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Ministry of Defence

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) exists to defend the United Kingdom and its interests; and to strengthen international peace and security. In doing so, it seeks to act as a force for good.

Work of the Legal Team

With roughly 60 lawyers, MoD’s civilian lawyers in the Legal Services Directorate give legal advice and support on legal issues connected with the full range of MoD’s activities and responsibilities. In a Department employing 270,000 civilians and Service personnel engaged in a many different activities all over the UK and the world, the legal work is never dull or routine. Our UK based lawyers are organised by the following legal subject areas:

· Commercial;
· General;
· Legislation;
· Operational and international humanitarian; and
· Personnel and pensions.

There are few legal areas where our lawyers do not advise, whether it’s domestic, European or wider international law. The sort of topics we have been involved in recently include:

· Proposals for new legislation on reforming the military justice system;
· The acquisition of new weapons systems;
· Requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000;
· New international treaties on matters affecting defence interests;
· Claims of sex or sexual orientation discrimination against the Armed Forces;
· Environmental contamination from military use of land; and
· The application of the ECHR and international humanitarian law to military operations overseas

Much of our work is sensitive, and we also have frequent opportunities to work with legal colleagues in the Armed Forces, other Government Departments and the UK’s close allies.

All our lawyers strive consistently to provide high-quality legal support and advice, sometimes to demanding timetables. It is absorbing and satisfying work that can make a real difference.

Benefits and Rewards

MoD personnel are entitled to a range of discounts on a wide range of goods and services. Some of our work provides opportunities for UK and foreign travel.

Legal Trainee & Pupillage Opportunities

Currently the MOD does not recruit Legal Trainees or Pupil Barristers, although, it does offer seats to GLS trainees from other departments.

Qualified Lawyer Vacancies

Vacancies for posts in the Ministry are advertised through the central GLS scheme. All vacancies are posted on the Civil Service Recruitment Gateway (this link will open a new window).

Location

Most of DGLS’ lawyers are based in Main Building, Whitehall, London, SW1A 2HB; we also have a lawyer based in the Legal Cell at the UK Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood, Middlesex.

Our Commercial Law team is based at Abbey Wood, Bristol, BS34 8JH, We also have lawyers in Germany, and in the Sovereign Base Areas, Cyprus.

Further Information

For further information on the Ministry visit: www.mod.uk

Alternatively, write to: Director General Legal Services
Ministry of Defence
Main Building
London
SW1A 2HB

Or telephone: 020 7218 4691