Senior Lawyer, Ministry of Justice, UK – Visa Sponsorship Available

A Senior Lawyer position is open at the Ministry of Justice, offering a national salary range of £71,381 - £80,419 (London: £75,674 - £85,257). This role is ideal for experienced legal professionals, including Nigerians and African immigrants, as visa sponsorship is available and foreign applicants are explicitly welcome. The position offers flexible working patterns, making it an attractive opportunity for those seeking work-life balance in a critical public service role.

Job Description

This is a high-impact leadership role within the Office of the Public Guardian’s (OPG) Legal & Information Assurance directorate, reporting to the Deputy Director. As a Senior Lawyer, you will work alongside Legal Operations managers to lead and manage multidisciplinary legal teams, comprising G7 Lawyers, Senior Paralegals, and Paralegals, ensuring the delivery of excellent professional legal services for the organisation.

The Legal team handles a high volume of litigation and advisory work, supporting OPG in meeting its legal obligations and managing legal risk. Your role will be crucial in maintaining OPG's reputation with external stakeholders, particularly the Court of Protection, and in the development of legal professionals within the team. This involves managing a varied caseload of complex litigation and policy work, while also being a 'people specialist' capable of leading and motivating teams and collaborating across the organisation.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a legal professional, capable of managing complex litigation and policy work.
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills, with the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent appreciation of legal risk and a strategic mindset.
• Ability to represent the Legal team at internal and external meetings/committees.
• A commitment to promoting a professional and high-performing culture.
• Legal right to work in the UK or eligibility for Skilled Worker (Tier 2) visa sponsorship.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with potential for increase due to pay award.
• Flexible working patterns including full-time, part-time, and job share options.
• Extensive development opportunities and a clear career ladder within the Civil Service.
• Supportive and inclusive work environment, with a commitment to diversity.
• Opportunity to contribute to important public protection work and influence the responsible use of AI in legal practice.

How to Prepare

For Nigerian and African immigrants targeting a Senior Lawyer role in the UK Civil Service, preparation is key. Ensure your CV is meticulously tailored to UK standards, highlighting relevant experience in litigation, legal advisory, and team leadership, with a focus on transferable skills. Your LinkedIn profile should mirror your CV and showcase your professional network. A compelling cover letter should explicitly link your experience to the job description, demonstrating your understanding of UK legal frameworks and the specific functions of the Office of the Public Guardian.

Given this is a Civil Service role, expect competency-based questions. Practice articulating how your past experiences align with the required behaviours and skills. For visa sponsorship, be prepared to discuss your immigration status confidently during the interview, reassuring the panel of your commitment and eligibility for a Skilled Worker visa. Ensure any professional registrations or certifications are clearly documented and readily available.

• Update your CV and LinkedIn profile to reflect UK professional standards, focusing on litigation and team management.
• Craft a bespoke cover letter addressing the Ministry of Justice's values and OPG's mission.
• Prepare for competency-based interviews, using the STAR method to describe relevant experiences.
• Research the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the functions of the Office of the Public Guardian.
• Be ready to discuss your visa sponsorship needs clearly and professionally during interviews.

Visa Sponsorship & Foreigner Eligibility

Visa / Skilled Worker (Tier 2) sponsorship is available for this Senior Lawyer position, meaning foreign and overseas applicants are welcome to apply. The Ministry of Justice has explicitly advertised that this role is open to foreigners who require a UK work visa. If your current immigration status is complex or borderline, it is advisable to seek professional advice or clarify your eligibility with the recruiting team before applying.