Qualified Lawyers

Overview

The Government Legal Department is unlike any private practice in the country. Our work touches almost every facet of UK public life. We provide legal advice to the full range of government departments on nation-changing subjects, from healthcare and national security to the environment and the economy. As the government\’s principal legal advisors, our expertise supports the development, design and implementation of government policies and decisions. We advise on matters scrutinised in Parliament and the media, and our teams are involved in everything from regulation and litigation to advice on procurement and drafting legislation. We also represent the government in court. This is a career with diverse, high-profile work, strong career development and a meaningful role in the life of the nation.

Advisory Directorate

The Advisory Group has several teams that specialise in work for specific client departments. Their purpose is to provide risk-based, solution-focused legal advice on topics from drafting legislation and taking it through Parliament to advising ministers and departments on policy implications, ensuring everything stands up to scrutiny of Parliament and the Courts. The work covers a wide range of nationally important subjects, including national security, cyber issues, AI and climate change. You will be part of an organisation that partners with government across its functions, from policy design and regulatory decision-making to taking legislation through Parliament, defending and explaining decisions in public inquiries and international negotiations.

Commercial Law Group

Joining our Commercial Law Group, you will provide expert legal advice to various departments and public bodies on high-profile matters, including transactional issues like public procurement, commercial litigation and commercial property. Our aim is to ensure best value for money through the purchase of goods and services for the UK’s public sector. Clients range from the Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Defence and DEFRA to the Ministry of Justice, the Department of Business and Trade and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, offering a broad and unrivaled career.

Employment

As an employment lawyer, you’ll play an integral role in the country’s largest employment practice. From helping the government to be a better employer to delivering value for the public purse, we support a diverse workforce of around 500,000 civil servants. We’re the largest user of the Supreme Court, and our work is unique to government. Responsibilities cover all aspects of employment policy and disputes, with cases offering significant responsibility and exposure to senior civil servants and ministers. The multi-part litigation environment provides opportunities to specialise or broaden experience across GLD’s work.

Litigation Group

GLD litigation lawyers handle high-profile cases with constitutional and national importance. Public law litigation covers judicial review in areas such as immigration, planning and national security, while private law covers claims against government departments in areas like personal injury and clinical negligence. We also provide representation in inquests and public inquiries, with opportunities to litigate in higher courts up to the Supreme Court.

Qualifications and Entry Criteria

Chartered Legal Executives (i.e., Fellows) are eligible to apply if they meet one of the following: (i) a Qualifying Law Degree (QLD); (ii) the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL)/CPE; or (iii) completed exams (e.g., 50%+ at CILEx Level 6). Applicants should note the seven foundation subjects in law: Contract Law, Criminal Law, Equity and Trusts, European Union Law, Land Law, Public Law, and Law of Tort. GLD may consider an overall average score of 65% or above across those Level 6 exams as demonstrating 2.1 degree equivalence where a 2.1 degree is not held. Applicants must be qualified to practise as a Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive in England and Wales, or be eligible for equivalent overseas qualifications. Training contracts/pupillages/qualifying employment or exemption by the Law Society, Bar Council or CILEx should be completed.

Selection Criteria

• Experience of, or aptitude for, public law
• Reliable legal judgment and appreciation of legal risk
• Ability to think strategically and creatively, with broad context awareness
• Sound analysis and secure legal research to provide timely, fit-for-purpose advice

Behaviours and Technical Skills

• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service
• Working Together
• Technical Legal Skills

Motivational Fit

Please outline why you are motivated to join GLD and how you feel you might contribute effectively in the department. Also describe how our requirements align with your aspirations and career goals.

Interview and Offer

If invited to interview, you will be assessed on the criteria listed above, plus questions, a written exercise, an oral brief exercise and scenario-based exercises. Full format details will be provided to shortlisted candidates. We appoint in strict order of merit. If unsuccessful, you may be placed on a reserve list for future posts. Security checks apply, including a criminal record check and baseline personnel security standard checks for those working with government assets. Nationality requirements apply as specified by Civil Service policy.

Benefits

• Salary from £59,200 plus Civil Service pension contributions (employer 28.97%)
• Learning and development tailored to your role
• Flexible working options
• Culture of inclusion and diversity

Additional Information

Working for the Civil Service: The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour. The Civil Service embraces diversity and equal opportunities, including Disability Confident and Redeployment schemes. Diversity and Inclusion information and related policies are available in the Civil Service People Plan and Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. Nationality and eligibility information is provided for applicants.