What attracted you to work at the Government Legal Department?

I was previously seconded to a Government agency and it was the time in my working life when I felt most fulfilled. Targets are based on performance rather than billing and the team ethic is better than in private practice, making for a more pleasant working environment.

What type of work have you been involved in?

Helping to develop Government policy and legislation.

A typical day involves liaising with Government Officials to discuss policy and provide legal advice and drafting and laying Statutory Instruments. I have also been heavily engaged in Bill work meaning that I have been working with a large expanded team, Parliamentary Counsel and across a number of Government Departments, to take a Bill through the Parliamentary process.

What advice would you offer to someone considering a role in the Public Sector?

Consider what is important in life. If earnings and progression are the main driver then a career in the Public Sector would not be suitable. However, a lot of satisfaction can be experienced by working on important projects that can have an impact on people and business sectors, doing a good job and adding value through experience gained elsewhere. Many people think that there will be a better work/life balance in the Public Sector. That can be the case and this means that planning a life outside work is a lot easier than in private practice. People with families find that the availability of flexible working and job shares is a real bonus. However, when urgent situations arise (such as Brexit and Covid-19) it really is “all hands to the pump” – situations such as Covid arise without warning and so you have to be prepared to drop everything when required.

What skills and experience can you take away from working at the Government Legal Department?

A better understanding of the law, legislation and statutory interpretation. A better understanding of the workings of Government. Increased confidence from having exposure to people in Government at a high level.

What attracted you to work at the Government Legal Department?

After 30 years working in the City of London as a lawyer in the financial services industry I was looking for a new challenge. The GLD advertisement calling for senior lawyers to help with Brexit preparations was irresistible .

What type of work have you been involved in?

I joined Treasury Legal Advisers as an advisory G6 lawyer and initially became involved with the onshoring of financial services legislation in the event of a no deal scenario. I am now working on measures for a proposed financial services bill to be introduced in early Autumn . Before lockdown a typical day would involve meetings with policy colleagues and regulators , conducting legal research and analysis for the provision of legal advice and supporting policy colleagues with submissions to Ministers . Post-lockdown , the daily routine as continued albeit remotely . TLA is very collaborative and lawyers are encouraged to share knowledge and experiences via training events , informal meetings and the knowledge management system. TLA lawyers are also invited to join the numerous and varied events hosted by the Treasury .

What advice would you offer to someone considering a role in the Public Sector?

The quality and complexity of work undertaken by lawyers in the Public Sector is unique . The support and training provided by GLD is excellent and will help with your transition from the private to public sector.

What skills and experience can you take away from working at the Government Legal Department?

I have gained a better understanding of the legislative process and parliamentary procedures . A highlight for me was undertaking box duty with policy colleagues with regard to a number of EU Exit related statutory instruments .

What attracted you to work at the Government Legal Department?

The variety of work on offer. Although I specialise in EU law, I advise lawyers across all government departments, which means I could be working on environment matters one day, transport matters the next and justice matters the day after that.

What type of work have you been involved in?

I advise departmental lawyers on EU law across a wide range of subject areas and represent the UK in litigation at the Court of Justice of the European Union in Luxembourg, particularly contentious litigation against the European Commission, known as infringement proceedings.

What advice would you offer to someone considering a role in the Public Sector?

This work is likely to be of interest to you if you are looking for a varied and interesting case load, with very good flexible working options, although remuneration will not be as high as in the private sector.

What skills and experience can you take away from working at the Government Legal Department?

I have learnt to deal with a much wider range of legal topics than before, becoming more of a generalist in many ways, and have developed a thorough understanding of how public policy interacts with legal advice.