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Unique Range of Work

Few areas of legal practice offer the variety and intellectual challenge of the GLS.

In private practice, solicitors and barristers work for a range of clients, all requiring broadly similar legal advice. GLS lawyers work for just one client – the Government of the day – and that client needs advice and support on a huge range of domestic and European affairs.

The Government calls upon its lawyers to advise upon any number of issues – complex, novel, politically sensitive, and often in the public eye. GLS lawyers work not only with other lawyers, but as part of a wider team including policy makers and professionals from other specialist areas. They are involved in making the law as well as in interpreting it.

The diversity of work reflects the almost staggering array of activities within Government. These range across issues of national and international significance and across public and private law, embracing advisory and legislative work, litigation and prosecution, and a wealth of specialist areas. There is often considerable overlap between categories of work. A case before the UK courts, for example, might require lawyers to advise on public law issues, on European Union (EU) and human rights law, and on changes needed to primary or secondary legislation.

It will be up to you to decide whether to specialise in one area or to move between different areas. Whatever your choice, you will find the work hugely rewarding and stimulating.