Government launches 2023 Legal trainee scheme
The work of government lawyers and trainees is challenging, unique and often headline news. The Government Legal Department and government lawyers have a terrific responsibility, working on legal solutions that pervade almost every aspect of today’s society.
The 2023 legal trainee scheme (LTS) has opened applications for 76 Trainee Solicitor and Pupil Barrister positions for those who will be ready to start their training in September 2024 or September 2025.
Full 2-year training programmes are offered in five departments:
- Government Legal Department (GLD);
- Government Legal Department (GLD) Commercial;
- HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC);
- National Crime Agency (NCA);
- Competition & Markets Authority (CMA).
Find out more on the Government legal trainee scheme
The deadline for the completed application form is Midday on Wednesday 17 May 2023 and the deadline for the situational judgement test (SJT) is 2pm on Wednesday 17 May 2023.
Insights and tips from Oxford University alumna
Olivia Phelan - Lawyer, Government Legal Department
Studied: Philosophy, Politics and Economics, Lady Margaret Hall, 2016
The Government Legal Department (GLD) provides legal services to many central government departments. Our work includes defending the government in judicial reviews, providing legal advice to ministers on new policy development, drafting new legislation, advising on commercial contracts, and negotiating international trade deals.
This involves public law, human rights law, international law, data protection, equalities, procurement, employment, trade law, and much more. Trainee solicitors and pupil barristers embark on two years of training courtesy of the Government Legal Profession Legal Trainee Scheme. Departments involved in the scheme include GLD, HM Revenue and Customs, and the National Crime Agency. You can also join GLD after training elsewhere.
Career path: The law has always interested me but a career in corporate law never appealed and so I looked into other options. Before starting a training contract with GLD, I worked for a legal start-up and for the House of Commons Library. Over the course of two years I worked for the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Defence, and Home Office. I was even lucky enough to be posted to the British Overseas Territory in Cyprus for six months. I now work as an advisory lawyer at the Home Office in London.
Unlike private law firms, GLD encourages lawyers to move subject area and department throughout their career. A stint as a government lawyer opens up lots of opportunities: former Director of Liberty Shami Chakrabarti and Supreme Court judge Lady Justice Rose are former government lawyers.
Tips:
- The selection panel won’t have a copy of your CV, and they won’t know which university or school you went to, or what your grades are. The key is preparing for the online tests and assessment day.
- Having any sort of paid job beforehand helps, whether that’s working as a paralegal or as a shop assistant in Tesco. Understanding how to work with colleagues, when to ask for help, and responding well to feedback will get you a long way in the application process. You can’t learn those skills in a textbook!
- Persevere. It often takes more than one attempt to get onto the Government Legal Profession Legal Trainee Scheme, and not all come straight from university.
- Understand GLD’s work. Read about judicial review cases and pay attention to new legislation. Our work is often in the news, so it’s a good idea to start familiarising yourself with legal press and cases.
Thinking of applying?
Remember, there’s a wealth of expertise to support your applications for Oxford University students at the Careers Service. Why not seek an early discussion with one of our careers advisers with experience of the legal profession or public sector recruitment processes?
Applicants invited to interview or attend assessment centres can also receive coaching support.
