What Is the Government Legal Service and How It Supports the UK Civil Service
Ever wondered who provides legal advice to the UK government? You might think ministers and civil servants handle everything themselves, but behind the scenes, there’s an expert team making sure the country’s most important decisions stay on the right side of the law. They’re called the Government Legal Service (GLS), and they play a vital role in keeping the UK’s legal and democratic wheels turning smoothly.
Let’s take a deep dive into what the GLS does, how it supports the Civil Service, and why this group of lawyers is so important to the way the government works.
What is the Government Legal Service?
At its core, the Government Legal Service is a network of highly skilled lawyers who work across various government departments. Think of it as the legal brain of the UK government. These professionals don’t chase criminals or appear in court in dramatic courtroom scenes—what they do is just as impactful, though more behind the scenes.
The GLS is part of the Civil Service, which is the permanent staff that helps run the country, regardless of which political party is in power. Their job is to provide clear, accurate, and unbiased legal advice to help the government carry out its responsibilities smoothly and legally.
Who Makes Up the Government Legal Service?
The GLS isn’t one single person or a small team of lawyers tucked in an office. It’s made up of more than 2,000 qualified legal professionals working across over 30 government departments and agencies. Among them, you’ll find:
- Solicitors – experts who give legal advice, draft documents, and work on legal matters outside the court.
- Barristers – lawyers who often represent the government in court and offer specialized legal opinions.
- Legal trainees – future lawyers gaining hands-on experience with guidance from seasoned professionals.
All these professionals collaborate with policy makers and civil servants across government departments to ensure that laws are followed during the process of making new policies, drafting legislation, or dealing with legal disputes.
How Does the GLS Support the Civil Service?
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Think about how many laws, regulations, and rules need to be considered in running a country. Government departments deal with everything from education and health to immigration and the environment. So, how do they make sure their actions respect the law?
That’s where the GLS steps in. Their support falls under three major areas:
1. Legal Advice to Government Departments
Imagine you’re a policy maker working on a new housing law. You’d need to know: Is this plan compatible with existing laws? Will it be fair? Could someone challenge it in court? GLS lawyers step in to answer those questions.
They work hand-in-hand with decision-makers during the creation of policies to make sure things are on solid legal ground. This helps prevent problems down the line, like costly legal battles or new laws being overturned in court.
2. Drafting Legislation
Create a law, and you shape how people live, run businesses, drive, work—or even what they eat. But writing laws isn’t as simple as typing a few paragraphs. Laws must be clear, precise, and consistent with other legal texts.
Lawyers from the GLS help draft new legislation in a language that stands up in Parliament and won’t fall apart in practice. This careful work ensures laws remain understandable, reasonable, and enforceable.
3. Representing the Government in Court
When the government is taken to court—whether it’s over a policy decision, human rights, or immigration rules—it needs experienced lawyers to defend it. GLS barristers often represent the government in legal proceedings, from the High Court to even the Supreme Court.
Their goal isn’t about “winning” but about making sure justice is done and the government’s stance is legally explained. This helps uphold the rule of law and maintain fairness in public decision-making.
Real–World Example: The COVID-19 Pandemic
Take the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance. With fast-changing health advice and emergency measures, every new rule—like lockdowns or mask mandates—had to be legally sound. Who helped ensure those emergency laws had legal teeth? The Government Legal Service.
From helping draft emergency health laws to advising on furlough schemes, GLS lawyers made sure the UK acted quickly but within the bounds of the law.
Why the Government Legal Service Matters
Without legal advice, government decisions risk being challenged or even thrown out. That can harm public trust and waste public money. Here’s why the GLS is crucial:
- They protect the rule of law – Meaning, they make sure government doesn’t act unfairly or outside its powers.
- They help avoid costly legal mistakes – Early legal advice can stop lawsuits before they happen.
- They ensure good governance – Helping policies work legally and smoothly benefits everyone.
In short, they’re like the legal safety net under everything our government does.
Becoming a Lawyer in the GLS
Thinking about a legal career? The GLS offers a wide range of legal roles and even has its own legal trainee scheme. It’s a great way to serve the public while building expertise in areas that truly matter—like justice, education, and public health.
The application process is competitive, but if you’re passionate about law and public service, it could be a highly rewarding choice. Plus, there’s a real sense of pride in knowing your work helps shape the future of the country.
Final Thoughts: Quiet Work with Big Impact
The Government Legal Service might not often be in the headlines, but its work influences every area of public life. From helping pass fair laws to defending the government in court, its lawyers ensure that power is exercised lawfully, fairly, and wisely.
If you’re ever wondering how complicated policies—like immigration rules, environmental protections, or digital safety laws—get made and applied legally, there’s a good chance the Government Legal Service had a key role to play.
They may not wear robes and wigs on TV dramas, but UK government lawyers are quietly shaping the country’s future, one piece of advice and legislation at a time.
Learn More
Interested in finding out more or possibly joining the Government Legal Service?
Visit the official website here: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/civil-service-government-legal-service
Whether you’re a student exploring career paths or just curious about how our government works behind the scenes, the GLS offers a fascinating glimpse into the legal heartbeat of British governance.
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