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Working as a lawyer in DCMS

Working as a lawyer in DCMS

Charlotte Patricio

TSol (Treasury Solicitors) (Department for Culture, Media and Sport Legal Advisors)

I qualified as a solicitor in private practice in 1999 and joined the GLS in May 2001. I initially worked in the Legal Advisers Division in the Department for Education and Skills, and then joined DCMS Legal Advisers in September 2004 after returning from maternity leave.

DCMS Legal Advisers Division advises on a diverse range of topics including, broadcasting, alcohol licensing, gambling, sports, heritage, the film industry and the Olympics. The Division offers interesting and challenging work in a friendly and relaxed working environment. Since joining the Division, I have worked in the gambling team, working on the Gambling Bill, and the subsequent implementation of the Gambling Act 2005.

I have enjoyed a variety of interesting work and being responsible for complex and sometimes politically sensitive areas of policy. As part of the implementation of the Gambling Act 2005, I have been involved with drafting a raft of statutory instruments and attending Parliamentary debates in respect of affirmative instruments. My role has involved working closely with government officials on the development of policy during the Bill and implementation of the Act. This is an aspect of my work I have particularly enjoyed.

My areas of responsibility have included the establishment of the Gambling Commission, the establishment of the Gambling Appeals Tribunal, protection of children and young persons, low level gambling activities, licensing of gambling premises and gambling advertising policy. My work on advertising has been particularly interesting as it has raised various EU issues regarding free movement of services.