Flexible working: due to the nature of the role, remote or home working is not possible. However, part-time (a minimum of three days per week), compressed hours and job shares are considered. Please note, although this role is based in central London, there may be some infrequent travel required nationally and internationally.
Please note that interviews for this role will take place in early 2027
MI5 keeps the country safe from serious threats like terrorism and attempts by states to harm the UK, its people and way of life. We carry out investigations by obtaining, analysing, and assessing intelligence, and then work with a range of partners including MI6 and GCHQ to disrupt these threats. Through our protective security arm, we provide advice and guidance to government,businessesand other organisations about how to keep themselves safe. A role in MI5 meansyou'lldo unique and challenging work in a supportive and encouraging environment, making a real difference to UK national security.
As a Lawyer at MI5, you’ll advise on fascinating legal issues at the heart of national security. Bringing your judgement and perspective to complex questions, you’ll help colleagues find legally sound, creative ways to achieve their objectives and work on exciting, varied cases unique to the world of intelligence.
Your journey at MI5 will begin by joining one of our legal teams, where you’ll build on your existing expertise. Over time, you’ll have opportunities to work across the wider legal function with exposure to different facets of our work. You’ll advise on: operations and investigations; the development and deployment of technical capabilities; data and information acquisition, use and sharing; the use of executive powers and the disruption of terrorist and hostile state activity; litigation and engagement with oversight and scrutiny bodies; and the development of new legislation and powers.
This is a role with immediate responsibility coupled with plenty of on-the-job support and professional development to help you build new skills and areas of expertise. You may also have the opportunity to lead cross-disciplinary teams of lawyers and non-lawyers, and lead on particular projects and areas of work. Plus, with no client time recording or billable hour requirements, you will be able to focus on delivering sound legal advice and creative solutions that support our national security mission.
Upon joining, you’ll receive an initial induction as well as on-the-job training. You’ll be surrounded by a small, welcoming team who can provide additional help and advice as you settle in. You’ll also have access to our internal training academy and be provided with a dedicated development budget to allow you to pursue your own goals and needs.
you don’t require any previous experience of national security law. However, you’ll need to be a solicitor or barrister qualified to practise in England and Wales with a minimum of 2 years’ Post-Qualification Experience (PQE). You’ll be persuasive and diplomatic, with the confidence to communicate clearly and handle complex, sensitive casework with credibility. And because decisions here often need to be made quickly, you’ll be someone who can exercise sound judgement as priorities shift.
You’ll receive a starting salary of £86,779 to £96,097 (dependent on experience), plus other benefits:
- 25 days’ annual leave (rising to 30 after 5 years)
- an additional 10.5 days of public and privilege holidays
- an interest-free season ticket loan
- excellent pension scheme
- paid parental and adoption leave
- access to our on-site facilities including a gym, restaurant and coffee bars
At MI5 diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. To protect the UK, we need a truly diverse workforce that reflects the society we serve. This includes diversity in every sense of the word: those with different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ways of thinking and those with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including those from groups that are under‑represented in our workforce such as women, those from an ethnic minority background, people with disabilities and those from low socio‑economic backgrounds.
You must be a British Citizen. If you hold dual nationality, of which one component is British, you will nonetheless be considered. Candidates must normally have been resident in the UK for seven out of the last ten years. This is particularly important if you were born outside the UK. You can apply at the age of 17 years, if successful you will not be offered a start date prior to your 18th birthday.
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