At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice on transport policy and infrastructure projects across various modes of transport.
- Company: Department for Transport, shaping the future of transport in the UK.
- Benefits: Valuable civil service pension and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable transport and high-profile legal matters.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
The Department for Transport Legal Advisers provides legal advice to the Department for Transport, supporting the development and delivery of transport policy across government. Our lawyers work across a broad and varied practice, advising on domestic and international matters across all modes of transport. This includes public and regulatory law, major infrastructure projects, Private and Hybrid Bills through Parliament, and a wide range of commercial work. The team advises on significant and often complex policy areas, including rail, aviation, autonomous shipping, and road and rail infrastructure. With transport decarbonisation a major priority, our lawyers also play an important role in advising on the legislation and legal frameworks needed to support a more sustainable transport system.
Area 1: Commercial Planning Lead
- Advising on planning consent applications for large transport infrastructure projects.
- Working with government departments on planning reforms, legislation and guidance.
- Supporting litigation where needed.
- Helping shape policy that affects transport projects across the country.
- Bringing planning law experience, whether national, local or environmental, to support the Department's work.
Area 2: Commercial Infrastructure Lead
- Advising on consenting regimes for major infrastructure projects.
- Supporting the procurement of complex services.
- Advising on subsidy control issues.
- Working on corporate structuring and governance.
- Bringing broad commercial expertise to high‑profile transport projects.
Area 3: Rail Reform Lead
- Advising on rail policy, legislation, procurement and funding.
- Supporting the development of Great British Railways.
- Advising on rail fares, ticketing and retail.
- Advising on rail subsidy, grant funding and the financing of future rail services.
- Supporting work on competition law, workforce issues and governance matters.
- Drafting and advising on complex policy and technical legislation, including statutory instruments.
- Advising on areas such as train drivers' qualifications and standards.
- Working on international rail issues, including treaties and Channel Tunnel matters.
- Supporting national rail workforce matters, including pay deals.
- Helping shape the future structure and operation of rail in the UK.
Area 4: Roads – International Vehicle Standards Lead
- Advising on vehicle safety standards and regulatory requirements.
- Supporting work across Northern Ireland, the EU and international trade.
- Advising on domestic and international vehicle standards.
- Working on regulations for emerging vehicle technology, including AI.
- Helping shape legal advice on cutting‑edge transport innovation.
Area 5: Roads – Road Safety Team Lead
- Advising on commercial and procurement matters.
- Contributing to the development of the UK's autonomous vehicle incident investigation regime.
- Helping shape legal work that supports safer roads and future transport.
To succeed in these roles you’ll need strong legal judgement, sound analytical skills and the ability to advise confidently on complex issues. You will bring expertise in public, commercial or regulatory law relevant to government decision‑making, alongside the ability to understand legal risk and provide practical advice. You will work on high‑profile matters with a range of stakeholders, so strong communication skills are essential. You should be comfortable working with both legal and non‑legal audiences, explaining complex issues clearly and building trusted relationships across the Department and wider government. These positions involve politically sensitive work and require people who can absorb new subject matter quickly, think strategically and creatively, and work with independence while maintaining sound professional judgement.
What we’re looking for
- Qualified to practise as a Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive in England and Wales, or a suitably experienced overseas qualified candidate meeting eligibility requirements.
- Minimum 2:1 honours degree in your first degree (or equivalent overseas qualification). Candidates without a 2:1 may still be considered with evidence of equivalent high‑level academic or professional achievement.
- Experience or strong knowledge in planning, environmental law, employment law, subsidies, grants, net zero or emissions, statutory instruments, international law or litigation (desirable but not essential).
- Demonstrated ability to advise on complex policy and technical legislation, including statutory instruments.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence in presenting to senior stakeholders.
- Capacity to work independently, yet collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
Benefits
- Valuable civil service pension.
- Flexible working arrangements.
Senior Lawyer in Leeds employer: Government Legal Department
The Department for Transport Legal Advisers is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where legal professionals can engage with complex and impactful transport policy issues. With a strong commitment to employee growth, flexible working arrangements, and a valuable civil service pension, the department fosters a collaborative culture that encourages innovation and strategic thinking in addressing the challenges of modern transport. Working here means contributing to significant projects that shape the future of transport in the UK while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that values professional development.
Contact Details:
Government Legal Department Recruitment Team
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