Full time / Part time / Job share

Leeds, London, Bristol – all enhanced by hybrid working

You will be required to work in an office for at least 2 days a week.

The Government Legal Department is at the heart of UK life. From transport to the environment, health and wellbeing to the protection of human rights, the advice and guidance that we provide impacts on every single member of the population. Both high-profile and deeply interesting, the reach of our work is unparalleled, making for a unique career path in which you will be encouraged to take on the type of challenges that will further your expertise exponentially.

About the team

Right now, we’re looking for a number of Commercial Lawyers to join our highly inclusive and diverse Commercial Law Group (CLGp). Within the CLGp sits a number of dynamic teams who provide legal expertise on issues such as intellectual property, commercial contracts and competition, and as such, you will be initially aligned with one of the following groups:

• Commercial Law Group B – Cabinet Office and Central Commercial Team
• Commercial Law Group C – Department of Health and Social Care
• Commercial Law Group D – Home Office
• Commercial Law Group E – Defra & Department for Education
• Commercial Law Group F – Ministry of Justice
• Commercial Law Group G – Department for Work and Pensions

About the role

Regardless of which team you join, you will lead a small team of Lawyers in delivering high quality and timely commercial law and commercial litigation advice on projects being steered by your specific department(s). With your work impacting on issues of national importance, you will utilise sound judgement to make effective decisions and highlight risk, and you will proactively share knowledge with less experienced colleagues in order to develop a pipeline of talent within the GLD. With a focus on driving value from departmental contracts, and supporting new programmes of purchasing, you will provide specialist advice on key areas such as public procurement, contracts (drafting, interpretation and management), grant agreements, subsidies, IP and branding issues, data use and protection, and other bespoke commercial arrangements.

About you

With the capacity to work at pace, we will expect you to collaborate with internal and external partners, and you will be able to gain the confidence of senior clients and Ministers.  You will therefore underpin your significant commercial and contract law experience and legal judgement, with excellent communication and partnership skills. Ideally you will have a track record in government work, you will be keen to learn, and you will have a comprehensive awareness of legal risk. With an understanding of the Government and wider public sector context, you will bring a creative and strategic approach to all that you do, and you will see legal issues in their wider context.

Crucially, you’ll be an inspirational leader who can use their own life experiences to bring a well-rounded perspective to every situation. We champion a truly inclusive and diverse environment in which all differences are championed, so regardless of your own circumstances – we believe that we can only be truly successful if we are representative of the nation.

Why join us?

This is an exciting time to join the CLGp. We are constantly growing and evolving, so there are always a wealth of opportunities to grow and develop within the team. With the scope to pursue your specific interests, we will support your long-term development with excellent training opportunities, and we will see to it that you achieve a good work/life balance. Against the backdrop of a welcoming workplace, we are confident that you will find a uniquely team-spirited environment. This is your chance to embrace a future with limitless opportunities – and in the process, you will have a tangible impact on the British population.