Magistrates’ court assistant

Magistrates’ court assistants work within the legal system of England and Wales. They perform clerical and administrative tasks to support other court staff and to make sure that the court runs smoothly.

Also known as:

• Court administrative assistant
• Justices’ court assistant

Work activities

The work of an assistant in a magistrates’ court can be varied. They help magistrates and legal advisors to prepare and process cases. They type forms, warrants and other court documents, and input case details on to a computer. Magistrates’ court assistants may do routine office tasks such as photocopying, faxing and sending out mail. They allocate cases to different courts, book dates for hearings and draw up lists and schedules. They also let people know when they are due to appear in court. Court assistants give members of the public advice and information, and may help them to complete forms, for example, legal aid applications.

Sometimes more experienced magistrates’ court assistants spend time in court, helping legal advisors with paperwork and note taking. After the court hearing, assistants issue any documents that are required. These include court orders such as probation and community service or adjournment orders. Magistrates’ court assistants are also responsible for driving licence endorsements and the administration of fines, costs and other payments. If someone does not pay a financial penalty within the stated period of time, assistants are responsible for the enforcement process. Magistrates’ court assistants often act as a link between the magistrates’ court and solicitors, police officers, the Crown Prosecution Service, social workers and other professionals.

Personal qualities and skills

To do this job well, you’ll need:

• To be flexible, organised and methodical.
• To work quickly and accurately and be able to pay close attention to detail.
• Good communication skills as, for example, you might need to explain difficult forms to a member of the public.
• Written skills to type forms, warrants and court reports.
• To work well with other people, e.g. court staff, solicitors, police officers, probation officers and social workers.
• Good number skills to administer fines or process other types of payment.
• To be able to deal with people who are angry, confused or upset, and sort out potential confrontations with a polite but firm manner.

Pay and opportunities 

The pay rates given are approximate. Magistrates court assistants earn in the range £16,000 - £18,000, rising to £24,500 with experience.

Magistrates’ court assistants usually work a basic 36-37-hour week, Monday to Friday. Some courts require an early start, usually 8.00 or 8.30 am. Some magistrates’ court assistants work flexitime and job-sharing opportunities exist.

Court assistants work in magistrates’ courts. Opportunities occur throughout England and Wales.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

There are no set entry routes into this career. However, an apprenticeship in the role of public service operational delivery officer could be a great place to start. This level 3 (advanced) apprenticeship is equivalent to two A-levels and will mostly be undertaken in the workplace, with time set aside to study for relevant qualifications.

If you enter via direct application, you will do most of your training on-the-job, covering administrative and court procedure. You may be given day-release to study for a relevant qualification, for example, in business administration. City & Guilds runs level 2 Awards and Certificates in Legal Studies. These courses prepare people for a variety of legal careers.

Progression can be to court admin officer positions. From there, some people do further training to become legal executives through the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives.

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act: This career is an exception to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This means that you must supply information to an employer about any spent or unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings, if they ask you to. This is different from other careers, where you only have to reveal information on unspent convictions if you are asked to.

Qualifications

If you wish to enter this career through an advanced apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Entrants with relevant clerical/administrative skills have a good chance of entry.

City & Guilds runs level 2 awards and certificates in legal studies. These courses prepare people for a variety of legal careers.

Related careers

• Administrative assistant
• Administrative assistant - Civil Service
• Barristers’ clerk
• Court usher
• Legal secretary