Understanding the Government Legal Service: How It Supports the UK Civil Service
Behind every government policy and decision, there’s a team of experts making sure things are done by the book—literally. Enter the Government Legal Service (GLS). You might not see them in headlines or prime time news, but they play a vital role in keeping the UK’s Civil Service running smoothly and within the law.
So, what exactly is the Government Legal Service? Why does it matter? And who are the people that make it work? Whether you’re curious about a career in law or just interested in how the government operates behind the scenes, this guide will break it all down for you.
What Is the Government Legal Service?
The Government Legal Service—often shortened to GLS—is a group of professional lawyers who work within the UK government. Think of them as the legal backbone of the Civil Service.
They aren’t based in one building or department. Instead, GLS lawyers work across a range of government ministries and public bodies, offering legal advice, helping draft legislation, representing the government in court, and making sure every decision taken meets legal standards.
Is the GLS Part of the Civil Service?
Yes. In fact, the GLS is a key part of the Civil Service. The Civil Service is the professional body that supports the government of the day to design and implement its policies. While many think of civil servants as policy makers or administrators, lawyers in the GLS bring crucial legal insight to ensure those policies follow the law.
What Do Lawyers in the GLS Actually Do?
It might surprise you how diverse their work is. One day, a GLS lawyer could be providing legal guidance on health regulations. The next, they might be tackling questions about international treaties. Their main work falls into a few key areas:
- Advising Ministers and Officials: Before decisions are made or policies launched, GLS lawyers are consulted to check everything’s legally sound.
- Drafting Laws: Every new law or legal reform starts with solid writing. GLS lawyers help turn political ideas into clear, lawful legislation.
- Representing the Government in Court: When legal challenges arise—from immigration cases to disputes over public services—GLS lawyers often appear in court to defend the government’s position.
- Negotiating Contracts and International Matters: Whether it’s a multi-million-pound IT deal or an international treaty, GLS lawyers make sure agreements are legally tight and beneficial for the public.
In short, they touch almost every legal aspect of government action.
Why Is the GLS So Important?
If you’ve ever wondered how government decisions can be made so quickly yet still meet legal standards, the answer often involves GLS lawyers. Their support helps ensure that:
- Government policy is delivered lawfully.
- New laws are clear, effective, and enforceable.
- Public services are legally sound and accountable.
They help the government avoid costly legal errors and navigate complex issues, from climate change laws to data protection rules.
Imagine trying to run a country without any lawyers—chaotic, right? The GLS keeps that kind of chaos in check.
Who Works in the Government Legal Service?
Now you might be picturing a room full of lawyers in suits quoting law books. While that’s partly true, GLS is actually a diverse legal community. It includes:
- Qualified solicitors and barristers—usually called legal advisers.
- Paralegals and case workers who support senior lawyers and help manage legal documents and research.
- Trainee solicitors and legal apprentices starting their legal careers.
One of the best parts? Many lawyers say GLS gives you the kind of work-life balance that’s rare in the legal world—especially when compared to private practice. Government lawyers usually work regular hours, but they’re still trusted with high-impact, meaningful work.
Gaining Entry into the GLS
If a legal career in public service sounds interesting, you might be wondering how to get in. Joining the Government Legal Service usually involves applying for the GLS Legal Trainee Scheme or applying directly as a qualified solicitor or barrister.
The GLS values diverse backgrounds and experiences. That’s why it actively encourages people from all walks of life to apply. Legal skill is key, of course—but so is your interest in public service, teamwork, and navigating challenging situations with a clear head.
GLS in Action: Real-Life Examples
Let’s paint a clearer picture with some real-life examples of what GLS lawyers get involved in:
- Covid-19 legislation: During the pandemic, GLS lawyers had to act fast to help draft emergency laws that kept people safe while respecting their rights.
- Human rights cases: They advise on how new laws or decisions affect rights under the Human Rights Act.
- Brexit transition: GLS lawyers worked round the clock to help untangle a range of legal knots following the UK’s departure from the EU.
Working with Ministers
Another vital part of the job is working closely with government ministers. When a new policy is being looked at, ministers depend on GLS lawyers to give them the “can we do this legally?” answer. These lawyers must stay impartial and fact-based, regardless of who’s in power.
How the GLS Operates Day-to-Day
The work environment is often team-based. Lawyers sit alongside policy officers and other experts in government departments. It’s all about close collaboration so that legal advice is practical and timely.
For example, imagine the Department for Education is rolling out a new school funding scheme. GLS lawyers will help check whether the plan complies with existing laws. If changes are needed, they work with policy teams to find the best way forward.
The Wider Legal Community
The GLS doesn’t work in isolation. It’s part of the broader Government Legal Profession, which includes lawyers in:
- The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) – handling criminal cases.
- HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) – overseeing tax and revenue matters.
- The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) – tackling high-level fraud and corruption.
Together, they form a powerful legal community that ensures justice, supports good governance, and protects public interest.
Could the GLS Be Right for You?
If you’re a legally minded person who enjoys solving problems, explaining complex ideas in simple terms, and cares about public service, the GLS might just be your dream job. Here’s why:
- Big responsibilities from day one.
- Opportunities to make a national impact.
- Brilliant training and mentoring.
- A supportive, inclusive workplace.
Even better? Every day offers fresh challenges, from drafting a new bill to preparing for a court case or advising on a controversial issue.
In a Nutshell: Why the GLS Matters
The Government Legal Service may not be glamorous—but it’s essential. These legal professionals keep the lines between politics and law clear. They make sure government actions stay fair, effective, and legally sound. Without them, our democracy simply wouldn’t run as smoothly.
So, next time you hear about a new law or a major government decision, remember—it probably passed through the hands of a GLS lawyer first.
Want to Learn More?
If this topic has sparked your interest, there’s plenty more to explore. Whether you’re thinking about a job in public law or you’re just curious about how government decisions are made, check out the official page for the Government Legal Service:
Stay curious, stay informed—and if you’re thinking about a legal career, who knows? The next big piece of public law might just have your name on it.