Life as a GLS lawyer

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What is the recruitment process?

On receipt, your application is copied and sent to your department of choice. They sift the applications and successful applicants are invited to interview. The interview has two parts: the first is a written test which is one hour long; the second part is an interview, which lasts about 45 minutes. The interview includes a discussion of the written exercise, general legal issues, previous experience and the job applied for. Interviews are generally held in central London.

Barrister or Solicitor?

We have no preference. GLS lawyers from both sides of the legal profession are required to provide legal advice, prepare legislation and participate in civil litigation.

Whilst some lawyers in departments such as the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Departments for Work and Pensions and Health may occasionally have the opportunity for specialist prosecution and tribunal work, opportunities for GLS barristers to engage in advocacy are limited and candidates wishing to focus principally on an advocacy career should bear this in mind.

What do individual GLS departments/teams do?

See the information given on the "GLS Teams" page and follow the links through to the descriptions applicable to legal posts in the individual organisations.

How does the GLS differ from City firms/private practice?

Considerably. We have only one client but that client is the British Government. The scope of the work done by a GLS lawyer is unique, reflecting the breadth of activities with which the Government is concerned.

GLS practice offers a different perspective; considerable diversity in the range of work on offer; the ability to move to different areas of work; intellectual stimulus; and GLS lawyers tend to be given responsibility at an early stage of their careers. Working for the GLS ultimately appeals to lawyers who are interested in the interaction of law and politics and their effect upon the community as a whole.

Is there travel involved?

It depends on the work of the individual legal team. Some lawyers undertake frequent trips to Brussels and other EC centres. Others travel within the UK - but most lawyers are largely office-based.

What about lawyers' obligation to Continuing Professional Development?

The GLS takes training and development very seriously. There are special training and development schemes designed to cover the wide range of work and responsibilities undertaken by GLS lawyers. These courses count towards the CPD targets for each of the professional bodies.

Can I apply for more than one department?

You may only apply to two departments advertising under the continuous recruitment scheme at any one time. However, you may also apply for any specific vacancies, which are being advertised at the same time. If you are rejected and would like to reapply, you should wait six months before making the next application for a continuous role.

How does the reserve list operate?

If, at interview, you are considered to meet the requirements of the job but are not made an offer - due, for example, to the number of other successful candidates – you will have the option of having your details placed on the GLS reserve list. This list is circulated to other recruiting Departments, who will contact candidates who may be suitable for them. Your details will remain on the reserve list for six months. If you wish to reapply for another Department at any stage, you will be free to do so and your name will be removed from the reserve list with immediate effect.

I am a qualified lawyer looking for Graduate Opportunities in the Civil Service more generally…do you have any suggestions?

The Civil Service Recruitment Gateway (www.careers.civil-service.gov.uk) provides detailed information on graduate opportunities within the Civil Service.

I am qualified as a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives. Am I eligible?

If you are a FILEX and have been accepted onto the Roll of Solicitors then you are eligible to apply to the GLS. If you are ILEX and are NOT qualified to practice then you are NOT eligible, ILEX alone is not sufficient.

I am a qualified lawyer from another jurisdiction. Can I apply to the GLS?

You can apply to the GLS once you have taken the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test (QLTT).

Some Departments accept applications from candidates on condition that they pass the QLTT within a specified time period. Please contact the Department to which you are applying, to check their policy. Information about the QLTT can be obtained from the Law Society on 020 7242 1222 or at the Law Society.

Are there nationality requirements?

To be employed in the GLS you must be a UK or Commonwealth citizen or a national from the EEA. If you hold a work permit, it must be appropriate for the post sought. If you require one, sponsorship would not be available. There are some jobs reserved for UK nationals only. If such posts are included in any Qualified Lawyer or Legal Trainee Competition, details will be given in the information packs. Certain non-EEA family members of EEA nationals may also be eligible for appointment.

Is the GLS an equal opportunities employer?

All GLS organisations are part of the UK Civil Service. They comply with legislation and the Codes of Practice issued under such legislation. We believe that all eligible people must have equality of opportunity for employment and advancement on the basis of their suitability for the work.

What do I do if I have a complaint?

GLS Departments' processes are underpinned by the principle of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners' Code which can be found at www.civilservicecommissioners.org. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Code and you wish to make a complaint, please contact the relevant department in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Office of the Civil Service Commissioners.