Lawyer - Commercial and Common Law Team

Ministry of Justice; City of Westminster; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental legal body in the United Kingdom is seeking a Senior Lawyer to join the Commercial and Common Law team. This role involves leading high-profile law reform projects, guiding a team in legal work, and representing the organization at senior meetings. Candidates must be solicitors or barristers qualified in England and Wales, with strong leadership, project management, and legal expertise. The position offers flexible and hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Hybrid working permitted

Qualifications

• Solicitor or barrister qualified in England and Wales, or equivalent.
• Experience in leading high‑performing teams.
• Proficiency in complex legal drafting and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex law reform projects with minimal guidance.
• Manage project teams, including lawyers and research assistants.
• Co-operate with Team Head to allocate work and oversee project delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Stakeholder Management

Legal Analysis

Commercial Law Knowledge

Consumer Law Knowledge

Private Law Knowledge

Digital Assets Knowledge

Education

Minimum 2.1 undergraduate degree

Job description

About the Law Commission

The Law Commission of England and Wales is a long‑established independent body that advises the government on law reform. Its aims are to make the law fair, modern, simple and cost‑effective; conduct research and consultations; and codify or repeal obsolete statutes.

Role Overview

A senior lawyer will join the Commercial and Common Law team on the Commission’s Law Reform programme. The role involves leading high‑profile law reform projects, guiding the team’s legal work, and representing the Commission at senior meetings.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Leadership
  • Lead complex law reform projects with minimal guidance.
  • Plan strategy, resources and risk management for each project.
  • Build and influence relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Manage project teams, including Grade 7 lawyers and research assistants.
• Team Guidance and Support
  • Co‑operate with the Team Head to allocate work and oversee project delivery.
  • Identify, negotiate and plan new projects, securing funding and MOUs.
  • Coach and mentor team lawyers, especially new hires.
  • Provide legal reform guidance and best‑practice advice across the team.
  • Exploring new approaches to effective law reform.
• Leadership & Management
  • Co‑lead team reporting and produce briefings for senior leaders.
  • Lead the team’s contribution to corporate publications and responses to external requests.
  • Recruit, induct and manage performance of lawyers, assistants and researchers.
• Cross‑Commission Initiatives
  • Deliver corporate initiatives agreed with Chief Executives and Head of Legal.
  • Lead ongoing PSAG strands, programme development and major HR changes.
  • Advise Chair on parliamentary appearances and support meetings with commissioners.
  • Support the international work of the Commission.
• Role Modelling
  • Promote inclusive leadership and a respectful work environment.
  • Drive timely, quality results and continuous improvement.

Qualifications & Experience

• Academic
  • Minimum 2.1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent overseas qualification).
• Professional
  • Solicitor or barrister qualified in England and Wales, or an equivalent lawyer, academic, or policy expert.
• Essential Experience
  • Leadership and ability to drive positive change in a small, high‑performing team.
  • Proven project management and stakeholder management skills.
  • Complex legal analysis, drafting, and supervision of others.
  • Knowledge and expertise in areas relevant to the Commercial and Common Law team, such as commercial law, consumer law, private law, and digital assets.
• Application Materials
  • CV and a statement of suitability detailing relevant experience.

Position Details

• Grade 6; permanent posts.
• Salary calculated on departmental pay scales.
• Eligible for flexible and part‑time working arrangements; hybrid working permitted where business needs allow.

Equality & Inclusion

The Law Commission is an employer of choice that welcomes applications from all groups, including those underrepresented in public service.