Assistant legal adviser vacancy in the FCO: how to apply
Information on how to apply for the post of assistant legal adviser within the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Essential information
| Job title | Assistant legal adviser |
| Location | Central London |
| Salary range | £43,967 to £68,539 |
| Deadline for application forms | Midday on Friday 18 September 2015 |
| Online testing dates | Week commencing 5 October 2015 |
| Interview dates | Week commencing 2 November 2015 |
The application deadline for this vacancy has now passed. You can add your details to our mailing list to be notified of future vacancies.
Vacancy information
The Legal Directorate of the Foreign and 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 can include advising on European Union law, international 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 50 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:
- Counter Terrorism and Human Rights
- EU and Wider Europe
- 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 and Strasbourg. Information about the work of FCO Legal Directorate can be found it its Annual Report.
The FCO does not form part of the GLS. However, there are close links between the 2 organisations.