Apply here by 29 June 2022
London, Leeds, Croydon or Bristol, with opportunities for home working
Grade 7: £50,500 – £61,000 (London); £48,985 – £58,000 (National)
Legal Officer: £43,916 (up to three years PQE)
As commerce comes to the heart of government, so does the practice of commercial law.
The challenge
The Government Legal Department (GLD) is the largest provider of legal services across government, working with all the main Whitehall departments. From roads to rivers, health to human rights, our work touches on most aspects of public life. Now, with increasing demand for commercial legal advice, the Commercial Law Group (CLGp) provides a single source of expertise across government. We offer vital support as priorities shift to new ways of delivering services, driving value from departmental contracts and purchasing goods and services. As a result, our commercial transactional lawyers are involved in some of the most interesting, varied, complex and high-profile commercial in-house work in the UK.
The role
Expect to be involved in nationally significant work that is often scrutinised in Parliament and the media. We have been at the forefront of commercial efforts to meet the challenges of Covid19 and EU Exit, as well as supporting a range of other projects from COP26 and international expos to a new legal aid scheme, future farming, prison building, refugee accommodation and high-value contract disputes relating to Covid19 PPE and Testing. Government work is often novel and challenging and likely to involve a rapid learning curve when joining from private practice. However, we have a strong culture of collaboration and mutual support and a thriving in-house training programme. Newly qualified lawyers are also encouraged to join CLGp and develop their careers with us.
About you
Strong intellectual and analytical skills are important. We’re looking for lawyers qualified to practise as a Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive in England and Wales. We’re keen that our workforce reflects the wider public that we serve and will train lawyers from all backgrounds, but we are particularly interested hearing from lawyers with the following:
• ability to analyse legal commercial problems
• a constructive approach to solving problems
• ability to provide legally sound, risk-based advice
• sound commercial legal judgement
• ability to communicate advice effectively both in writing and orally
• skills in drafting commercial contracts
• commercial and contract law experience
An exceptional communicator, you’ll be focused on quality and have a collaborative approach to getting things done. Above all, you’ll be ambitious to challenge yourself and to make a contribution to the UK’s future.
Engagement Sessions
We will hold informal virtual Engagement Sessions for would be applicants for these roles, so you can get to meet us and find out more about us and our work. This will be attended by senior legal managers and lawyers. We will provide more detailed information on CLGp and the exciting and wide ranging work we do, as well as providing you with the chance to ask questions. These sessions are expected to take place on Tuesday 14 June and Monday 20 June (5:30pm – 6:50pm). For further information, please email the contact listed below, including details of which post you are applying for and your preferred date of attendance:CLGPResourcing@governmentlegal.gov.uk
Benefits
GLD encourages its people to develop their skills and provides the opportunity to move between advisory, litigation, employment and commercial law services during your career, should you wish to do so. Other benefits include access to a valuable civil service pension and flexible working arrangements.
Apply here by 29 June 2022
