Why now is the right time to consider a central government legal role

For legal professionals, taking a role with central government organisations has always held a particular appeal, as these roles offer unique responsibilities and opportunities that cannot be replicated elsewhere. In the last few years, interest in central government legal jobs has seen an increase, as more and more people discover these benefits for themselves.

As with many other sectors of law, there has been a strong growth in demand for skilled legal professionals among central government employers, meaning there are more opportunities available than ever before. For those with an interest in taking on legal work with a meaningful and measurable impact, this could be the ideal time to consider a public sector role.

Here, we will explore the reasons why the number of central government legal roles is on the rise, and the factors that are persuading skilled professionals to take on these jobs.

Growing opportunities and demand for central government legal roles

The market for central government contract roles has been getting busier for some time, but has seen a particular spike in activity since the start of the fiscal year. In particular, there has been a considerable rise in demand for the following:

• Public law advisory work.
• Public and private law litigation.
• Commercial procurement lawyers.

There is also a significant amount of work available in the area of public inquiries, with this sector having now seen a much higher-than-average level of business for at least the last 18 months.

Additionally, legal professionals who are taking up central government roles are finding more opportunities for longer-term career placements, with significant growth in the number of candidates who take up a contract-based assignment, before applying to transition directly into a permanent role.

The reasons for this major increase in demand for staff are multifaceted, and can be linked back to the number of significant legislative changes that have taken place over the last few years. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the reshaping of public law following Brexit, government lawyers now have the opportunity to handle work that is at the very forefront of public interest, potentially shaping the nation’s legislative landscape for many years to come.

What is attracting legal candidates to government roles?

As a result of the shifting regulatory landscape, there has arguably never been a more exciting or timely opportunity for legal professionals who aspire to work on cases of public importance to get involved in the civil service. As such, these roles are now attracting candidates from a broader range of professional backgrounds, particularly more experienced lawyers who are driven by a sense of social responsibility.

In this regard, the appeal of central government work is immediately clear, as these roles potentially allow lawyers to do meaningful work on a wide range of environmental issues, human rights cases, and equality and diversity law. Public sector lawyers feel that they are able to directly drive forward important legal breakthroughs that will deliver improvements to people’s lives and society as a whole, as well as the sustainability of the environment.

However, altruism is not the only reason to take on central government work, as these public sector roles have a strong reputation for offering greater flexibility, less demanding hours and a better work-life balance than high-pressure roles in private practice. These attributes have become more appealing to many since the pandemic, which has shifted a lot of people’s career objectives and made them keener to take on roles that give them more time for themselves.

Public sector employers have been responsive to these changing expectations, and have changed their policies to offer an extra day of working from home on top of their existing hybrid working model. It is this focus on flexibility and wellbeing - on top of the exceptional quality of the work, and the collaborative and supportive working culture - that is leading so many people to make the transition from contract work to permanent roles within central government.

How to maximise your chances of securing a central government legal role

For candidates who wish to apply for central government legal roles, it is advisable to follow the demand. This may mean focusing your search on the skill areas that are seeing the greatest volume of listings, including public procurement, inquiry work, public law advisory and private law; it may also mean focusing on departments that are investing heavily in recruitment, such as the Department for Transport and the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy.

It will also be important for applicants to show they have the right qualifications, professional history and attitude to succeed. Central government employers are largely looking for candidates who have shown stability throughout their careers to date, as well as those who can show they are bought into the ethos of public service, and are ready to dedicate themselves to this work for the long term.

By tailoring your application to the expectations and requirements of the sector, you will give yourself the best chance of securing a central government legal role at a time when your skills have never been in greater demand. This can be the first step towards a fulfilling, rewarding and flexible public sector career.

For more advice or to discuss opportunities within central government, get in touch with Sellick Partnership here. Visit Sellick Partnership Legal sector recruitment page to find out more about their process and services, or explore their online resources to get further insights into the current state of the sector.

In association with Sellick Partnership