The Government Legal Department is the largest provider of legal services across government, working on high profile matters that are frequently scrutinised in Parliament and the media. Our work includes:
Developing and drafting legislation
Providing legal advice on policies
Securing our economic and trade relationships
Ensuring value from commercial contracts worth billions of pounds
Providing the Civil Services employment law advice
We are at the heart of delivering the Governments priorities and our success depends on our people. GLD is a non-ministerial government department, sponsored by the Attorney General. We are headed by the Treasury Solicitor, our Permanent Secretary and employ nearly 3000 people, including over 2000 legal professionals. Our offices include London, Leeds, Bristol, Croydon and Manchester as well as overseas.
We provide specialist legal services including Litigation, Employment and Commercial Law as well as advising most Government Departments on the policies and services they deliver. GLD also depends on a range of vital corporate services. These are essential to the smooth and efficient running of the Department and provide the foundation to enable GLD to deliver outstanding legal services. Our corporate functions include Strategy, HR, Finance, Digital, Data and Technology, Communications, Security, Commercial and Project delivery.
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.
The Employment Directorate provides employment advice and litigation services to all GLD clients, supporting a workforce of over 450,000 and underpinning the delivery of a vast range of public services. Our work covers everything from Employment Tribunal claims and the conduct of complex multi-party litigation to advising on staff policies and terms and conditions, collective bargaining and departmental re-organisations.
We handle litigation up to the Supreme Court and provide employment advice in the context of Ministers political and operational drivers and the unique constitutional position of the civil service. Along the way we learn about the environment and conditions of the vast range of public servants and office holders, including prison officers, judicial office-holders, border force officers, the armed forces and other sector specialists as well as policy officials.
Our Employment Lawyers have a high level of responsibility in delivering the strategic advice required by clients, whether in litigation or advisory matters. They have to take into account the specific employment framework of the civil service and the varying appetite for legal risk of Ministers and departments, coming up with solutions to staffing issues and mitigating risk. Their work is supported by a strong team culture of collaboration and support, excellent KM and specialist training and close working with Attorney Generals Panel Counsel. The interest and range of employment work undertaken is second to none.
The Directorate comprises around 135 employment lawyers who are based across GLD locations in London, Leeds, Manchester and Bristol. We have 8 legal teams led by Deputy Directors based in London (6 teams), Leeds (1 team) and Bristol (1 team). We are supported by our Business Management Team, with colleagues based in London, Leeds and Bristol. The Employment Group is a great place to work, with excellent resources, a tailored training programme and a really strong culture of mutual support and collaboration. D&I is at the core of how we manage our people and teams.
About the Role
We are recruiting 8 x employment lawyers into Grade 6 Senior Lawyer posts. These posts are varied and can be litigation focused, advisory focused or within the Employment Directorates TUPE and Transactional Hub or Industrial Relations Hub. Successful candidates will be expected to provide direction to and manage a mini-team of G7 Lawyers/Legal Officers who will be conducting Employment Litigation and advising on a range of employment law matters, and to supervise litigation cases and advisory work being managed by our external partners. Successful candidates will be expected to demonstrate the necessary skills and experience in at least one of the following areas: To manage a litigation caseload, mainly Employment Tribunal claims but also claims in the High Court and the County Court. To advise clients on employment matters including complex case work and advice on changes to policy and the impact of case law on existing policy and practice. To manage a transactional caseload of matters involving staff transfers into, out of, and around central government and the public sector. To advise clients on industrial relations matters including collective bargaining, industrial action and general trade union relationships. Successful candidates will be expected to play an active role in their Team, the Employment Directorate and wider GLD, including contributing to client training, diversity and inclusion activities, knowledge management and the supervision of less experienced members of staff. Whilst there will be vacancies for appointed candidates to work out of GLDs offices in London, Leeds, Manchester or Bristol, candidates should be aware that their line management may be provided out of different location from that where there are based, at least initially. Person Specification
Behaviours: Below are details of the Success Profiles that make up this role. Demonstrating all the behaviours listed below is essential. You will be expected to provide evidence to show how you meet the criteria at interview and/or selection stage. We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: Leadership Managing a Quality Service Working Together Communicating & Influencing Professional entry criteria for Chartered Legal Executives (i.e. Fellows): Chartered Legal Executives are eligible to apply where (i) a Qualifying Law Degree (QLD) is held; or (ii) the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL)/CPE has been completed; or (iii) where exams have been passed (i.e. a score of 50% or above achieved), at CILEx Level 6 in all of the following seven foundation subjects in law: Contract Law Criminal Law Equity and Trusts Law European Union Law Land Law Public Law Law of Tort Note: There are specific requirements relating to academic achievement in the CILEx Level 6 exams where these are being used to demonstrate 2.1 degree equivalence as set out below. Chartered Legal Executives should note that GLD will be willing to accept an overall average score of 65% or above across exams passed in the seven foundation subjects in law (where studied at CILEx Level 6) as demonstrating 2.1 degree equivalence (where a 2.1 degree is not held). Candidates will have the opportunity to hear from lawyers working in the Employment Directorate about what they do and their experiences of working in Government. It is also an opportunity to hear from members of the Employment Directorate Senior Leadership Team and to ask questions about the role and the process. Candidates interested in attending the information session should register their interest in advance by emailing to; amrit.uppal@governmentlegal.gov.uk. The Recruitment Process
Application: To apply for this post, you will need to complete the online application process. This should be completed no later than Monday 24th February 2025 at 12:00 noon and will involve completing the sections in the online application outlined below: An online CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years, as part of the online application form. This will be used to assess the Essential Criteria of Experience. A Statement of Suitability of no more than 1250 words demonstrating how you meet the Essential Criteria for Technical Legal Professional Skills (Lead Criteria), Leadership and Motivational Fit and how this can be transferred to the role. Full details can be found in the application guidelines. Selection Process
After the closing date, the appointing panel shall assess candidates suitability for the role based on evidence provided in their application against the behaviours and experience outlined in the person specification. Please note, if a high number of applications are received, we will sift on the Lead Criteria, Technical Legal Professional Skills alone and we also reserve the right to increase the pass mark. Interview: Should you be successful in being invited to interview, you will be assessed on your performance in all essential criteria as listed in the Person Specification, alongside scenario-based exercises and strength-based questions. Candidates invited to interview will be given further information. Leadership Managing a Quality Service Working Together Communicating & Influencing Technical Legal Professional Skills (Lead Criteria) You will be asked to complete a written exercise based on a written legal scenario prior to your interview, and you may be asked some follow up questions during your interview. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview. Interviews will take place remotely via video conference, full details of the interview format will be provided to shortlisted candidates prior to interview. The timeline later in this pack indicates the date by which decisions are expected to be made, and all shortlisted candidates will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible thereafter. Offer
Regardless of the outcome, we will notify all candidates as soon as possible after the final interview. We appoint in strict order of merit. If you meet the minimum criteria for this position but are not successful for a post, you may be placed on the reserve list for up to 12 months. We then may contact you to see if you are interested in a post at the same, or a lower grade, in GLD should one arise. What to Expect When You Apply
You register your interest and submit your application. You will be asked to provide an online CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. This will be used to assess the Essential Criteria of Experience. You will be asked to provide a Personal Statement (limit of 1250 words) setting out your response on Essential Criteria for Technical Legal Skills (Lead Criteria), Leadership and Motivational Fit. Applications will be sifted by a GLD sift panel. Please note detailed feedback will not be given following sift, however, sift scores will be provided. Candidates who are selected for interview will be emailed an online written exercise to test the Technical Legal Professional Skills Lead criteria you will be advised of a clear deadline for submitting your response. You will be interviewed remotely by a GLD panel via a video conference call. All details will be sent approximately a week before your interview slot to ensure you are fully prepared ahead of schedule. Interviews normally last around 40 to 60 minutes. We will allocate successful candidates to the most suitable vacancy available at the time of our offer, taking into account your performance at interview. Civil Service Code
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of you and other civil servants. These are based on the core values which are set out in legislation. As a civil servant, you are expected to carry out your role with dedication and a commitment to the Civil Service and its core values of: integrity is putting the obligations of public service above your own personal interests honesty is being truthful and open objectivity is basing your advice and decisions on rigorous analysis of the evidence impartiality is acting solely according to the merits of the case and serving equally well governments of different political persuasions These core values support good government and ensures the achievement of the highest possible standards in all that the Civil Service does. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard checks. Nationality Requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups: UK nationals nationals of the Republic of Ireland nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) Further information on nationality requirements is available. Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy. Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. You will be an established and experienced employment lawyer and with a sound understanding of employment law gained through advising clients and conducting cases in the Employment Tribunal across a broad range of employment law issues. Technical Legal Professional Skills - (Lead Criteria)
A sound understanding of UK employment law gained through advising clients and conducting cases in the Employment Tribunal across a broad range of employment law issues. An ability to approach legal issues applying sound analysis, secure legal research and reliable legal judgement. An ability to think strategically and creatively, see legal issues in their wider context and advise accordingly. A good understanding of how to approach legal risk in advising government. Motivational Fit
Motivation for a career in the Civil Service and GLD in particular An understanding of the role of lawyers in Government A keen interest in employment law Academic and Professional Applicants should have a minimum of a 2:1 honours degree in their first degree (in any subject). Where an applicant holds an overseas degree qualification this should be equivalent to a 2.1 degree. GLD will consider applicants who do not have a 2.1 degree but only where satisfactory evidence of equivalent high level academic and/or professional achievement can be provided (e.g. via relevant experience and results achieved for the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL)/CPE, Legal Practice Course (LPC), Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC)). Applicants must be qualified to practise as a Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive in England and Wales however, we also accept applications from overseas qualified candidates. You must have completed a training contract/pupillage/qualifying employment or have been exempted from this by the Law Society, the Bar Council or CILEx. Technical Skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process: You should have a minimum 2.1 degree in any subject. If you do not hold a 2.1 degree, this department may consider your application where you can demonstrate equivalent high level academic and/or professional achievement. Lawyers qualified outside of England and Wales will be required to provide further information. Detailed guidance is given when completing the application. Alongside your salary of £71,000, Government Legal Department contributes £20,568 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides. Learning and development tailored to your role An environment with flexible working options A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
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We are recruiting 8 x employment lawyers into Grade 6 Senior Lawyer posts. These posts are varied and can be litigation focused, advisory focused or within the Employment Directorates TUPE and Transactional Hub or Industrial Relations Hub. Successful candidates will be expected to provide direction to and manage a mini-team of G7 Lawyers/Legal Officers who will be conducting Employment Litigation and advising on a range of employment law matters, and to supervise litigation cases and advisory work being managed by our external partners. Successful candidates will be expected to demonstrate the necessary skills and experience in at least one of the following areas: To manage a litigation caseload, mainly Employment Tribunal claims but also claims in the High Court and the County Court. To advise clients on employment matters including complex case work and advice on changes to policy and the impact of case law on existing policy and practice. To manage a transactional caseload of matters involving staff transfers into, out of, and around central government and the public sector. To advise clients on industrial relations matters including collective bargaining, industrial action and general trade union relationships. Successful candidates will be expected to play an active role in their Team, the Employment Directorate and wider GLD, including contributing to client training, diversity and inclusion activities, knowledge management and the supervision of less experienced members of staff. Whilst there will be vacancies for appointed candidates to work out of GLDs offices in London, Leeds, Manchester or Bristol, candidates should be aware that their line management may be provided out of different location from that where there are based, at least initially. Person Specification
Behaviours: Below are details of the Success Profiles that make up this role. Demonstrating all the behaviours listed below is essential. You will be expected to provide evidence to show how you meet the criteria at interview and/or selection stage. We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: Leadership Managing a Quality Service Working Together Communicating & Influencing Professional entry criteria for Chartered Legal Executives (i.e. Fellows): Chartered Legal Executives are eligible to apply where (i) a Qualifying Law Degree (QLD) is held; or (ii) the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL)/CPE has been completed; or (iii) where exams have been passed (i.e. a score of 50% or above achieved), at CILEx Level 6 in all of the following seven foundation subjects in law: Contract Law Criminal Law Equity and Trusts Law European Union Law Land Law Public Law Law of Tort Note: There are specific requirements relating to academic achievement in the CILEx Level 6 exams where these are being used to demonstrate 2.1 degree equivalence as set out below. Chartered Legal Executives should note that GLD will be willing to accept an overall average score of 65% or above across exams passed in the seven foundation subjects in law (where studied at CILEx Level 6) as demonstrating 2.1 degree equivalence (where a 2.1 degree is not held). Candidates will have the opportunity to hear from lawyers working in the Employment Directorate about what they do and their experiences of working in Government. It is also an opportunity to hear from members of the Employment Directorate Senior Leadership Team and to ask questions about the role and the process. Candidates interested in attending the information session should register their interest in advance by emailing to; amrit.uppal@governmentlegal.gov.uk. The Recruitment Process
Application: To apply for this post, you will need to complete the online application process. This should be completed no later than Monday 24th February 2025 at 12:00 noon and will involve completing the sections in the online application outlined below: An online CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years, as part of the online application form. This will be used to assess the Essential Criteria of Experience. A Statement of Suitability of no more than 1250 words demonstrating how you meet the Essential Criteria for Technical Legal Professional Skills (Lead Criteria), Leadership and Motivational Fit and how this can be transferred to the role. Full details can be found in the application guidelines. Selection Process
After the closing date, the appointing panel shall assess candidates suitability for the role based on evidence provided in their application against the behaviours and experience outlined in the person specification. Please note, if a high number of applications are received, we will sift on the Lead Criteria, Technical Legal Professional Skills alone and we also reserve the right to increase the pass mark. Interview: Should you be successful in being invited to interview, you will be assessed on your performance in all essential criteria as listed in the Person Specification, alongside scenario-based exercises and strength-based questions. Candidates invited to interview will be given further information. Leadership Managing a Quality Service Working Together Communicating & Influencing Technical Legal Professional Skills (Lead Criteria) You will be asked to complete a written exercise based on a written legal scenario prior to your interview, and you may be asked some follow up questions during your interview. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview. Interviews will take place remotely via video conference, full details of the interview format will be provided to shortlisted candidates prior to interview. The timeline later in this pack indicates the date by which decisions are expected to be made, and all shortlisted candidates will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible thereafter. Offer
Regardless of the outcome, we will notify all candidates as soon as possible after the final interview. We appoint in strict order of merit. If you meet the minimum criteria for this position but are not successful for a post, you may be placed on the reserve list for up to 12 months. We then may contact you to see if you are interested in a post at the same, or a lower grade, in GLD should one arise. What to Expect When You Apply
You register your interest and submit your application. You will be asked to provide an online CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. This will be used to assess the Essential Criteria of Experience. You will be asked to provide a Personal Statement (limit of 1250 words) setting out your response on Essential Criteria for Technical Legal Skills (Lead Criteria), Leadership and Motivational Fit. Applications will be sifted by a GLD sift panel. Please note detailed feedback will not be given following sift, however, sift scores will be provided. Candidates who are selected for interview will be emailed an online written exercise to test the Technical Legal Professional Skills Lead criteria you will be advised of a clear deadline for submitting your response. You will be interviewed remotely by a GLD panel via a video conference call. All details will be sent approximately a week before your interview slot to ensure you are fully prepared ahead of schedule. Interviews normally last around 40 to 60 minutes. We will allocate successful candidates to the most suitable vacancy available at the time of our offer, taking into account your performance at interview. Civil Service Code
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of you and other civil servants. These are based on the core values which are set out in legislation. As a civil servant, you are expected to carry out your role with dedication and a commitment to the Civil Service and its core values of: integrity is putting the obligations of public service above your own personal interests honesty is being truthful and open objectivity is basing your advice and decisions on rigorous analysis of the evidence impartiality is acting solely according to the merits of the case and serving equally well governments of different political persuasions These core values support good government and ensures the achievement of the highest possible standards in all that the Civil Service does. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard checks. Nationality Requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups: UK nationals nationals of the Republic of Ireland nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) Further information on nationality requirements is available. Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy. Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. You will be an established and experienced employment lawyer and with a sound understanding of employment law gained through advising clients and conducting cases in the Employment Tribunal across a broad range of employment law issues. Technical Legal Professional Skills - (Lead Criteria)
A sound understanding of UK employment law gained through advising clients and conducting cases in the Employment Tribunal across a broad range of employment law issues. An ability to approach legal issues applying sound analysis, secure legal research and reliable legal judgement. An ability to think strategically and creatively, see legal issues in their wider context and advise accordingly. A good understanding of how to approach legal risk in advising government. Motivational Fit
Motivation for a career in the Civil Service and GLD in particular An understanding of the role of lawyers in Government A keen interest in employment law Academic and Professional Applicants should have a minimum of a 2:1 honours degree in their first degree (in any subject). Where an applicant holds an overseas degree qualification this should be equivalent to a 2.1 degree. GLD will consider applicants who do not have a 2.1 degree but only where satisfactory evidence of equivalent high level academic and/or professional achievement can be provided (e.g. via relevant experience and results achieved for the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL)/CPE, Legal Practice Course (LPC), Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC)). Applicants must be qualified to practise as a Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive in England and Wales however, we also accept applications from overseas qualified candidates. You must have completed a training contract/pupillage/qualifying employment or have been exempted from this by the Law Society, the Bar Council or CILEx. Technical Skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process: You should have a minimum 2.1 degree in any subject. If you do not hold a 2.1 degree, this department may consider your application where you can demonstrate equivalent high level academic and/or professional achievement. Lawyers qualified outside of England and Wales will be required to provide further information. Detailed guidance is given when completing the application. Alongside your salary of £71,000, Government Legal Department contributes £20,568 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides. Learning and development tailored to your role An environment with flexible working options A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
#J-18808-Ljbffr
