Senior Legal Adviser, Litigation

OFSTED; London; Hybrid; GBP 82,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

Ofsted is seeking a Senior Legal Adviser for its Legal Services team, responsible for high-profile litigation and legal advice in public service. The role requires a UK-qualified solicitor or barrister with at least 5 years' experience in public law and litigation, alongside strong communication skills. Flexible working hours and various benefits are provided, making this an attractive opportunity for experienced legal professionals seeking to make a meaningful impact.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Civil Service Pension Scheme

32.5 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays

Qualifications

• At least 5 years' post-qualification experience as a solicitor or barrister.
• Significant experience in public law and litigation, particularly judicial review.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex legal challenges such as judicial reviews and tribunal proceedings.
• Provide legal advice to senior leaders and shape strategic legal thinking.

Skills

Public law

Litigation

Communication

Collaborative approach

Education

UK-qualified solicitor or barrister

Job description

Job title: Senior Legal Adviser, Litigation

Location: 23 Stephenson Street, Birmingham, 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London

Salary: £82,324 per annum (pro rata). Rising to £83,148 per annum (pro rata) on successful completion of probation.

Basis: Full time (37 hours) or Part-time minimum 4 days per week.

Join Ofsted’s Legal Services Team – Make a Meaningful Impact

Ofsted is seeking an experienced Senior Legal Adviser, Litigation to join our Legal Services team. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled legal professional to work at the heart of public service, advising on high-profile litigation and helping ensure our work is legally robust, fair, and defensible.

As Senior Legal Adviser, Litigation, you will take the lead on managing complex legal challenges involving Ofsted, with a focus on judicial review, tribunal proceedings, and regulatory enforcement. You will act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders, provide support to colleagues across the organisation, and contribute to shaping strategic legal thinking.

What We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from experienced solicitors or barristers who meet the following criteria:

• A UK-qualified solicitor or barrister with at least 5 years' post-qualification experience
• Significant experience in public law and litigation, particularly judicial review
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to simplify complex legal issues
• A collaborative approach with confidence in advising senior stakeholders

This is a fantastic opportunity to further your experience in Ofsted’s well-established team. The post holder will work with high-achieving professionals at all levels, surrounded by a friendly and supportive team. They will have access to amazing benefits, such as flexible working hours, the Civil Service Pension Scheme, and 32.5 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays. We offer a hybrid working model, so you may also choose to spend a proportion of time working from home.

Closing date: 13 July 2025

To find out more and apply please visit:

Senior Legal Adviser, Litigation - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK

Job title: Legal Adviser

Location: 23 Stephenson Street, Birmingham, 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London

Salary: £66,475 (National), £69,835 (London), rising to £67,140 (National), £70,500 (London) per annum (pro rata) post probation.

Basis: Full time (37 hours) or Part-time minimum 4 days per week.

Join Ofsted’s Legal Services Team as a Legal Adviser

We are seeking a qualified Legal Adviser to join our experienced Legal Services team. You will work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where your legal expertise will directly support Ofsted’s inspection and regulatory functions. This is an exciting opportunity to apply your legal skills to support public service delivery and make a real impact on the lives of children and learners.

As a Legal Adviser, you will:

• Deliver timely, accurate and high-quality legal advice on a wide range of public law issues, particularly those related to the inspection and regulation of children’s social care services.
• Support legal work across Ofsted’s remits, offering strategic insight and risk-based solutions.
• Provide input on proposed legislative changes and help implement them effectively within the organisation.
• Collaborate with policy and operational colleagues to ensure legal advice informs enforcement activity and vice versa.
• Liaise with Government departments and external stakeholders on matters affecting Ofsted’s legal responsibilities.

This is a fantastic opportunity to further your experience in Ofsted’s well-established team. The post holder will work with high-achieving professionals at all levels, surrounded by a friendly and supportive team. They will have access to amazing benefits, such as flexible working hours, the Civil Service Pension Scheme, and 32.5 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays. We offer a hybrid working model, so you may also choose to spend a proportion of time working from home.

Closing date: 13 July 2025

To find out more and apply please visit:

Legal Adviser - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK