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Law Commission

The Law Commission is the permanent law reform body for England and Wales. Established by Act of Parliament in 1965, it is independent of Government.

There are five Law Commissioners. The Chairman is always a high court judge, currently The Hon Mr Justice Etherton. The other Commissioners each take primary responsibility for a particular area of law. Kenneth Parker QC deals with Public Law. David Hertzell covers Commercial Law and Common Law. Stuart Bridge deals with projects in the field of Property and Trust Law. Professor Jeremy Horder is responsible for Criminal Law and Evidence.

Work of the Legal Team

The Law Commission provides lawyers with a rare opportunity to play a key part in the process of law reform and to deal with major issues of law and policy in developing a range of solutions. The work is worthwhile, stimulating and varied. Each lawyer carries a considerable responsibility for analysing the law on given topics with a view to identifying problems and their implications for other branches of the law and developing a range of solutions.

In the early stages of a project, legal staff can expect to be researching the present law, devising possible solutions to the problems or devising questionnaires. Great emphasis is placed upon the process of consultation on law reform proposals, and in evaluating and analysing responses. In later stages lawyers may draft policy papers, instructions to Parliamentary Counsel, and the final Report. Throughout the process they are encouraged, and indeed expected, to put forward their own ideas to assist in the development of proposals for reform.

Lawyers appointed to the Law Commission can demonstrate personal effectiveness in all aspects of their career history, they have a track record of efficiency and reliability and the capacity to remain calm and determined under pressure. Their attitude is constructive, supportive and flexible, and they work effectively with the minimum of direct supervision. They are able to demonstrate specialist knowledge of their area of law; have strong communication skills; solve problems creatively; and develop good working relationships with colleagues, even when under pressure.

Research Assistants

Each year the Law Commission runs a campaign to recruit a number of Research Assistants to join our legal teams on fixed-term appointments for approximately 12 months commencing each September. They work closely with our Commissioners and lawyers, and take part in the meetings and discussions relevant to their own projects. The experience provides a grounding in the formulation of legal policy and the preparation of legislation and is excellent experience for a variety of careers in the legal world. The application form etc. is placed on the Law Commission’s Website each January under the Human Resources section.

Qualified Lawyer Vacancies

Depending on the nature of the vacancy Law Commission lawyer vacancies can be filled through a variety of ways including the central GLS Recruitment Scheme, advertised on the Civil Service Recruitment Gateway (this link will open in a new window), or we may use the services of an outside agency. Either way, a vacancy advert will be placed on the Law Commission’s Website under the Human Resources section along with running in the press.

Location

Conquest House
37-38 John Street
Theobalds Road
London
WC1N 2BQ
Map

Further Information

For general information about the Law Commission visit: www.lawcom.gov.uk. You may find the ‘About the Law Commission’ and ‘Human Resources’ pages especially useful.