengths will be assessed but these are not shared in advance. To learn more about Strengths and how they are assessed please click here.

Other Assessments

Which assessment methods will be used? Other 1 Other - Assessment Title 1 Legal written exercise (Candidates will be provided reading material the day before interview) Level of security checks required DBS Basic

Use of Artificial Intelligence (Al)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.  Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.