Government lawyer

Government lawyer job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

They are responsible for:

• directing senior government staff in the preparation of proposed bills and debates
• researching and preparing legislation
• drafting subordinate legislation
• handling civil and criminal litigation
• writing legal documents.

Typical employers of government lawyers

Central government lawyers are employed by the Government Legal Service (GLS), comprising the legal teams of more than 40 government departments, agencies and public bodies. In addition to UK and European legal advisory work.

Most GLS vacancies occur in London for qualified lawyers, although a small number of training vacancies are offered each year, for which there is severe competition (apply two years prior to training). Early applications are essential at all academic and vocational stages. Pupillages for barristers are listed in The Pupillage Handbook and TARGETjobs Law. Trainee contracts for solicitors may be arranged up to two years in advance and are advertised in careers services and publications such as TARGETjobs Law. Vacancies for qualified legal professionals appear in national newspapers, The Lawyer and the Law Gazette.

Qualifications and training required

Graduates from any academic background can train as a barrister/solicitor and work for the GLS, but an excellent record of achievement is necessary: a 2.2 minimum with good A level results (often 320 points+). Qualification is via the bar vocational course (BVC) for intending barristers or the legal practice course (LPC) for intending solicitors. Graduates without a law degree must also pass a conversion course, often referred to as the CPE or GDL.

Following academic qualification, barristers must take a vocational 'pupillage' (comprising training, job shadowing and possibly small case work) for a minimum of one year, while solicitors must undertake a two-year Law Society approved training contract. In the GLS, pupils will divide their time between chambers and their assigned government department, while trainee solicitors will experience different areas of practice.

NB: The legal system, including training and qualification routes in Scotland differs.

Key skills for government lawyers

• Applied intellectual ability
• Ability to absorb, understand and analyse large amounts of information
• Ability to handle pressure, long hours, demanding deadlines and great responsibility
• Clear and concise writing and drafting skills
• Excellent communication and presentation skills