At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice on immigration litigation and lead a dynamic team.
- Company: Join the Government Legal Department, shaping public law across vital sectors.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, a civil service pension, and a supportive development environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national issues while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Strong public law understanding and experience in litigation, preferably in immigration.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional growth and leadership.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Bristol, Leeds, Manchester, Croydon, London £71,000 National £74,000 London/Croydon
From healthcare to artificial intelligence, energy to national security, we provide legal advice to government departments on nation‑changing subjects. Our work touches almost every aspect of public life. At Government Legal Department we have a vital, single‑minded purpose: to help the Government govern well within the rule of law.
The Home Office and Immigration Division is responsible for public law litigation across government departments and public bodies, including the Cabinet Office, DWP, DHSC and the Parole Board, as well as immigration public law challenges for the Home Office (HO). We also undertake private law litigation for the HO, FCDO, DfE, MHCLG and DEFRA. Our Immigration Litigation Teams focus on judicial review challenges to Home Office immigration decisions, ranging from straightforward refusals of visitor or student applications to high‑profile reviews of major immigration policies, such as the removal of asylum seekers to Rwanda. We also carry out specialist work for the Attorney General, supporting his public interest function — expertise not available anywhere else inside or outside government.
As Senior Immigration Lawyer, you’ll provide legal advice on litigation. You’ll demonstrate strong skills in legal and strategic analysis, sound judgement, pragmatism and pro‑activity. You’ll support the Deputy Director and Senior Lawyers in leading the rest of the team, this may be through training, projects and other corporate opportunities. Plus, you’ll work with external partners to ensure quality and hold them accountable for delivering litigation and disputes on time, within budget, and to standard. All GLD employees must hold BPSS security clearance. If successful for this post you must hold, or be willing and able to obtain BPSS level security clearance. You cannot start your position until you hold this clearance level. You can work full‑time, part‑time or as part of a job share.
An excellent understanding of public law is key, coupled with either experience of or aptitude for litigation. It would be desirable if you have a background in immigration law too. You bring reliable legal judgment and an appreciation for risk, and how to mitigate it. A creative and strategic thinker, you’re able to see legal issues in their wider context and advise accordingly. It’s key that you’re a confident communicator, both orally and in writing. You’re familiar with the role of lawyers in Government and the importance of working collaboratively across departments.
We’d also like you to demonstrate the following behaviours from our Success Profiles:
- Leadership (Lead Behaviour)
- Communicating and Influencing
- Managing a Quality Service
- Developing Self and Others
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. GLD is much more than the 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 15th December 2025
Senior Immigration Lawyer in Bristol employer: Government Legal Department
Contact Detail:
Government Legal Department Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Immigration Lawyer in Bristol
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the legal field! Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more you engage, the better your chances of landing that Senior Immigration Lawyer role.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your experiences in public law and immigration litigation. Let them see how your skills can make a difference in their team.
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework on the Government Legal Department and its recent cases. Be ready to discuss how your background aligns with their mission. Confidence is key, so practice those answers until you feel like a pro!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Immigration Lawyer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in public law and immigration. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant expertise!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: As a Senior Immigration Lawyer, strong communication is key. Use clear and concise language in your application to demonstrate your ability to convey complex legal concepts effectively. Remember, we’re looking for confident communicators!
Highlight Leadership Experience: We value leadership qualities, so be sure to mention any experience you have in leading teams or projects. Share examples of how you've developed others or managed quality services, as this will resonate well with us.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Legal Department
✨Know Your Public Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of public law, especially as it relates to immigration. Familiarise yourself with recent cases and legislation that could impact the role. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Immigration Lawyer, you'll be expected to lead and mentor others. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or project. Highlight how you communicated effectively and influenced outcomes, as this aligns with the behaviours they're looking for.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your legal judgement and strategic thinking. Think through potential immigration challenges and how you would approach them. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Understand the Importance of Collaboration
The role involves working across various government departments, so be ready to discuss your experience in collaborative environments. Share specific instances where you worked with external partners or different teams to achieve a common goal, showcasing your ability to manage quality service.