At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead law reform initiatives and build relationships with key stakeholders in Wales.
- Company: Join the Law Commission, a respected body dedicated to modernising law in England and Wales.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse workplace, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for career advancement and influence in legal reform.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the legal landscape in Wales and shape future law reforms.
- Qualifications: Experienced lawyer with strong leadership and relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Title
Special Counsel for Wales
Grade
6
Line Manager
Head of Public Law and Law in Wales
Closing Date
03/11/2025
Summary
We are looking for an experienced lawyer to join the Law Commission as Special Counsel for Wales; an exciting new position intended to promote the Law Commission’s work in Wales. We are looking for an outstanding candidate to influence our strategy, make an immediate impact and create a legacy for high-quality law reform in Wales.
This specialist position provides a unique opportunity to strengthen and develop the Law Commission’s relationships with key stakeholders in Wales across the Welsh Government, the Senedd and the legal and third sector, and contribute to the development of the law in Wales.
The successful candidate will work closely with the Law Commissioner for the Public Law and Law in Wales Team, as well as the Head of Legal, to provide targeted leadership and support the selection, development and management of law reform projects on devolved law. The Law Commissioner will remain responsible for all projects, with the team lawyer assigned to a project leading day to day work on each project.
The Law Commission: sixty years of cutting‑edge law reform and legal expertise
The Law Commission is the statutory body set up under the Law Commissions Act 1965 to keep the law of England and Wales under review and to recommend reform where it is needed. It operates as an independent non‑departmental body sponsored by the Ministry of Justice.
The Commission’s aims are:
- To ensure that the law is as fair, modern, simple and as cost‑effective as possible.
- To conduct research and consultations in order to make recommendations for reform for consideration by the Senedd and Parliament.
- To codify the law, eliminate anomalies, repeal obsolete and unnecessary enactments and reduce the number of separate statutes.
From regulating coal tip safety and agricultural law in Wales, to devolved Tribunals and renting homes, we look at important and relevant areas of law that are causing problems for people or businesses and make recommendations for reform where needed.
Much of our work is high‑profile and secures significant interest from Senedd Members, the public and the media. Since our first report relating to the law of Wales on Renting Homes in 2013, the law in Wales team has delivered five law reform projects, all of which have been or are being implemented.
We are now seeking an innovative and strategic thinker, with the ability to forge strong and effective relationships, to help lead our work in Wales. This is a great opportunity for an experienced legal leader who is committed to the development of the law in Wales.
We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity.
Main duties of the postholder
The postholder will be expected to work closely with the Law Commissioner and the Team Manager for the Public Law and Law in Wales Team, as well as the Head of Legal, to provide targeted leadership and advice in relation to law reform in Wales.
During the one‑year term of the post, the postholder will be expected to shape the direction and strategy of the Law Commission’s work in Wales in the longer‑term. Any extension to the term will be by negotiation and agreement during the term.
The postholder will be expected to proactively nurture, grow and maintain relationships with important stakeholders in Wales, including members of the Welsh Government and the Senedd, the Judiciary, Office of the Legislative Counsel, academics and practising lawyers, and members of the third sector.
The postholder will contribute to the selection, development and management of law reform projects dealing with the law in Wales.
The postholder will work collaboratively with other Team Managers and senior leaders in the organisation, providing advice and expertise in relation to projects affecting the law in Wales, including making contributions to formulating policy in such projects.
The postholder will also work with the Head of Communications with a view to promoting effective communication across the Commission with Welsh stakeholders.
The postholder will be line managed by the Head of Team (who reports to the Head of Legal) and subject to direction from the Law Commissioner for the Public Law and Law in Wales Team.
The postholder will be supported by, and may be required to line manage, a dedicated member of the civil service fast stream.
They will act as a leader and role model, supporting and encouraging the sharing of knowledge, skills and best practice.
10881 - Law Commission: Special Counsel for Wales employer: Ministry of Justice
The Law Commission is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for legal professionals to influence law reform in Wales while fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture. With a commitment to diversity, employee wellbeing, and professional growth, the Commission provides a supportive environment where your contributions can make a significant impact on society. Join us in shaping the future of Welsh law and enjoy the benefits of working within a respected statutory body dedicated to fairness and modernisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 10881 - Law Commission: Special Counsel for Wales
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We think you need these skills to ace 10881 - Law Commission: Special Counsel for Wales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Ministry of Justice, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
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Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Ministry of Justice’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
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As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Ministry of Justice.
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In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Ministry of Justice.
