Lawyer, Ministry of Justice, Glasgow — Visa Sponsorship Available

Are you a qualified lawyer looking for a significant role within the UK Civil Service? The Ministry of Justice is hiring a Grade 7 Lawyer in Glasgow, offering a competitive salary of £58,511 - £65,329, and importantly, visa sponsorship is available, making this an excellent opportunity for foreign/overseas applicants, including Nigerians and other African immigrants, seeking to build their career in the UK. This full-time position comes with flexible working options, allowing for a balanced professional and personal life.

Job Description

As a Grade 7 Lawyer within the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), an executive agency of the Ministry of Justice, you will be a vital part of the Legal and Policy Directorate. This role involves joining a small, professional Legal Team dedicated to providing sound legal advice and excellent service to stakeholders.

Your responsibilities will primarily encompass litigation, including complex judicial review claims in higher courts, drafting submissions, and instructing counsel. You will also proactively liaise with various government departments to ensure CICA has effective representation across Great Britain and two legal jurisdictions. Additionally, you will provide high-quality legal advice on a range of issues, from interpreting compensation schemes to data protection and freedom of information, ensuring practical and clear guidance.

Requirements

• Solicitor qualified to practice in Scotland and/or England & Wales, or a trainee qualifying within 3 months, or a former qualified solicitor seeking to return.
• Demonstrable experience in conducting litigation, particularly judicial review claims.
• Strong advisory skills, with the ability to provide clear, practical legal advice on complex issues.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities, with experience in managing staff or providing supervision.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, with 50% office attendance in Glasgow.
• For foreign applicants, eligibility to work in the UK under a Skilled Worker (Tier 2) visa, with sponsorship provided by the Ministry of Justice.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of £58,511 - £65,329.
• Generous pension scheme and annual leave entitlement.
• Access to resilience training and wellbeing support.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression within the Civil Service.
• Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working.
• Located in Glasgow city centre with excellent transport links.

How to Prepare

For Nigerian and African immigrants eyeing this prestigious Civil Service role, thorough preparation is key. Ensure your CV is meticulously tailored to UK standards, highlighting your legal experience in a way that resonates with British employers. Emphasise any experience with common law systems or international legal frameworks, and make sure your LinkedIn profile reflects your professional aspirations in the UK.

When crafting your cover letter, articulate clearly how your qualifications meet the essential criteria, and be ready to discuss your visa sponsorship needs confidently during the interview. Civil Service roles often involve competency-based interviews, so prepare examples demonstrating your skills in areas like leadership, legal advice, and litigation. For this role, familiarity with UK legal processes, even if theoretical, will be an advantage.

• Update your CV to a UK format, focusing on quantifiable achievements and relevant legal experience.
• Prepare a compelling cover letter addressing each essential criterion and your motivation for joining the Ministry of Justice.
• Familiarise yourself with the UK Civil Service success profiles and practice answering competency-based questions.
• Research the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) and its mission to demonstrate genuine interest.
• Be ready to discuss your visa sponsorship requirements clearly and professionally during the interview.

Visa Sponsorship & Foreigner Eligibility

Visa/Skilled Worker (Tier 2) sponsorship is available for this position, meaning foreign and overseas applicants are explicitly welcome to apply. The Ministry of Justice has advertised this role as open to individuals who need a UK work visa. If you have any questions regarding your specific immigration status or eligibility, it is advisable to contact the Ministry of Justice's recruitment team directly for clarification before applying.