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 that are frequently scrutinised in Parliament and the media. Our teams are involved in everything from regulation and litigation to advice on procurement and drafting legislation. We also represent the government in court. Your career here will be more diverse than you ever imagined. Whatever level you join us at, you can look forward to unique high-profile work, outstanding career development and the satisfaction that comes from a far-reaching role in the life of a nation.
Advisory Directorate
The Advisory Group has several teams that each specialise in the work of a specific client department. Their purpose is to provide risk-based, solution focused legal advice on anything from drafting legislation and taking it through Parliament to advising ministers and departments on the implications of new, existing policy, ensuring everything stands up to the scrutiny of Parliament and the Courts. Our work touches an enormous range of nationally important subjects. You could advise the government on anything from national security to cyber bullying, AI to climate change. You'll be part of an organisation that's the trusted partner of government across the full spectrum of its functions. From policy design and regulatory decision-making to taking legislation through Parliament, defending and explaining decisions in public inquiries and international negotiations. And that's just the half of it. This is a career that few can match for rich, diverse experiences.
Commercial Law Group
Joining our Commercial Law Group, you'll provide expert legal advice to various departments and public bodies on some of the country's most important, high-profile and pressing matters. Our work is frequently scrutinised in Parliament and by the media. We deal with transactional commercial issues like public procurement, commercial litigation and commercial property. Essentially, we work to ensure the best value for money through the purchase of goods and services for the UK's public sector. With 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 of Culture, Media and Sport, we can offer you a broad and unrivaled career.
Employment
As one of our employment lawyers, you'll play an integral role in the country's largest employment practice. From assisting the government with how to be a better employer, to delivering better value for the public purse, we support an incredibly diverse workforce of around 500,000 civil servants. We're the largest user of the Supreme Court, and our work is totally unique to government. Covering every aspect of employment policy and disputes, your cases will come with a significant level of responsibility and a high degree of exposure to senior civil servants and ministers. The complex multi-part litigation aspects of employment law here mean you'll be able to develop your career as an expert in this field or use your experience as a stepping-stone into the wider realms of GLD's work.
Litigation Group
The decisions and actions of the UK government are subject to great scrutiny. GLD litigation lawyers conduct a wide range of often high-profile cases, involving questions of constitutional and national importance. Our public law litigation practice covers the full range of judicial review challenges in areas such as immigration, planning and national security. We also have a substantial private law practice representing large government departments such as the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Defence in personal injury, clinical negligence, misfeasance in public office, false imprisonment, and other claims. Litigation lawyers also provide expert representation in relation to inquests and public inquiries. We regularly litigate through the higher courts to the Supreme Court and offer the opportunity to handle cases at the forefront of the developing law.
One GLD – General Information
If you apply, please note that your application will be for a generalist qualified lawyer role at GLD. If you have developed a specialism in a particular area of law (e.g. employment law, trade law, commercial law) you should reflect that in the CV section of the application form; however you will be offered a role in order of merit and not necessarily within your specialism.
Eligibility, Behaviours and Selection Process
We assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: Communicating and Influencing, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together. Technical skills include Technical Legal Skills. You will also be assessed on Motivational Fit. Academic and professional requirements include a minimum of a 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent for overseas degrees); qualification to practise as a Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive in England and Wales; or equivalent experience (GDL/LPC/BPTC). Some posts may require specific qualifications or experience in public/private law and security checks.
National Security, Anatomy of the Role and Benefits
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check and baseline security checks. Nationality requirements include eligibility for UK work and, where applicable, EUSS status. We offer a Civil Service pension with employer contributions and a range of learning and development opportunities; flexible working options; an inclusive, diverse workplace; and other Civil Service benefits. The Civil Service Code underpins recruitment on merit with equal opportunity and protective measures for candidates with disabilities.
Additional Information
There will be a candidate information session on Microsoft Teams, and details will be provided in the candidate pack. For further information, refer to the attached Candidate Pack for session dates and access details.
#J-18808-Ljbffr