10x Senior Trade Lawyers

Department for Culture, Media & Sport; London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established government department seeks exceptional legal professionals to join their Advisory Trade Law teams. This role offers the chance to engage in high-profile legal work, advising on international agreements and public law issues. With a commitment to professional development, you will be part of a vibrant legal community focused on delivering impactful services. The position promises a dynamic environment where your contributions will shape UK trade law and policy, fostering growth and international relations. Join a team dedicated to excellence and make a difference in the public sector.

Benefits

Flexible working

Civil Service pension with employer contributions

Tailored learning opportunities

Inclusive culture

Qualifications

• Minimum 2:1 degree and qualified to practice in England and Wales.
• Experience in fast-paced, risk-based legal advisory roles.

Responsibilities

• Provide trade law and public law advice in various formats.
• Manage legal workstreams and client relationships.

Skills

Legal advisory skills

Experience in trade law

Public law expertise

Communication skills

Strategic thinking

Education

2:1 degree or equivalent

Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive

Job description

Length of employment: For existing Civil Servants, there is the possibility of loan. Non-civil servants may request a secondment.

Job Summary:

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:

1. Developing and drafting legislation
2. Providing legal advice on policies
3. Securing our economic and trade relationships
4. Ensuring value from commercial contracts worth billions of pounds
5. Providing the Civil Service's employment law advice

We are at the heart of delivering the Government's 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, Manchester, and overseas. We provide specialist legal services including Litigation, Employment, and Commercial Law, as well as advising most Government Departments on their policies and services.

GLD also depends on a range of vital corporate services that are essential for the smooth and efficient running of the Department. These 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 that exemplifies the Modern Civil Service.

To find out more about what we do, visit the Government Legal Department's webpage or watch this short film showcasing the breadth of work government lawyers and legal trainees are involved in.

Job Description:

Welcome from Adrian Roberts, Legal Director (International Trade)

International trade law is crucial for UK growth, global prosperity, and harmonious international relations. In this role, you will join a team of exceptional lawyers, known for collegiality, expertise, and professionalism, doing a unique and important job. Since I joined the Government Legal Profession (GLP) 23 years ago from the self-employed bar, I have never looked back: the breadth and depth of legal work in the GLP is amazing, whether negotiating and drafting treaties, advising ministers, making new law, or running litigation in courts. Now is an especially interesting time, but throughout your career, you will often be involved in high-profile legal work that makes headlines. That’s why we are investing in GLP’s Trade Law Profession, rolling out the GLP’s Trade Law Career Pathway, which will ensure clear professional development opportunities and the right expertise to serve the UK citizens. Good luck!

The advertised roles will be across GLD Advisory Trade Law teams. GLD has approximately 200 Advisory Trade Lawyers in divisions of:

• Department for Business and Trade (DBT)
• HM Treasury (HMT)
• Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (Defra)
• Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) and Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT)
• Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ)
• Cabinet Office
• Department for Transport (DfT)
• Home Office
• Department for Health & Social Care (DHSC)
• Department for Education

Should you be successful you will be matched to a role within one of the teams based on your CV and business needs.

It’s also important to note that you'll be part of a wider network of Government Legal Profession (GLP) Trade Lawyers, including those in the Attorney General's Office, FCDO, HMRC, TRA, and UK Missions to the EU and WTO. This creates a complex ecosystem of lawyers advising on international trade across GLD and the wider GLP.

The Role

All GLD Advisory Trade Lawyers are expected to advise on both Trade Law and Public Law. The focus will vary by role.

Trade Law Advice

GLD Trade Lawyers advise on:

• Policy development, advising on legal requirements and risks of UK government policies
• Negotiation and implementation of international agreements
• Dispute resolution in international and domestic forums
• Corporate support

For example, in negotiating international agreements, several lawyers will form part of the team for FTAs, with specific chapters led by different departments, such as DBT, HMT, HMRC, and Defra.

Public Law Advice

As a Grade 6 lawyer, you will also advise on public law, supporting policies accountable to Parliament and the public. This involves complex, sensitive legal issues, including human rights, international law, equality, and data protection. You will work with Parliamentary Counsel on legislation and support policy reforms and secondary legislation.

Leadership

While not every Grade 6 role involves line management, all are expected to manage junior lawyers and contribute to the division’s culture and corporate leadership, including promoting diversity and developing the Trade Law Career Pathway.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing targeted trade law and public law advice in various formats
• Managing legal workstreams and client relationships
• Line managing junior lawyers and supporting their development
• Providing professional leadership and stakeholder engagement

Career Offer

Government work involves rapid learning and development. We offer support and a comprehensive training programme, with opportunities to move across legal services during your career.

Candidate Information Sessions

Sessions will be held via MS Teams on 29 April and 6 May 2025, where lawyers will discuss their roles and experiences. Refer to the applicant pack for links.

Benefits include tailored learning, flexible working, an inclusive culture, and a Civil Service pension with 28.97% employer contributions. We will assess candidates on behaviors (Managing a quality service, Leadership, Communicating and influencing) and technical skills, with evidence required at interview.

Experience and Technical Skills

• Legal advisory skills, experience in fast-paced, risk-based advice
• Experience working in diverse teams, managing deadlines
• Advising on trade and public law
• Understanding of trade and public law, legal judgment, strategic thinking, communication skills, and understanding of government lawyers’ roles

For more info, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/success-profiles

Academic and Professional Qualifications

Applicants should have a minimum 2:1 degree, or equivalent, and be qualified to practise as a Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive in England and Wales, including overseas qualifications with relevant experience. Candidates cannot apply more than 3 months before their qualification date. Chartered Legal Executives must meet specific exam criteria.

Security Clearance

If successful, you must hold or obtain SC clearance, usually requiring a five-year footprint. For queries, contact the department. Further info on security clearances can be found here.

Selection Process

1) Submit an online CV (max 1200 words) detailing career history and responsibilities. The CV is scored on experience.

2) Provide a personal statement (max 1000 words) covering behaviors and skills.

Shortlisted candidates will be assessed via application and possibly a sift. Successful candidates will be invited to a remote interview, including a 5-minute legal scenario presentation. Feedback will be provided, and merit-based appointments made. Candidates may be placed on a 12-month reserve list.

We also collect data to help match you with roles and promote diversity in recruitment panels.