Permanent Secretary and Treasury Solicitor

Government Legal Department

Permanent Secretary and Treasury Solicitor

Reference number: 444062

Salary: £175,000 – £200,000. A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.

Contract type: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time, Job share

Location: London

The Government Legal Department (GLD) is seeking an exceptional individual to serve as Permanent Secretary and Treasury Solicitor. As the principal legal official for the UK Government, you will lead the Government Legal Department, providing the essential counsel that enables the government to govern well and within the rule of law.

This is one of the most prestigious and influential roles in the British legal system. As Treasury Solicitor, you will act as the Head of Profession for the Government Legal Profession, leading a dedicated workforce of over 3,400 employees, including 2,600 solicitors and barristers. You will be responsible for leading the Department with more than 18 client-facing advisory teams who provide legal advice on the development, design and implementation of government policies and decisions, draft secondary legislation and work with Parliamentary Counsel on primary legislation.

This role is broad and high‑profile. You will provide direct legal advice to the Prime Minister, senior Cabinet Ministers, and the Cabinet Secretary on issues ranging from national security and constitutional law to international relations.

The Permanent Secretary is the Accounting Officer for GLD, the Attorney General’s Office, HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate, and responsible to Parliament for the proper expenditure of public monies. Financial acumen and a strong sense of propriety are required for the post generally and for this function in particular.

As a member of the wider Permanent Secretary group, you will play a full part in the overall leadership of the Civil Service. The post-holder will report to Chris Wormald, Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service.

Candidates must be a senior barrister or solicitor with a breadth of experience in the law of England and Wales, including a strong background in relevant areas of litigation and advisory practice. Those include public and constitutional law, national security, propriety as well as highly complex commercial projects to deliver value for money for the taxpayer.

Applications close on 26 January, 2026. Further information on the role and how to apply can be found here.