10x Senior Trade Lawyers

Department for Culture, Media & Sport; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking exceptional lawyers to join their Advisory Trade Law teams. This role offers the opportunity to engage in high-profile legal work, advising on international trade and public law matters. As part of a dynamic and inclusive environment, you will contribute to significant policy developments and negotiations that shape the UK's global trade relationships. The department values professional growth, offering tailored learning and development programs to enhance your legal expertise. If you're passionate about making a difference in the legal landscape, this position is an exciting opportunity to thrive.

Benefits

Tailored learning and development

Flexible working options

Inclusive culture

CS pension with 28.97% employer contribution

Qualifications

• Minimum 2:1 degree and qualified to practice in England and Wales.
• Experience in providing legal advice on trade and public law.

Responsibilities

• Providing targeted trade and public law advice in various formats.
• Managing legal workstreams and client relationships.
• Line managing junior lawyers and fostering their development.

Skills

Legal advisory skills

Experience in diverse teams

Advising on trade law

Advising on public law

Strategic thinking

Effective communication

Understanding of government roles

Education

Minimum 2:1 degree

Qualified to practice as a Solicitor, Barrister, or 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, and Manchester as well as overseas. We provide specialist legal services including Litigation, Employment, and Commercial Law, and advise 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, including 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 exemplifying the Modern Civil Service.

To find out more, 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 doing a unique and important job. The breadth and depth of legal work in the GLP are extensive, including negotiating treaties, advising ministers, making new law, and running litigation in courts. We are investing in GLP's Trade Law Profession through a Career Pathway that offers clear development opportunities and ensures the right expertise for the UK citizens. Good luck!

The roles will be across GLD Advisory Trade Law teams, with 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

Success and placement: Successful candidates will be matched to a role based on their CV and the department's needs. They will be part of a wider network of GLP Trade Lawyers across various government bodies involved in international trade matters.

The Role:

All GLD Advisory Trade Lawyers are expected to advise on both Trade Law and Public Law, with the specific focus varying by role.

Trade Law Advice: Advising on policy development, international agreement negotiations, dispute resolution, and corporate support.

Public Law Advice: Advising on policies accountable to Parliament and the electorate, considering legal implications across human rights, international law, equality, and data protection. Involves working with Parliamentary Counsel on legislation and secondary legislation.

Leadership: While not all Grade 6 roles involve line management, all are expected to lead junior lawyers and contribute to the department's culture and policies, including diversity and legal learning initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

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

Career Offer: The role offers opportunities to develop legal skills through a comprehensive training program and lateral movement within the department.

Candidate Information Sessions: Sessions will be held on MS Teams on 29 April and 6 May 2025, offering insights from current lawyers and a Q&A opportunity. Refer to the applicant pack for links.

Additional Benefits:

• Tailored learning and development
• Flexible working options
• Inclusive culture
• CS pension with 28.97% employer contribution

Assessment will include behaviors on managing a quality service, leadership, and communication. Evidence must be provided at interview or application stages.

Experience and Skills: Legal advisory skills, experience in diverse teams, advising on trade and public law, strategic thinking, effective communication, and understanding of government roles.

Qualifications: Minimum 2:1 degree, qualified to practice as a Solicitor, Barrister, or Legal Executive in England and Wales, with consideration for overseas qualifications. Candidates can apply up to 3 months before qualification.

Security Clearance: Must obtain SC clearance, typically requiring a five-year background check.

Selection Process: Includes CV review, personal statement, and interview with a presentation. Full details provided in the process overview.