The Government Legal Department (GLD) is the largest provider of legal services across government, working on high profile matters that are frequently scrutinised in Parliament and the media. From energy to security, health to human rights, we help the Government deliver life changing law for citizens.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is dedicated to changing and improving lives in the UK. It is central to mission-driven government. We guide on decisions relating homelessness, affordable housing, regeneration, community integration and cohesion. Plus, leading on efforts to give more power and simpler funding systems to local councils.
Our Housing and Land team supports the MHCLG with a busy and exciting portfolio of work, and the Building Safety and Inquiries team was set up in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire. Its lawyers provide support relating to the litigation that followed the public inquiry, and advise on policy development in building safety and the remediation of safety defects in residential buildings.
Two roles
You’ll be an expert in either residential leasehold law or law relating to the private rented sector, and a good understanding of public law would be desirable.
Reforming leasehold has been a long-standing government commitment and remains a top ministerial priority. We’re seeking senior lawyers with residential leasehold expertise to lead the next phase of legal reform, including strengthening commonhold as a viable alternative. This is a unique opportunity to shape legal and policy change affecting millions of homeowners.
We’re also delivering major reform of the private rented sector (PRS), with lawyers currently taking the Renters’ Rights Bill through Parliament — a once-in-a-generation overhaul. We’re looking for senior lawyers with PRS experience to lead on implementing these reforms and support wider PRS policies and programmes.
About you
To be a success in one of these roles, you’ll have superb skills in leadership, effective decision-making, communicating and influencing, and managing a quality service. You’re confident thinking both strategically and creatively. Even under time constraints, you’ll
have excellent powers of analysis and sound legal judgment and can offer risk-based advice. Your client care skills are matched with excellent communication.
You’ll be an established lawyer with practical experience of landlord and tenant law in the private rented sector. Alternatively, your experience lies in advising on leasehold disputes and leasehold management issues. For both roles, it would be preferable for you to have a sound understanding of public law.
The ability to coach, supervise and provide pastoral care to junior members of the team would be a bonus, as would the skills to contribute to the wider running of the division. In addition, any experience of drafting statuary instruments, advising on Bills, multi-tasking in a busy and diverse team, and prioritising when faced with competing deadlines would be desirable.
GLD encourages its people to develop their skills in a nurturing environment. Other benefits include access to a valuable civil service pension and flexible working arrangements.
Our vision is to be an outstanding legal organisation and a brilliant place to work where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. This is an exciting time for GLD, with cutting edge legal work on global issues and a transformation agenda which is ensuring the Department exemplifies the Modern Civil Service.
Closing date for applications: Noon at 25 July2025.
Apply by clicking on the 'Apply Button' below
Associate
Barrister
Chartered Legal Executive
In-House Counsel
Lawyer
Legal Counsel
Partner
Senior Solicitor
Solicitor
Practice Area
Conveyancing - commercial
Conveyancing - residential
Government relations and public policy
Housing
Landlord and Tenant
Local Government
Planning
Property Development and Regeneration
Public Law
Real Estate
Residential Property
Social Housing
Social Welfare and Housing
4-6 years
7-9 Years
Partner
Sector
Public sector
Type of Practice
Public sector
Location
Bristol, Bristol
Salary Bracket
Employee Benefits
Bonus and Pension
Bonus scheme
Flexible working hours
Healthcare
Income Protection
Mental Health & Wellbeing
Season ticket loan
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