Hiring and Sponsoring Barristers and judges (SOC Code 2411)

Barristers and Judges, classified under SOC Code 2411, are legal professionals who play a crucial role in the justice system, ensuring the fair application of law and advocacy for clients. Their responsibilities include:

• Acquiring case facts: 
• • Thoroughly reviewing statements and legal reports.
  • Consulting with clients and other legal professionals.
• Providing legal advice: 
• • Using legal knowledge, extensive research, and established precedents to guide clients on whether to pursue legal action.
• Drafting legal documents: 
• • Preparing pleadings and formulating questions in anticipation of court proceedings.
• Court representation: 
• • Appearing in court to present evidence.
  • Cross-examining witnesses to challenge their credibility.
  • Summarizing arguments to persuade the judge and jury in favor of the client’s case.
• Conducting trials: 
• • Evaluating evidence presented during the trial.
  • Instructing or advising the jury on relevant legal points and procedures.
• Delivering verdicts and sentences: 
• • Announcing decisions made in court.
  • Imposing sentences and determining costs and damages awarded.

In a complex and evolving legal landscape, the demand for adept barristers and judges remains high, resulting in an opportunity for legal professionals from abroad to contribute their expertise. This guide will assist HR professionals in understanding the process of hiring and sponsoring barristers and judges under the UK’s immigration system.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Barristers and judges?

SOC Code 2411 refers to barristers and judges who play critical roles in the legal system, ensuring justice and upholding the rule of law. Their responsibilities can include:

• Acquainting with case facts: Reading statements, law reports, and consulting with clients or other legal professionals.
• Advising clients: Providing legal guidance based on knowledge, research, and precedent to determine the viability of legal action.
• Drafting pleadings: Preparing legal documents and questions in advance of court proceedings.
• Court appearances: Presenting evidence to the judge and jury, cross-examining witnesses, and summarizing arguments to support their client's position.
• Evaluating evidence: Hearing, reading, and reviewing evidence presented in court, and advising the jury on relevant points of law or procedure.
• Conducting trials: Managing court proceedings in accordance with legal rules, announcing verdicts, and passing sentences as well as awarding costs and damages.

Barristers and judges serve as key figures in the judicial system, ensuring fairness, accountability, and the integrity of legal processes.

Eligibility to Hire Barristers and judges (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Barristers and judges must exhibit comprehensive legal knowledge and skills, adhering to specific qualifications and experience criteria. These may include:

• Legal Education: A law degree (LLB) is required, along with a valid bar admission or judicial appointment, depending on the role.
• Professional Experience: Significant experience in legal practice, including prior roles as solicitors or legal assistants, is essential for barristers; judges typically require extensive legal experience before appointment.
• Legal Research and Writing Skills: Strong ability to interpret law reports, draft legal documents, and prepare cases for court.
• Courtroom Skills: Proficiency in presenting arguments, cross-examining witnesses, and summing up cases effectively in front of a judge and jury.
• Analytical Abilities: Capacity to evaluate evidence, recognize key legal issues, and provide sound legal advice based on precedent and statutory law.
• Communication Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills are crucial for articulating legal arguments and explaining legal concepts to clients and juries.

Ensure the job description aligns with SOC Code 2411 and that the barrister or judge’s experience and work meet the expectations for the role.

1. Salary Thresholds
2. Use the Minimum Salary Calculator to ensure your salary offer meets immigration requirements.

Sponsoring Barristers and judges: A Step-by-Step Guide for HR Professionals

Once you’ve confirmed that the role and candidate meet the eligibility requirements, follow this step-by-step guide to sponsoring Barristers and judges under SOC Code 2411.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK Barristers and judges, your company or institution must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas Barristers and judges under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

• Sponsor Licence Application: Submit documentation proving that your business is legitimate and has a genuine vacancy. Visit the sponsor licence application guide for more information. 
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Small businesses typically pay £574, while larger institutions pay £1,579. For more information, visit the sponsor licence fees guide. 
• Processing Time: Applications typically take up to 8 weeks, but using the Sponsor Licence Priority Service can reduce the processing time to 10 working days.

Once your sponsor licence is approved, you will receive a sponsor licence number, which allows you to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you have your sponsor licence, the next step is to assign a CoS to the Barristers and judges. This document provides key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Barristers and judges applying from outside the UK, and an Undefined CoS for those already in the UK. Learn more in the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide. 
• Required Documents: Provide details such as the Barristers and judges’s portfolio, passport and job offer. Refer to Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorshipfor a full list of necessary documents.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS is issued, the Barristers and judges can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa.

• Visa Fees: Fees vary depending on the role and visa length—use the visa fees calculator to estimate the costs. 
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are required to pay this charge as part of sponsoring non-UK workers. This is separate from visa fees.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Barristers and judges

Before the Barristers and judges begins working, you must conduct a right to work check to ensure they are legally allowed to work in the UK.

• Manual Right to Work Check: Verify original documents such as the Barristers and judges’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Barristers and judges holds an eVisa, you can use the UK government’s online system to verify their right-to-work status.

For more details on how to perform these checks, see the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting  
2. • Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the Barristers and judges’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Barristers and judges’s role—such as promotions or salary increases—via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
3. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance
4. Failure to comply with your sponsor licence duties can result in penalties or sponsor licence revocation, impacting your ability to sponsor future Barristers and judgess.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Barristers and judges

Sponsoring Barristers and judges under SOC Code 2411 can be a complex process, but Borderless can simplify it for you. We offer comprehensive support to help you manage the entire sponsorship process.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we assist with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: Guiding you through the application process and ensuring all required documents are submitted correctly. 
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Streamlining the CoS process to make hiring easier. 
• Compliance Management: Helping you stay compliant with immigration laws to avoid penalties.

If you need assistance with hiring or sponsoring Barristers and judges, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Barristers and judges under SOC Code 2411 can be a rewarding way to enrich the cultural landscape of your organisation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully navigate the sponsorship process while ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.

For further guidance, Borderless is ready to assist you with all your sponsorship needs. Contact us for expert advice.