Government Legal Department

We’re proud to share that DESNZ Legal Advisers and Ashurst won Best Government and Public Sector Team yesterday at the British Legal Awards! This recognition highlights the exceptional work of our Carbon Capture and Storage team, driving forward critical projects that support the UK’s energy transition and net zero ambitions. Clare Atkinson, Deputy Director of the Energy Security and Networks Team, said: “It was absolutely fantastic to see GLD shortlisted six times at last night’s British Legal Awards and we are thrilled that DESNZ Legal brought home a second major trophy this year, this time for the remarkable work of our Carbon Capture and Storage team.” A huge congratulations to everyone involved! 🎉 #BritishLegalAwards

GLD is looking for an enthusiastic Press Officer to work on some of the most high-profile legal work undertaken by government. The successful candidate will be an excellent communicator, handling reactive media queries and delivering proactive media opportunities. The role’s perfect for someone ready to work across a wide range of topics – from health, to education, national security and defence – with good knowledge of the media and government landscape. Apply before midday on 1 December ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/eSa5p8ae

The Ethnic Minorities into Leadership Awards took place this week, celebrating the outstanding contributions of ethnic minority leaders across the Civil Service and wider public sector – championing inclusion, innovation, and progress. This year’s awards brought together senior civil servants, diversity champions and more to recognise those breaking barriers and inspiring change. GLD’s Mel Nebhrajani CB, one of this year’s judges, shared: “I’m honoured to help celebrate these achievements and the inspiration our Civil Service colleagues bring. Diverse role models and visible leadership make a real difference – not just for individuals, but for the public service we deliver. "At GLD, we’re committed to fostering a culture where talent from all backgrounds can thrive – it’s inspiring to see these awards celebrate individuals who are driving that change.” Congratulations to all the nominees and winners. 👏 https://lnkd.in/eBSeFNra

Such an honour to be nominated and fly the flag for Government Legal Department . Thanks for the spotlight Obelisk Support

GLD is looking for commercial lawyers to join the department and support the fast-evolving Commercial Law Group. With unique commercial work that’s often high profile and at the forefront of major government initiatives, successful candidates can expect to provide a wide range of legal advice, including on: commercial contracts, public procurement, information technology, intellectual property and more. GLD’s looking for effective negotiators, people with good commercial and contract law experience, and excellent analysis powers. Find out more about the role at the link and apply before midday on 1 December. https://lnkd.in/eqVPSgtY

Today’s National Paralegal Day and we are celebrating the incredible contribution of our paralegals at GLD. Emma S Prifti’s journey from placement student to paralegal showcases how GLD empowers early talent through meaningful work and professional growth. Her experience gave her hands-on exposure to high-impact legal work – from advising on national projects to contributing to legislation. Our paralegals don’t just support legal teams – they shape policy, drive change, and grow as future legal professionals. Read Emma’s blog to learn more about life as a paralegal at GLD. 👇 #NationalParalegalDay

Want to succeed at the Bar but not sure where to start? GLD’s Jack Meek, from the Public Inquiries Division, wrote for Barrister Magazine about the vital role mentorship can play for aspiring barristers. For Jack, there are a few key things: finding the right mentor, knowing what you need from them, and putting it to practice. “There is no shame in asking for guidance. It takes confidence and self-awareness (both useful qualities to have in practice) to be able to reflect on your weaknesses as well as your strengths, and to lay them out before another person when asking for help.” Read the full story here ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/eVdV2puz

As we continue to celebrate International Trade Week, a recent milestone in the UK-Switzerland relationship is the four-year extension of the Services Mobility Agreement (SMA) which allows UK professionals to travel to Switzerland visa-free for up to 90 days. This agreement supports smoother cross-border services, enabling UK businesses to deliver expertise abroad with fewer barriers. The extension will ensure that businesses and services providers in the UK and in Switzerland have the certainty they need to continue to make use of this arrangement, while we are negotiating a permanent solution to this in the UK-Switzerland Free Trade Agreement (FTA). An enhanced UK-Switzerland FTA aims to reflect today’s economic priorities and unlock new opportunities for exporters. GLD lawyers played a key role in enabling these outcomes that help businesses grow and compete internationally, such as helping draft the extension mechanism for the SMA to supporting lead negotiators on the enhanced FTA, ensuring that agreements are legally sound and aligned with UK interests. Together, these efforts are part of a growing ecosystem of trade arrangements that support the government’s growth mission by creating the conditions for UK businesses to thrive globally. Read more about the SMA here. ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/e9-jzCfJ

Government will benefit from enhanced legal representation through the appointment of six King’s Counsel to the new Attorney General’s Senior Treasury Counsel (Civil) Group. The group will support First Treasury Counsel Sir James Eadie KC and provide strategic advice on the government’s most significant litigation. Treasury Solicitor and GLD’s Permanent Secretary, Susanna McGibbon KC (Hon) said: “Establishing this group to work alongside the Government Legal Profession will allow for greater resilience and strategic oversight – ensuring efficiency in how external counsel are used – and I look forward to working closely with them in responding to the legal challenges faced by government.” Read more here ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/eRXFVe7i

This week is International Trade Week, led by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), which celebrates the UK’s global trade ambitions and the partnerships that help businesses grow. It’s also a chance to spotlight the behind-the-scenes work that makes trade deals possible. At the Government Legal Department, our lawyers play a crucial role in providing expert legal advice and shaping deals that open markets, boost jobs, and ensures agreements are legally robust. David Lukic from DBT Legal Advisers shares his experience leading the legal effort advising on the FTA negotiations between the UK and the Gulf Cooperation Council. From treaty drafting to live negotiations in London and Riyadh, discover how GLD lawyers help turn trade policy into practice. #ITW2025