Flexible working: Although this is a full-time role, we support flexible and
This is an office-based role
with limited opportunities for home working. Occasional travel between Cheltenham,
GCHQ is an intelligence, cyber, and security agency with a mission to keep the UK
We use cutting-edge technology, ingenuity, and partnerships to identify,
Working with our intelligence partners, MI5 and MI6, we
At GCHQ, you'll do
As an Employment Lawyer within GCHQ's Legal Directorate, you'll provide expert
advice on employment law in a fast-paced and highly sensitive environment.
Working at the heart of national security, you'll help shape decisions that impact our
people and our mission, managing a varied workload that spans casework, policy
and litigation.
closely with HR and Security colleagues, as well as lawyers from the other
intelligence agencies, to deliver clear, well-considered advice on complex
From handling litigation to advising on security-related matters,
You'll develop your expertise through exposure to diverse legal work and structured
training opportunities, taking on more complex matters as your experience grows.
While much of your role will be office-based, you'll collaborate across locations and
disciplines, contributing to cross-agency projects and helping embed best practice
or shaping policy, you'll play a vital role in ensuring our employment practices remain
opportunities for professional growth and progression within a supportive,
About you You'll need to be a qualified solicitor or barrister/advocate in England and Wales,
in employment law. You'll bring excellent legal judgement, strong analytical skills and
With experience of managing a varied employment law workload, you'll be confident
ability to pick up new areas of law quickly, you'll combine technical expertise with
creativity, offering risk-based solutions that balance legal requirements with
You'll be comfortable explaining complex legal concepts in
Training and development
Employment Law team, helping you build confidence and clarity as you settle in.
You'll have a wide range of learning opportunities, from on-the-job training and peer
support to formal courses delivered through the Government Legal Profession.
Whether you're refining your expertise in employment law or exploring new areas
such as security-related legal issues, you'll be encouraged to shape your own
We'll also support you in attending the annual Legal Induction course and provide
access to the Legal Information Online Network, which offers government training
packages and bespoke sessions from external legal firms.