Inquiry Lawyers

Government Legal Department; York and North Yorkshire; Hybrid; GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A government legal agency in the UK is looking for Inquiry Lawyers to work in significant public inquiries within their Public Inquiries Division and Defence and Security Division. Successful candidates will provide legal representation and advice while managing complex workloads. Applicants should possess a high level of legal skill, strong communication abilities, and experience with relevant software. This role offers flexible working arrangements and aims to support the professional development of its staff. Apply by Noon on 7th January 2026.

Benefits

Access to civil service pension

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Experience in inquiry law and public law.
• Ability to manage document-heavy review processes.
• Understanding of the role of lawyers in Government.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert representation to Government parties in inquiries.
• Give clear instructions to witnesses for delivering high-quality evidence.
• Manage complex workloads and tight deadlines.

Skills

High level of legal skill and judgment

Strong organisational skills

Effective communication and stakeholder engagement

Experience with electronic records management software

Tools

Relativity

Job description

Inquiry Lawyers - Leeds - £59,200

From healthcare to artificial intelligence, energy to national security, we provide legal advice to government departments on nation-changing subjects. Our work touches almost every aspect of public life. At Government Legal Department we have a vital, single‑minded purpose: to help the Government govern well within the rule of law.

Your role

We are looking for lawyers to work on important public inquiries. These vacancies are for permanent roles in the Public Inquiries Division and Defence and Security Division (both are within GLD’s Litigation Directorate).

Created recently, the Public Inquiries Division in Litigation Directorate aims to enhance our expertise in this area, to greater professionalise our service, improve our offer to our clients and share best practice. We’ve worked on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, the Infected Blood Inquiry, the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry, Undercover Policing Inquiry, The UK Covid-19 Inquiry, the Southport, Nottingham and Manston Inquiries.

Meanwhile, the Defence and Security Division manage public and private law litigation, inquests and inquiries, including high‑value personal injury and clinical negligence claims for the MOD (such as PTSD cohort actions, overseas operations, group actions, and Northern Ireland Legacy cases). We advise departments including DWP, DHSC, DfT and Highways England on data protection and property disputes and defend road network claims.

Depending on the post, you will provide expert representation to Government parties in an inquiry; or you will be providing legal advice and support to the inquiry itself.

Higher security clearance will be needed, to carry‑out the full range of responsibilities, in some of the roles.

The roles can be worked full‑time, part‑time or as part of a job share. For some, travel may be required.

About you

You have a high level of legal skill and judgment. Coupled with a keen interest in inquiry law and a sound understanding of public law, gained from previous experience.

With strong organisational skills, you’re able to work to tight deadlines and prioritise effectively, managing a busy and complex workload. You’re adept at quickly assimilating guidance and driving tasks forward from the outset. Plus, you’ve worked with electronic records management and discovery software such as Relativity.

You can manage document‑heavy review processes to identify key relevant material, including establishing defined programmes of work and monitoring delivery.

A confident communicator, you can facilitate excellent stakeholder engagement, internal and external. To witnesses, you give clear, detailed instructions, ensuring that they understand the legal process and deliver high‑quality evidence.

We’d like to see how we’re a good fit for you and your aspirations, paired with a good understanding of the role of lawyers in Government. Tell us what motivates you to join the Government Legal Department and what your contribution will be.

We would also like you to demonstrate the following from our Success Profiles:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service
• Working Together

Benefits

GLD encourages its people to develop their skills in a nurturing environment. Other benefits include access to a valuable civil service pension and flexible working arrangements.

Much more than the law

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.

Closing date for applications: Noon Wednesday 7th January 2026.

To apply please click the apply button