Government Legal Department Internship Program 2024

Job Description:

The Government Legal Department (GLD) Internship is offering a unique internship program for 2024, providing an invaluable opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain experience in the legal field within the UK government. As an intern, you will work alongside experienced lawyers and legal professionals, supporting a variety of departments in delivering high-quality legal services to the government. This program is ideal for those pursuing a career in law or interested in public service and policy-making.

Responsibilities:

• Assist GLD lawyers with legal research, case preparation, and drafting documents such as legal opinions, memos, and correspondence.
• Support the preparation and management of case files, ensuring all relevant documents are organized and accessible.
• Participate in meetings with clients, stakeholders, and senior legal advisors to discuss cases, policies, and legal strategies.
• Analyze and summarize case law, statutes, and legal precedents to provide insights for ongoing cases and advisory work.
• Assist in preparing briefing notes, reports, and presentations for various government departments and ministers.
• Contribute to policy development by reviewing legislative proposals, providing legal input, and drafting consultation responses.
• Work on projects related to public law, civil law, commercial law, employment law, human rights, and other legal fields relevant to government work.
• Observe court proceedings and gain exposure to legal advocacy and courtroom practice.

Benefits:

• Competitive internship salary.
• Hands-on experience working with one of the largest legal organizations in the UK government.
• Exposure to a wide range of legal areas, from public and constitutional law to commercial and international law.
• Access to mentoring and support from experienced government lawyers.
• Opportunities to attend training sessions, workshops, and networking events.
• Insight into how law and policy interact within the UK government framework.
• Potential for future employment opportunities within the GLD or other parts of the Civil Service.

Requirements:

• Must be a UK citizen, Commonwealth citizen, or have the right to work in the UK without restriction.
• Currently studying or recently graduated with a degree in Law or a related field (e.g., Legal Studies, Public Policy, International Relations).
• Strong academic performance, particularly in legal courses or modules.
• Demonstrated interest in public service, government, and the legal profession.
• Ability to commit to the full duration of the internship program.

Skills:

• Strong legal research and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Proficiency in using legal databases (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Experience:

• Prior experience in a legal setting, such as internships, clerkships, or voluntary work, is advantageous but not mandatory.
• Relevant academic projects, moot court participation, or extracurricular activities related to law and public policy will be considered valuable experience.

How to Apply:

1. Visit the Government Legal Department’s official website or the Civil Service Jobs portal and search for “GLD Internship Program 2024.”
2. Review the available internship opportunities and select the one that best matches your academic background and career interests.
3. Complete the online application form, providing all necessary personal details, educational background, and supporting documents.
4. Submit a tailored CV and cover letter explaining your motivation for applying, relevant skills, and career aspirations.
5. Complete any required online assessments, which may include a legal reasoning test or situational judgment test.
6. If shortlisted, attend an interview, which may involve competency-based questions, case study exercises, or group discussions.
7. Await the final selection decision and complete any necessary security clearance and onboarding procedures.