At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and provide legal expertise on significant public inquiries and government litigation.
- Company: Join the Government Legal Department, the largest provider of legal services in government.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, civil service pension, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on vital public issues while developing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Experience in public law and public inquiries, with strong analytical and communication skills.
- Other info: Be part of a transformative agenda in a supportive and dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 59200 - 74000 £ per year.
The Government Legal Department (GLD) is the largest provider of legal services across government, working with all the main Whitehall departments. From energy to security, from roads to rivers, health to human rights, our work touches on most aspects of public life. From developing and drafting legislation to helping to secure economic and trade relationships, providing legal advice on policies to ensuring value from contracts, our work is stimulating and varied.
We are looking for lawyers to work on important public inquiries. These vacancies are for permanent roles in the Public Inquiries Division and Defence and Security Division (both are within GLD’s Litigation Directorate). Created recently, the Public Inquiries Division in Litigation Directorate aims to enhance our expertise in this area, to greater professionalise our service, improve our offer to our clients and share best practice. We’ve worked on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, the Infected Blood Inquiry, the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry, Undercover Policing Inquiry, The UK Covid-19 Inquiry, the Southport, Nottingham and Manston Inquiries. Meanwhile, the Defence and Security Division manage public and private law litigation, inquests and inquiries, including high‑value personal injury and clinical negligence claims for the MOD (such as PTSD cohort actions, overseas operations, group actions, and Northern Ireland Legacy cases). We advise departments including DWP, DHSC, DfT and Highways England on data protection and property disputes and defend road network claims.
Depending on the post, you will provide expert representation to Government parties in an inquiry; or you will be providing legal advice and support to the inquiry itself. Higher security clearance will be needed, to carry‑out the full range of responsibilities, in some of the roles. The roles can be worked full‑time, part‑time or as part of a job share. For some, travel may be required. Grade 6 Senior Lawyers have important leadership roles across our organisation. You can expect to line manage up to four Grade 7s and/or lead a mini team of up to seven people including paralegals.
You have a sound understanding of public law, backed by substantial experience of working on, or for, public inquiries. A strategic and creative thinker, you’re able to see legal issues in their context and advise accordingly. You’re confident conducting sound analysis and using secure legal research to produce timely, fit for purpose advice. Plus, you’re an effective communicator, both orally and in writing. We’d like to see how we’re a good fit for you and your aspirations, paired with a good understanding of lawyers in Government. Tell us what motivates you to join the Government Legal Department and what your contribution will be.
As well as this, we ask that you demonstrate the following behaviours from our Success Profiles:
- Leadership (Lead Behaviour)
- Communicating and Influencing
- Managing a Quality Service
- Working Together
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.
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 22nd December 2025
G6 Senior Inquiry Lawyer in London employer: Government Legal Department
Contact Detail:
Government Legal Department Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land G6 Senior Inquiry Lawyer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the Government Legal Department. A friendly chat can give us insights into the culture and expectations, plus it might just lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into recent public inquiries. Show us you’re not just familiar with the role but also passionate about the work we do. Bring your A-game with examples of how you’ve tackled similar challenges.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Senior Inquiry Lawyer, you’ll need to articulate complex legal issues clearly. Try mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your delivery and boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at the GLD.
We think you need these skills to ace G6 Senior Inquiry Lawyer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Public Law: When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for public law and inquiries. Share specific experiences that highlight your understanding of the legal landscape and how it relates to the role at GLD.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the job description. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with the responsibilities of a Senior Inquiry Lawyer, especially in public inquiries.
Communicate Clearly: We value effective communication, so ensure your written application is clear and concise. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically to make it easy for us to follow your reasoning.
Express Your Motivation: Don’t forget to tell us why you want to join the Government Legal Department! Share what drives you to work in this field and how you envision contributing to our mission and values.
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Legal Department
✨Know Your Public Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your public law knowledge before the interview. Familiarise yourself with recent public inquiries and understand their implications. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Grade 6 Senior Lawyer, you'll be expected to lead teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire and guide others, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Effective communication is key in this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, both verbally and in writing. You might even want to prepare a brief presentation on a relevant legal issue to showcase your communication skills during the interview.
✨Align Your Motivations with GLD's Vision
Think about what motivates you to join the Government Legal Department and how your aspirations align with their vision. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals and what excites you about working on high-profile public inquiries.