Features: Government Legal Service

Written by Rachel Shepherd, Editor, Graduate Prospects, February 2013

Lawyers working for the Government Legal Service (GLS) are at the centre of the action, making law as well as interpreting it

The GLS covers the 2,000 lawyers working across 30 central government organisations. The work differs to that found in private practice as the government is the only client.

The diversity of the work means you could be advising government ministers on the legality of proposed policy, creating new legislation or representing the government in high-profile litigation cases.

This was part of the attraction for lawyer Nicholas de Lacy-Brown who left the Bar in 2011 and joined HMRC solicitor's office in April 2012. 'I was extremely excited to be working on high-profile cases and helping to make decisions which impact on the lives of millions across the country.'

What's involved?

Generally speaking there are two types of GLS lawyer - those who litigate on behalf of the government, and those who advise it on policies and legislation.

Whereas most commercial law firms emphasise specialism, GLS lawyers have the opportunity to move between legal teams getting to grips with a range of practice areas.

'I was attracted by the longevity of a career in the GLS, including the benefits of moving between governmental departments and between teams within those departments, ensuring a varied and fulfilling career,' says Nicholas.

A lawyer considering a GLS career needs to be:

• ready for a daily challenge of varied and intellectually demanding work;
• happy working in a team but comfortable working alone under pressure;
• always willing to learn, and equally happy to pass on their learning to others.

What's on offer?

The GLS offers training contracts or pupillages in one of its government legal teams.

During the course of the two-year training contract, you will spend time in four key areas of practice with each seat lasting six months. In comparison, a pupillage will last 12 months and your time will be split between a GLS legal team and a set of external chambers.

Salaries vary between departments but a first year legal trainee's salary is between £23,250 and £25,575. In the second year this increases to between £24,850 and £27,350.

There are also opportunities for qualified lawyers to join the GLS as legal officers (up to two years Post-Qualified Experience). Subject to satisfactory performance, legal officers may be promoted to 'Grade 7' after 12-24 months.

Applicants must have a minimum 2:1 degree in any subject and must be (or about to become) qualified to practice as a solicitor or barrister in England and Wales.

What are the benefits?

As well as a competitive salary and continued training, Nicholas explains what other advantages a career in the GLS has…

• Varied and challenging work - I rarely cover the same area of law twice: a single week can involve me dipping into an array of legal issues from human rights and European considerations, to trusts law mechanisms, and financial regulation.
• Unique work - You do not just interpret the law; you help to make it too. You are working at the heart of some very high-profile governmental work which is in the media every day, and you are at the pointed end of legal reform and policy creation.
• Teamwork and responsibility - The GLS boasts a very convivial working atmosphere, where teamworking is the norm. However, on the flipside, you are given tremendous personal responsibility from your first day in the office, but with the knowledge that help is on hand from both your immediate colleagues and across the GLS should you need it.
• Networking and training - Whatever department you work for, you gain access to the huge legal network of 2,000 governmental lawyers across the GLS. This means you benefit from an array of shared legal resources and training opportunities, and are able to build your own personal network of contacts across the government legal teams.

'The GLS can offer you a job for life, providing daily fulfilment, regular career changes, a structured and fulfilling career progression, and a sense of achievement that you are working for the benefit of millions across the UK,' adds Nicholas.