Climate Change. The Criminal Justice System. Education. Energy. Health. Housing. Transport. We all recognise these as some of the biggest challenges facing us today. But did you know that as a lawyer in the Government Legal Service (GLS), you could be involved in shaping these and many more of the issues that affect you, your community and the country as a whole?

What is the Government Legal Service?

The GLS is the collective term for the 1,900 lawyers working in the legal teams of approximately 30 of the largest government departments and agencies.

So, is the GLS like any other law firm?

In many ways, yes. Law firms have their own clients and it is the job of lawyers to advise them on their legal obligations and, where necessary, represent them in court. GLS lawyers only have one client, but that is the government of the day and it requires its lawyers to advise and represent it on almost every aspect of its work.

But that’s only part of the story. GLS lawyers are part of the teams that breathe life into government policies and turn them into reality. They advise ministers and policy officials on what can (and can’t) be done under existing legislation. If new legislation is required, GLS lawyers will help to draft and take it through Parliament in the form of a bill. So, you could say that GLS lawyers interpret existing laws and are involved in making new ones. No other law firm can offer that kind of experience.

Does the GLS recruit trainee lawyers?

Yes. The GLS recruits around 25 trainee solicitors or pupil barristers each year. Like many law firms, the GLS recruits its trainees two years in advance. Those applying in the summer of 2009 will start their training in 2011. Full details can be found by visiting the graduate recruitment pages at www.gls.gov.uk.