Job Description
Energy Security and Net Zero Lawyers and Legal Officers
Leeds
£5+,200 - Lawyers, £4+,+1+ - Legal Officers
The Government Legal Department (GLD) is the largest provider of legal services across government, working with all the main Whitehall departments. From energy to security, from roads to rivers, health to human rights, our work touches on most aspects of public life. From developing and drafting legislation to helping to secure economic and trade relationships, providing legal advice on polices to ensuring value from contracts, our work is stimulating and varied.
Energy Security and Net Zero Legal is a GLD Advisory Directorate and focuses on providing legal advice relating to the UK’s ambitious and innovative energy portfolio. Its work spans policies on decarbonisation technologies, nuclear power, clean energy and heat, energy efficiency, combatting fuel poverty, energy security, energy networks, infrastructure, planning, international energy commitments, climate change and net zero obligations. In record time we have brought forward the Great British Energy Bill, published the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan and are pursuing an ambitious programme of primary legislation.
Your role
When you join us in one of these important roles, you’ll provide specialist legal and public law advice to ministers and officials, ensure the legal implications of a policy have been thought through, work closely with policy leads and Parliamentary Counsel, and advise Ministers as a Bill passes through Parliament.
Drafting secondary legislation and offering advisory support in the event of any legal challenges, you’ll advise the Secretary of State on planning decisions and judicial reviews. We’ll also expect you to respond to world events in a creative and timely manner and support the Government in being accountable for its role.
In order to carry out your work successfully you’ll need to have security clearance to BPSS level and more information regarding the process can be found by clicking on the apply link.
About you
To be a success with our Directorate you’ll have reliable judgement and an excellent appreciation of legal risk, possess the ability to think strategically and creatively, see legal issues in their wider context and advise accordingly. Using sound analysis and research to produce fit for purpose advice, you’ll also be an excellent communicator with a good understanding of the role of lawyers in government. When it comes to practical knowledge, we’ll look for:
• Public law experience. This could have been gained in a private practice context, through academic study or in the legal department of a public body
• Some experience relating to energy law would be desirable
Benefits
GLD encourages its people to develop their skills in a nurturing environment. Other benefits include access to a valuable civil service pension and flexible working arrangements.
GLD is much more than law
Our vision is to be an outstanding legal organisation and a brilliant place to work where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. This is an exciting time for GLD, with cutting edge legal work on global issues and a transformation agenda which is ensuring the Department exemplifies the Modern Civil Service.
Closing date for applications: Noon Monday 24th February 2026.
Leeds
£5+,200 - Lawyers, £4+,+1+ - Legal Officers
The Government Legal Department (GLD) is the largest provider of legal services across government, working with all the main Whitehall departments. From energy to security, from roads to rivers, health to human rights, our work touches on most aspects of public life. From developing and drafting legislation to helping to secure economic and trade relationships, providing legal advice on polices to ensuring value from contracts, our work is stimulating and varied.
Energy Security and Net Zero Legal is a GLD Advisory Directorate and focuses on providing legal advice relating to the UK’s ambitious and innovative energy portfolio. Its work spans policies on decarbonisation technologies, nuclear power, clean energy and heat, energy efficiency, combatting fuel poverty, energy security, energy networks, infrastructure, planning, international energy commitments, climate change and net zero obligations. In record time we have brought forward the Great British Energy Bill, published the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan and are pursuing an ambitious programme of primary legislation.
Your role
When you join us in one of these important roles, you’ll provide specialist legal and public law advice to ministers and officials, ensure the legal implications of a policy have been thought through, work closely with policy leads and Parliamentary Counsel, and advise Ministers as a Bill passes through Parliament.
Drafting secondary legislation and offering advisory support in the event of any legal challenges, you’ll advise the Secretary of State on planning decisions and judicial reviews. We’ll also expect you to respond to world events in a creative and timely manner and support the Government in being accountable for its role.
In order to carry out your work successfully you’ll need to have security clearance to BPSS level and more information regarding the process can be found by clicking on the apply link.
About you
To be a success with our Directorate you’ll have reliable judgement and an excellent appreciation of legal risk, possess the ability to think strategically and creatively, see legal issues in their wider context and advise accordingly. Using sound analysis and research to produce fit for purpose advice, you’ll also be an excellent communicator with a good understanding of the role of lawyers in government. When it comes to practical knowledge, we’ll look for:
• Public law experience. This could have been gained in a private practice context, through academic study or in the legal department of a public body
• Some experience relating to energy law would be desirable
Benefits
GLD encourages its people to develop their skills in a nurturing environment. Other benefits include access to a valuable civil service pension and flexible working arrangements.
GLD is much more than law
Our vision is to be an outstanding legal organisation and a brilliant place to work where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. This is an exciting time for GLD, with cutting edge legal work on global issues and a transformation agenda which is ensuring the Department exemplifies the Modern Civil Service.
Closing date for applications: Noon Monday 24th February 2026.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Energy Lawyer position is now open for candidates interested in the Legal Jobs sector. This role in Yorkshire offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Legal Jobs is a plus.
