At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal efforts for workers' rights and support GMB's national policy.
- Company: Join GMB, a leading trade union fighting for social justice.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, and various employee assistance programmes.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel opportunities and commitment to social justice.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in workers' lives while shaping national legal policies.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with expertise in employment law and trade union values.
The predicted salary is between 71661 - 71661 £ per year.
Applications are encouraged from people who are under-represented in the union. We actively encourage women, Ethnically Diverse/Global Majority Heritage, disabled and LGBT+ people to apply.
GMB is one of the UK and Ireland’s largest general trade unions: we’re proud to represent over half a million members from across the professional spectrum and all walks of life.
Are you a passionate legal professional committed to social justice and workers’ rights? At GMB, we are rooted in our values of solidarity, equality, democracy, and collective strength. As part of our continued commitment to ensuring fairness and justice in the workplace, we are seeking a dedicated and experienced Legal Officer to lead our national work on employment and equal pay law, based at our National Office in London. This is more than a legal job - it’s an opportunity to use your legal skills to support working people, help shape GMB’s national industrial policy, and defend trade union rights. At GMB, we believe in the power of collective action to transform lives. We fight for better pay, safer workplaces, and dignity for all workers. This is a senior role at the heart of our legal strategy - supporting our members, shaping national policy, and defending the rights of working people. You’ll be working alongside union leaders, solicitors, and activists to ensure that justice is not just an ideal, but a reality for our members.
The successful candidate will:
- Provide expert legal advice on employment and industrial relations law to GMB’s national and regional officers.
- Lead the union’s legal response to strategic challenges, including equal pay, industrial action, and statutory recognition.
- Represent GMB and its members in Employment Tribunals, the Employment Appeal Tribunal, and other key forums.
- Develop and promote GMB’s legal policies and publications, ensuring they reflect the needs of our members and officers.
- Advise on national litigation strategy.
- Engage with government, the TUC, and other stakeholders to influence legal reform in favour of working people.
- Act as legal adviser to GMB Congress and support the governance of the union.
What We’re Looking For
- A qualified solicitor eligible to practise in England & Wales.
- Deep knowledge of employment and industrial relations law.
- A strong understanding of trade union values and the role of collective organisation in enforcing legal rights would be highly desirable.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex legal issues into practical advice.
- Experience working with or within trade unions is highly desirable.
- A commitment to the principles of equality, fairness, and solidarity.
This is an extremely varied but highly rewarding role, and a commitment to putting the needs of working people first is absolutely essential. In return, we offer excellent terms and benefits, including:
- Final Salary Pension Scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Childcare Assistance Scheme
- Season Ticket Loan
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Eye Care claim back Scheme
- Annual Leave Purchase Scheme
- Annual Health Check
The successful post-holder will be expected to attend regional or national meetings/events across all four nations of the UK, so a willingness to travel is a must. The hours of work for this post are designated as ‘unspecified’, and there will therefore be a requirement for the successful candidate to work some unsocial hours, which may include some weekend and/or evening work, when required by the role.
If you think this sounds like you, and you’d like to know more about either the role or us as an organisation and what we can offer you, we’d like to hear from you. Please note Late or incomplete applications will not be considered, so please ensure you have completed all sections of the application form (including referee details) and submitted no later than the specified deadline.
National Legal Officer - GMB National Office employer: GMB Union
GMB is an exceptional employer that values its employees by fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture, where your expertise in employment law will directly impact the lives of our members. Located in the vibrant Southern Region, we offer competitive benefits, continuous professional development opportunities, and a commitment to advocacy that empowers you to make a meaningful difference in the community. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that champions workers' rights and promotes a fair workplace for all.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land National Legal Officer - GMB National Office
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the legal field, especially those involved with trade unions. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn – you never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching GMB’s values and recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just a legal whiz but also passionate about social justice and workers’ rights. Tailor your answers to reflect how your experience aligns with our mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your legal expertise and how it can benefit GMB. Role-play with a friend or mentor to get comfortable discussing your skills and experiences in a way that resonates with our goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team and committed to making a difference for working people.
We think you need these skills to ace National Legal Officer - GMB National Office
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for social justice and workers' rights shine through. We want to see how your values align with ours at GMB, so don’t hold back on sharing your commitment to making a difference!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application specifically for the National Legal Officer role. Highlight your experience in employment and industrial relations law, and how it relates to the work we do at GMB. This will help us see why you’re the perfect fit!
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate clear communication, especially when it comes to complex legal issues. Use straightforward language and structure your application well, so we can easily understand your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at GMB!
How to prepare for a job interview at GMB Union
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on employment and industrial relations law before the interview. Be ready to discuss recent cases or changes in legislation that could impact workers' rights, as this will show your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Embrace GMB's Values
Familiarise yourself with GMB’s core values of solidarity, equality, and collective strength. Think about how these principles align with your own beliefs and be prepared to share examples of how you've demonstrated these values in your previous roles.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to tackle hypothetical scenarios related to legal challenges the union might face. Practise articulating your thought process and how you would approach these situations, showcasing your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about GMB’s current legal strategies and how you can contribute. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals.
