At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve the Employment Directorate’s Knowledge Management function while supporting new lawyers.
- Company: Join the Government Legal Department, the largest provider of legal services across UK government.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working arrangements, a civil service pension, and a nurturing environment for skill development.
- Why this job: Make an impact on public services while working on exciting global legal issues in a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive with a minimum 2:1 degree.
- Other info: Applications close at noon on Monday 9th June 2025. Don't miss out!
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
The Government Legal Department (GLD) is the largest provider of legal services across government, working with all the main Whitehall departments. Our Employment Directorate provides employment advice and litigation services to all GLD’s clients, supports a workforce of over 450,000 and underpins the delivery of a vast range of public services. Our work covers everything from Employment Tribunal claims and the conduct of complex multi-party litigation to advising on staff policies and terms and conditions, TUPE, collective bargaining and departmental re-organisations.
Your role as a highly motivated senior lawyer will involve overseeing the induction of new lawyers to the division, providing them with the specialist support and training they will need as they grow their careers with us, and working closely with the Legal Director, current Employment Knowledge Development Lawyer and senior leadership team as we develop strategy and the continuous improvement of the KM offering.
All our lawyers have their own collective and individual responsibilities for knowledge sharing and learning, and it will be your task to foster a relevant and appropriate culture as you influence the way in which your colleagues meet their responsibilities. This is a great opportunity to lead and set direction, and you’ll be given all the encouragement you need as you inspire, innovate and drive the project forward.
About you: An established and experienced employment lawyer, you’ll possess well developed knowledge of employment law. We’ll expect you to apply sound legal research and reliable judgement as you deal with the issues you face and have a sound understanding of how to assess and approach legal risk. Your excellent interpersonal and communication skills will allow you to explain complex subjects in ways that are accessible and tailored to individual audiences.
You should have a minimum of a 2:1 honours degree in your first degree (in any subject), and if you hold an overseas degree qualification this should be equivalent to a 2.1 degree. You must be qualified to practise as a Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive in England and Wales; however, we also accept applications from overseas qualified candidates. You must have completed a training contract, pupillage, qualifying employment or have been exempted from this by the Law Society, the Bar Council or CILEx.
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. Working for GLD is much more than law. 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: Noon Monday 9th June 2025.
Employment Barrister (London) employer: GLD
Contact Detail:
GLD Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Barrister (London)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in employment law, especially those relevant to public sector employment. This will not only enhance your knowledge but also demonstrate your commitment and expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the Government Legal Department (GLD) to gain insights into their work culture and expectations. This can provide you with valuable information that can help you tailor your approach when applying.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in knowledge management and training new lawyers, as this is a key aspect of the role. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led initiatives or improved processes in your previous positions.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your interpersonal and communication skills by practising how to explain complex legal concepts in simple terms. This will be crucial in demonstrating your ability to engage with diverse audiences during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Barrister (London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing your application, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Employment Barrister position. Familiarise yourself with the Government Legal Department's work and how your skills align with their needs.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience in employment law, particularly any work with Employment Tribunal claims or knowledge management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership abilities and your understanding of legal risk.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your motivation for applying and how your background makes you a suitable candidate. Be sure to mention your interpersonal and communication skills, as well as your commitment to fostering a culture of knowledge sharing.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your writing is clear and professional, reflecting the high standards expected in a legal environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at GLD
✨Know Your Employment Law
Make sure you have a solid understanding of employment law, especially the areas relevant to the Government Legal Department. Brush up on recent cases and legislation that could impact your role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As this position involves a leadership role, be prepared to discuss your experience in guiding teams or projects. Share examples of how you've fostered a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
✨Tailor Your Communication Style
Given the diverse audience you'll be working with, practice explaining complex legal concepts in simple terms. This will showcase your excellent interpersonal skills and ability to connect with various stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your judgement and decision-making skills in real-life scenarios. Think about past experiences where you had to assess legal risks and how you approached those situations.