Senior Maritime Lawyer

GOVERNMENT LEGAL DEPARTMENT

Senior Maritime Lawyer

London

£74,000

Much more than law

The Government Legal Department (GLD) is the largest provider of legal services across government, working with all the main Whitehall departments. From energy to security, and from roads and rivers to health and human rights, we touch on most aspects of public life. Our work is stimulating and varied, and includes developing and drafting legislation, helping to secure economic and trade relationships, and providing legal advice on polices to ensure the best value from contracts.

This is an opportunity to use your expertise within the Department for Transport’s Legal Advisers, which sits within the GLD. We play a key role in the UK’s international transport obligations, and much of our other work is divided between public and regulatory law across the full range of transport modes, major infrastructure projects and commercial work. We also have a significant programme of Bill work and one of the largest statutory instrument drafting programmes in government.

Your role

When you join us in this important senior role you’ll be a key member of the Maritime team, which is made up of 16 lawyers. You’ll focus on international maritime security law and aspects of public and domestic law, work that will involve liaising closely with a diverse range of legal policy and operational colleagues, and engaging with other departments in Whitehall and the GLD.

The Team has responsibility for several high-profile issues, and in doing so advises on public law: drafts secondary legislation and works and advises on plans for legislative reform, including Bill provisions relating to seafarers’ welfare, which is a key departmental objective. The team also provides advice in relation to autonomous ships, the de-carbonisation of ships and ports; small boats and provides support to the Cranston Inquiry.

Maritime is a global industry and regulated by the International Maritime Organisation and the International Labour Organization. The team supports the work of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the UK’s Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organisation through briefings and attendance at relevant sessions.

About you

To be a success in this role you’ll possess the ability to think strategically, see legal issues in their wider context and advise accordingly. Ready to use your skills, expertise and knowledge to provide sound direction, you’ll be capable of offering high quality advice on complex issues in a political environment, proactively managing risks and identifying positive and creative solutions.

An inspirational and motivating leader, you’ll be committed to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion. You should also be capable of:

• dealing with highly sensitive work.
• maintaining a network of colleagues and contacts to achieve progress on shared objectives.
• building strong interpersonal relationships and showing genuine care for your colleagues.
• advising on international safety and security-related obligations.

The role is full time, substantial part time or job share. On rare occasions you may be asked to work 5 days per week in the office, but most of the time you’ll be expected to spend 60% of your time in the office and/or work in accordance with the GLD’s Hybrid Working Policy. You should have UK residency and we’ll expect you to start with Baseline Personal Security Standard (BPSS) and be willing to obtain DV and EDV if your application is successful.

Benefits

GLD encourages its people to develop their skills in a nurturing environment. Other benefits include access to a valuable civil service pension and flexible working arrangements.

Our vision is to be an outstanding legal organisation and a brilliant place to work where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. This is an exciting time for GLD, with cutting edge legal work on global issues and a transformation agenda which is ensuring the Department exemplifies the Modern Civil Service.

Closing date for applications: 16th December 2024.

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