Commercial Lawyers – Government Legal Department (MoD Bristol)

Grade 7 Lawyers

£47,025

or Legal Officers (up to 3 years’ PQE)

£42,000

From advising on primary and secondary legislation to representing the UK government in court, the Government Legal Department (GLD) is involved in a broad cross section of fascinating challenges. With around 2,200 colleagues working on issues of great public interest and importance, we are the primary legal advisors for the majority of Whitehall – including the Government’s largest department, the Ministry of Defence (MoD). It is here that we are seeking motivated Lawyers and Legal Officer’s to join our fast-paced team.

Joining the Commercial Law division in Bristol, you will play a crucial role in the UK’s defence and peace-keeping capabilities. The MoD is motivated to keep Britain and overseas territories safe, and with an average yearly spend of more than £10billion on our armed forces, it is important that all decisions are based in sound legal judgement. As such, you will take on a variety of interesting projects ranging from advising the MoD on procurement activities with international governments to drafting contractual documentation and handling disputes over major contracts. From the bidder selection process to driving the best deals for the UK, your commercial awareness will prove crucial. You will also apply public law to a variety of issues, including those which will affect us as we exit the European Union, and you will help us understand how regulatory structures affect our intended work.

You will have a good understanding of public law and a willingness to acquire an in-depth grasp of commercial law.   You will also have outstanding communication, negotiation and analytical skills, with good business and financial acumen.

To join this fast-paced directorate as a Grade 7 Lawyer, you will be a collaborative team-player, particularly as you will regularly be working with our commercial litigation Lawyers.

The vacancies on offer are at Grade 7 with a starting salary of £47,025 (National), but appointments to Legal Officer will be made where successful candidates have less than three years post qualification experience.  Candidates appointed as a Legal Officer will re-grade to Grade 7 when they reach one year’s service or three years PQE which ever comes sooner (subject to satisfactory performance).

A career with GLD is quite unique. Our teams are exposed to high-profile, once-in-a-lifetime cases, with support from colleagues who are innovative and inspirational. We appreciate the contribution our people make to public life, and in turn we reward them with a good work/life balance, including the option to apply for this role as a part-time, full-time or job share. Furthermore, when you join us you can expect plenty of career development and a generous benefits package including the highly desirable civil service pension scheme.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the security of the nation, so if you are able to see legal issues in their wider context and you have the creativity to find solutions to complex problems, then we have a place for you amongst our progressive ranks.