Department Specialist Roles /*generated inline style */ Location(s) London /*generated inline style */ Salary £73,704 or £94,114 (depending on skills and experience) /*generated inline style */ Job description
Flexible working : flexible working such as compressed hours is encouraged and supported. We also welcome applicants who wish to job-share and/or work part-time. Working from home is not possible due to the sensitive nature of the work
About Us
We're MI6, also known as the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS). Our mission is to protect the security and economic wellbeing of the UK from overseas threats such as regional instability, terrorism, and cyber-attacks. Working across the globe and in close partnership with MI5 and GCHQ, we help the Government to counter these threats through the provision of secret intelligence. A role in MI6 will see you providing vital support to this work, within a supportive and encouraging environment that puts the emphasis on teamwork.
The Role
Our operational lawyers work in small and collaborative teams providing vital support to MI6 operations and capability development, advising on legislative change, and on MI6’s interests in litigation and inquiries. Their work is as varied as the operations MI6 runs, and – whichever team you join – you’ll gain unique insights into the heart of what we do. All our legal teams work closely with operational and policy colleagues, building effective relationships and liaising with colleagues in other government departments, including the FCDO, Home Office, MI5 and GCHQ.
We’re looking for a creative and innovative lawyer, who can bring novel legal solutions to complex and sensitive matters and provide sensible, practical and risk-based advice to support MI6’s work. You’ll have responsibility for a varied, interesting and challenging portfolio of work, such as advising on the applicable law – this may be key legislation such as the Intelligence Services Act, Investigatory Powers Act, Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act, Human Rights Act and Justice and Security Act, or wider domestic criminal and civil law, or international law.
In this fascinating role, you will also represent MI6 legal advisers within and outside the organisation with senior stakeholders. This could include providing advice on the planning and conduct of operations, development of capability and the handling of litigation brought against the UK Government which affects MI6. This may include challenges in the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, civil claims for damages, judicial reviews, inquests and inquiries, and criminal proceedings. You’ll also play a key role in training – all our lawyers contribute and support the training of our operational teams.
Organised and methodical, you’ll be able to work independently and take responsibility for managing your own workload. But you won’t be on your own, you’ll be part of a supportive, friendly legal department who regularly work together on projects. There are also unique opportunities to work with other external partners and departments across wider Government.
Our legal teams keep a standard working pattern, although we do operate an out of hours/weekend on-call rota, which you would be expected to take part in. There may also be the requirement for some occasional overseas travel.
About You
The successful candidate will value integrity, respect, teamwork, professionalism and have a creative and enthusiastic approach, while demonstrating sound legal judgement. A confident communicator, you’ll be comfortable articulating complex legal terminology in a clear and consistent way to people without a legal background. Your strong client care skills and the ability to build effective working relationships will enable you to gain a deep understanding of your work, whilst taking into account the broader context and objectives of MI6’s work. You will also represent MI6 legal advisers within and outside the organisation alongside senior stakeholders.
A growth-mindset and a desire to learn are important, to ensure you stay up to date with legal developments and can actively contribute to building legal awareness and skills amongst the team.
You will need to be a lawyer (solicitor, barrister or legal executive) fully qualified to practice in England and Wales (a current Practicing Certificate is required). You will also have experience of effective delivery in areas of law relevant to the advertised role. We will consider all applications, but would normally expect applicants to be able to show experience of effective delivery in the relevant areas of law with a PQE of approximately 5 years or more.
Training and Development
MI6 is a learning organisation; we value your skills and we invest in our people. As part of the legal team you will receive bespoke training to help you orientate yourself within the organization, and you’ll be encouraged to persue continuous learning through a range of informal and formal development activities. There is a great deal of variety in the different legal roles in MI6, and in the future you could have the opportunity to move between teams as your career in MI6 progresses. In addition, joining our legal team can be an excellent springboard for a career within Government more generally as a national security lawyer.
Rewards and benefits
You’ll receive a starting salary of £73,704 or £94,114 (depending on your skills and experience), plus other benefits including:
1. 25 Days Annual Leave automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years' service, and an additional 10.5 days public and privilege holidays
2. Opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme
3. Interest-free season ticket loan
4. Excellent pension scheme
5. Cycle to work scheme
6. Facilities such as a gym, restaurant and on-site coffee bars (at some locations)
7. Paid parental and adoption leave.
Equal Opportunities
At MI6 diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. To protect the UK, we need a truly diverse workforce that reflects the society we serve. This includes diversity in every sense of the word: those with different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ways of thinking and those with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including those from groups that are under-represented in our workforce such as women, those from an ethnic minority background, people with disabilities and those from low socio-economic backgrounds.