Government Legal Department
Working for the Government Legal Department
We are the government's principal legal advisers. We provide legal advice on the development, design and implementation of government policies and decisions, and represent the government in court. From roads and rivers, to health and human rights, our work touches on most aspects of public life.
We offer unique and high-profile work
We offer a challenging and exciting career. Whether you are newly qualified, returning to work after a break, or looking to 'do something different', the Government Legal Department is a supportive and happy place to work.
We provide legal advice to government departments on matters that are frequently scrutinised in Parliament and the media. Our clients range from departments such as the Home Office, the Department for International Trade to the Department for Health and the Ministry of Defence, to name just a few.
We have 14 client-facing advisory teams who provide legal advice on the development, design and implementation of government policies and decisions, draft secondary legislation and work with Parliamentary Counsel on primary legislation.
Our cross-cutting expert service groups for Litigation, Employment and Commercial Law provide specialist legal services to a wide range of government departments and public bodies.
There's a genuine work-life balance here and support for people with families. I have four children and took a year off with each of them. That hasn't impeded my career. We respect people's family commitments. I'm also from a BAME background and have found a real commitment to diversity.
What is unique about working at GLD is the guarantee that employees - wherever they work - are involved in advising government on current affairs, making news headlines every day. This opportunity to be involved in our national life and serve the British public makes GLD a very real place to work.
While previous experience or knowledge may be relevant to some of our roles, government work is likely to involve a learning curve to acquire legal skills and knowledge not required in private practice. We will provide support to help you acquire the necessary expertise and have a thriving CPD-accredited in-house training programme.
We also support our people to develop their skills and provide opportunities for employees to move between advisory, litigation, employment and commercial law services during their careers.
This is law like nowhere else
Providing legal advice to almost all government departments and agencies means there's always lots going on at GLD.
Here's a taste of what we do
Ever wondered what life is like as a government lawyer? Watch our film to find out more.
GLD named one of the best employers for race
GLD has been recognised for its leadership on race equality and inclusion in the workplace by Business in the Community's Best Employers for Race listing.
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