At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead on complex legal challenges and provide strategic advice in public service.
- Company: Join Ofsted, a key player in ensuring quality education and safeguarding for children.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, a generous pension scheme, and 32.5 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public service while collaborating with high-achieving professionals.
- Qualifications: Must be a UK-qualified solicitor or barrister with 5+ years of experience in public law.
- Other info: Hybrid working model available; apply by 13 July 2025.
The predicted salary is between 82324 - 83148 £ per year.
Location: 23 Stephenson Street, Birmingham, 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London
Salary: £82,324 per annum (pro rata). Rising to £83,148 per annum (pro rata) on successful completion of probation.
Basis: Full time (37 hours) or Part-time minimum 4 days per week.
Join Ofsted’s Legal Services Team – Make a Meaningful Impact
Ofsted is seeking an experienced Senior Legal Adviser, Litigation to join our Legal Services team. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled legal professional to work at the heart of public service, advising on high-profile litigation and helping ensure our work is legally robust, fair, and defensible.
As Senior Legal Adviser, Litigation, you will take the lead on managing complex legal challenges involving Ofsted, with a focus on judicial review, tribunal proceedings, and regulatory enforcement. You will act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders, provide support to colleagues across the organisation, and contribute to shaping strategic legal thinking.
What We’re Looking For
- A UK-qualified solicitor or barrister with at least 5 years' post-qualification experience
- Significant experience in public law and litigation, particularly judicial review
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to simplify complex legal issues
- A collaborative approach with confidence in advising senior stakeholders
This is a fantastic opportunity to further your experience in Ofsted’s well-established team. The post holder will work with high-achieving professionals at all levels, surrounded by a friendly and supportive team. They will have access to amazing benefits, such as flexible working hours, the Civil Service Pension Scheme, and 32.5 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays. We offer a hybrid working model, so you may also choose to spend a proportion of time working from home.
Closing date: 13 July 2025
To find out more and apply please visit: Senior Legal Adviser, Litigation - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK
Senior Legal Adviser, Litigation employer: Ofsted
Contact Detail:
Ofsted Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Adviser, Litigation
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Ofsted's recent legal challenges and decisions. Understanding the context of their litigation will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Ofsted employees on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide insights into the organisational culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during the application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific cases where you've successfully navigated complex legal issues, particularly in public law. Highlighting your experience in judicial reviews or tribunal proceedings will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your collaborative skills by preparing examples of how you've worked with senior stakeholders in the past. Ofsted values a team-oriented approach, so demonstrating your ability to advise and support leaders will be crucial.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Adviser, Litigation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in public law and litigation. Emphasise your post-qualification experience and any specific cases or projects that demonstrate your expertise in judicial review and tribunal proceedings.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly articulate why you are interested in the Senior Legal Adviser position at Ofsted. Discuss your collaborative approach and how your skills can contribute to advising senior stakeholders effectively.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for this role, consider including examples of how you've simplified complex legal issues in past roles. This will demonstrate your ability to convey important information clearly.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: Include specific achievements that relate to the responsibilities of the role. For instance, mention any successful outcomes from previous litigation cases or your contributions to shaping strategic legal thinking in your current or past positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ofsted
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you're well-versed in public law and litigation, especially judicial review. Brush up on recent cases and legislation that may be relevant to Ofsted's work, as this will show your expertise and commitment.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice simplifying complex legal issues into layman's terms. During the interview, demonstrate your strong verbal communication skills by explaining how you would advise senior stakeholders on intricate legal matters.
✨Show Collaborative Spirit
Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across different teams. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully partnered with others to achieve a common goal in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in high-pressure situations. Think about past experiences where you managed complex legal challenges and be prepared to discuss your approach and outcomes.