Assistant Legal Adviser vacancies in the Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Information for candidates applying for the Assistant Legal Adviser vacancies in the Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Headline Information
| Department | Foreign & Commonwealth Office |
| Division | Legal Directorate |
| Job title | Assistant Legal Adviser |
| Location | London |
| Salary | D6 - Maximum £56,000 including £5,000 London Allowance. D7 - Maximum £63,452 including £5,000 London Allowance |
| Application deadline | Midnight Monday 25 March 2019 |
Vacancy details
The Legal Directorate of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises on all legal matters affecting the work of the FCO, both domestic and international. The work is varied and highly responsible.
In addition to a wide range of work in the field of public international law, the job includes advising on European Union law, human rights law, public law and other relevant areas of UK law, as well as questions arising in connection with the governance of the United Kingdom’s overseas territories.
FCO Legal Directorate comprises around 70 lawyers working in London and overseas. It also includes the FCO’s Treaty Section and Maritime Policy Unit.
Assistant Legal Advisers (ALAs) are allocated to one of the five current legal teams:
- National Security
- EU and Human Rights
- Foreign Relations
- International Institutions and Security Policy
- Overseas Territories and Maritime.
ALAs can expect to spend around 3 years in a team before moving to another role so that they acquire a broad range of legal experience. ALAs also have the opportunity to serve in legal roles in diplomatic missions overseas. There are currently ALA posts in Brussels, New York, Geneva, The Hague, Strasbourg and Washington DC.
The work of an ALA is varied and will depend on the role. ALAs can expect to advise on a range of questions of public international law, as well as domestic law (particularly public law).
Our ALAs can also be expected to lead on:
- litigation before international courts and tribunals
- handling litigation in domestic courts against the FCO
- drafting legislation, in particular statutory instruments concerning the Overseas Territories
ALAs can also be expected to represent the UK at bilateral and multinational meetings and negotiations, including in the UN, EU and the Council of Europe.
Subject to the precise role, there may be some opportunities for travel.
Apply
To apply for this post, please visit the Civil Service Jobs Website.
Contact
If you have any questions or wish to discuss the role or the process further please email the FCO Recruitment Team.
Please include the seven digit vacancy reference number (1618580) in the subject line of your email.
