1434 - Clerk to HM Judges

The role is to provide first line support to a Lord or Lady Justice of Appeal or High Court Judge by ensuring best use of the judge's time, to enable them to concentrate on the delivery of justice. Using your organisational skills, you will efficiently manage all aspects of your judge's day; this involves administrative duties which may include typing documents including judgments or orders and diary management. You will also likely be required to liaise with internal and external stakeholders including legal representatives, members of the public and other members of the judiciary. The appointment to some Judges may require extensive travelling with overnight stays during the week for a considerable number of weeks at a time. This circuit work entails staying with the judge(s) and other clerks in judicial accommodation, returning home at weekends. This is a unique role within the justice system. If you are organised, adaptable and you care about ensuring the delivery of justice then working as a Judges' Clerk can be incredibly rewarding. Full training will be given in the role. Key Responsibilities: Administration Keep an up-to-date diary of your Judge's court sittings/visits/meetings, maintenance of his/her robes and library, co-ordinating visits and assisting visitors plus other office functions. Domestic duties as required by the judge; e.g. tea/coffee preparation, lunch collection, washing up, dry cleaning and other ad hoc duties as agreed. Transportation of large court bundles around the building; trolleys are provided but some lifting will be required. When judges go on circuit, clerks are responsible for transporting books, bundles, files, computers, robes and other judicial requirements as well as their own, and judge's, personal belongings. Communication You will be responsible for the smooth running of the judge's court commitments whether in London or on circuit. This will involve communicating by telephone, email and correspondence to ensure the resolution of many and varied queries and requests. On a regular basis you'll be liaising with:

• judges and senior figure
• litigants and members of the publi
• jurors
• court and tribunal user
• representatives of other agencies and organisations
You will be representing your assigned judge at an operational level. Using your organisational skills, you will be expected to efficiently manage all aspects of your judge's day. You will be required to make decisions regarding changing priorities as they occur, without reference to the judge, and work on your own initiative. In many instances you will be the first point of contact between your judge and others. The need for confidentiality, tact, courtesy and diplomacy is therefore paramount. This short video will give you an insight to the role from some clerks currently in post - Clerk to HM Judges Circuit work Any judge may undertake circuit work anywhere in England and Wales up to 3 times annually for periods of around 2-6 weeks (or more depending on the case). On circuit you will stay at judges' lodgings or hotels on weekdays (at no cost to you) and liaise with the housekeeper and lodging's manager on domestic matters that may include arrangement of dinner parties and visits. You will be expected to continue managing the judge's other commitments while on circuit.

Accurate typing speed of a minimum of 35 wpm, this is tested at the assessment day and will be tested in 3 parts, average speed will be calculated for part 1 & 2 below:
• Speed test when copying from typed text and making correction
• Speed test when copying from Manuscript and making correction
• Drafting emails on behalf of Judges, in response to the correspondence received
Previous experience of using IT Microsoft Office applications. A high standard of spoken and written English. You need to be able to understand and assimilate information from various sources and accurately summarise it in a clear and concise written format, tested before proceeding to interview. Desirable Skills Include: A full driving licence