Location
Elgin Ave., London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£61,200 per annum

About the Role
The Government Legal Department (GLD) is the largest provider of legal services across government, committed to helping the Government govern well within the rule of law. The Special Advocates Support Office (SASO) is a unique team within GLD’s Litigation Directorate, supporting Special Advocates in their constitutionally critical role to protect the rights of excluded parties in cases involving Closed Material Procedure (CMP). This role involves working on important, sensitive, and often high-profile national security and international relations litigation.

The successful candidates will join the CLOSED team, handling sensitive CLOSED material and supporting Special Advocates in litigation challenging UK Government decisions. Pending security clearance, lawyers initially work in the OPEN team. The role is London-based with occasional travel related to casework.

Key responsibilities include briefing Special Advocates, managing OPEN and CLOSED materials, liaising with parties and courts, attending hearings, and supporting wider legal and academic communities on CMP-related matters. The role offers opportunities for leadership development and access to extensive learning resources within GLD.

Working arrangements require spending 60% of time in the office while in OPEN and 80% in the office when working in CLOSED.

Experience
A sound understanding of public law with experience of, or aptitude for, litigation work. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Excellent attention to detail.

About you
Strong intellectual and analytical skills with the ability to think strategically and creatively. Excellent communication skills, both written and oral. Strong case management skills with the ability to meet court deadlines and work under pressure. Ability to adapt quickly to casework in different practice areas and jurisdictions is desirable.

Qualifications
Applicants must have a minimum 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in any subject. Qualified to practise as a Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive in England and Wales, or be overseas qualified with equivalent experience. Completion of a training contract, pupillage, or qualifying employment is required. Chartered Legal Executives must meet specific academic requirements as detailed by GLD.

Security Clearance
Must hold or be willing to obtain Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance and be inducted onto the STRAP regime. UK nationality is required with a verifiable 10-year UK-based footprint. This is a reserved post and sponsorship or visa support is not available.

Behaviours
Demonstrate Delivering at Pace, Communicating and Influencing, Working Together, and Managing a Quality Service. These will be assessed during the selection process.