Law Commission Research Assistant

Ministry of Justice; City of Westminster; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A government organization in the UK is seeking candidates who are completing their legal studies. The role offers hybrid working arrangements, flexible hours, and a supportive environment with a commitment to staff development. Candidates must demonstrate an ability to handle complex information and effectively communicate. A range of benefits, including family-friendly policies and paid leave, are offered, making this an attractive opportunity for aspiring legal professionals.

Benefits

Family-friendly policies

Flexible benefits

Childcare support

Paid paternity, adoption, and maternity leave

Free annual sight tests

Skills

Ability to work with complex information

Demonstrate behaviours in communicating and influencing

Education

Completed two years of full-time legal studies (or part-time equivalent)

GDL/CPE plus LPC/BPC or SQE 1 and 2

Job description

Overview

The Law Commission is a statutory body set up under the Law Commissions Act 1965 to keep the law of England and Wales under review and to recommend reform where it is needed. Its aims are:

• To ensure that the law is fair, modern, simple and as cost‑effective as possible
• To conduct research and consultations in order to make recommendations for reform for consideration by Parliament
• To codify the law, eliminate anomalies, repeal obsolete and unnecessary enactments and reduce the number of separate statutes

Additional information about the Law Commission and its work can be obtained from here.

Working Arrangements and Further Information

The Ministry of Justice offers hybrid working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non‑contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and or from home. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas. All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60 % of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity. Some roles will not be suitable for hybrid working. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate and subject to regular review.

For a nationally advertised role, all successful candidates will be appointed to the nearest viable office nearest to their home postcode and on its respective pay scale. This will be at either a HQ building, a Justice Collaboration Centre (JCC) or a Justice Satellite Office (JSO). For current MoJ employees, your base location will need to be moved to the nearest viable office, either at a HQ building, JCC or JSO within the National Office Network and moved to its location's respective pay scale.

Flexible working hours – Standard full‑time working hours are 37 hours per week. The MoJ welcomes part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the MoJ’s Flexible Working policy.

Eligibility Criteria

• By September 2026, candidates should have completed two years of full‑time legal studies (or part‑time equivalent) and achieved results at first‑class or good 2:1 level, with some first‑class work.
• Applicants with a GDL / CPE plus LPC / BPC, or SQE 1 and 2, may also apply.

Required Skills

Ability to work with complex information and demonstrate behaviours in communicating and influencing.

Benefits and Support

• A range of family‑friendly policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
• Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
• Childcare support – eligibility for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Information is available on GOV.UK or ChildcareChoices.
• Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
• Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

Professional Development

The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.

Support Networks

Employees can join employee‑run networks that provide advice and support and enable views of employees from minority groups to be expressed directly to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.

EEO Statement

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. The Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy promote this commitment. As a Disability Confident employer, the MoJ is committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and to make adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace.

A Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme to eligible former members of the Armed Forces.

Complaint Process

• Transformative Business Services – 0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8 am – 6 pm) or email moj‑recruitment‑vetting‑[e-mail]
• Ministry of Justice Resourcing team – resourcing‑management‑[e-mail]
• The Civil Service Commission – details available here

Assessment of Experience

Your experience for this role will be assessed at interview. Experience is assessed through questions, technical challenges and motivational fit.