Government Legal Department HQ, 102 Petty France, Westminster, London SW1H 9AJ Tel: 0845 3000 793 Email: govtrainees@tmpw.co.uk Web: www.gov.uk/glp Government Legal Profession
Pupillages funded
Description of Chambers Government lawyers provide a range of legal services to a number of government organisations, including central Whitehall departments. They undertake interesting and high quality legal work and have the opportunity to move around and work in different areas of law and practice, and within different departments, throughout their careers. For those who choose to specialise in a particular area of law or practice, there are opportunities to do so. The benefits of working as a lawyer within government include a good work life balance; flexible-working opportunities; an attractive pension scheme; and access to high quality training programmes. The Government Legal Profession supports the aim of the wider civil service to be the UK’s most inclusive employer. This means providing a great place to work for all. Areas of work Whether the government is creating new laws, buying goods and services, investigating mergers which could restrict competition, setting the annual budget and collecting the right amount of tax, employing people, fighting organised crime or defending its decisions in court, it needs significant levels of legal advice on a whole range of complex issues. Who should apply Government departments are looking to recruit talented people from a wide range of backgrounds, who can demonstrate the type of skills and behaviours required for the role. For example, the ability to make effective decisions and to communicate effectively. And because the work is often high profile and can have a significant and positive impact upon the lives of millions across the country, the legal trainees they recruit will be motivated about public service. Pupillage programme The training period will be for two years. During the pupillage period (ie first 12 months) your time will be split between your department and a set of external barristers’ chambers. The departments which typically offer trainee barrister places are the Government Legal Department (GLD) and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). Departments aim to offer a permanent qualified lawyer position on successful completion of training, although this can never be guaranteed. When and how to apply Recruitment is usually two years in advance. However, some trainee places tend to be available for those looking to start sooner. Online ability tests and a half-day assessment centre have been used in previous years to assess the essential skills and behaviours required for the role. Please check the website for full details when the application process opens, usually in early July. Sponsorship/funding Generally departments will pay your Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) or Legal Practice Course fees (LPC) in full, where you have not started the course at the time of accepting an offer. There is no preference to which bar school or law school you attend, or, to the electives you undertake as part of the course. You may also be eligible for a grant of about £5,400 (national) to £7,600 (London) for the vocational year if you intend to study for your BPTC or LPC on a full-time, or part-time, basis. You’ll need to discuss your eligibility for a grant with the department at the offer stage. Unfortunately, departments will be unable to provide funding for the Graduate Diploma in Law.
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Remuneration for pupillage Around £28,000
Minimum qualifications 2.2 degree
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