The Justices’ Legal Advisers and Court Officers (formerly the Justice’s Clerks Society) provides independent support for the lawyers who advise magistrates (part of HMCTs) have now produced guidance in consultation with the FLBA, Law Society, the ALC, Resolution and The Bar Council the link is here. We draw to you attention the part of the Guidance headed Informing the parties “Parties should be told if their case is, or might be, listed without a bench so that they can make appropriate representations/applications about the composition of the court. For scheduled legal adviser courts this should be included on the notice of hearing or listing directions. If adjourning a hearing in court, this should also be explained to the parties in the courtroom.”
We will continue to meet with the JLACO on your behalf and welcome any feedback on issues such as:
- Scheduling and rostering of legal adviser hearings and composition of court - ensuring parties and lawyers know which hearings are, or may be, dealt with by a legal adviser exercising authorised judicial function
- Effective hearings - ensuring hearings are effective and that legal advisers are exercising functions appropriately and confidently
- Training and development
- Future working/engagement between JCS/HMCTS and legal practitioners