The government is moving into Salford. The Government Legal Department is to set to employ up to 120 staff in the city.
The GLD, has signed an agreement with HM Revenue and Customs for its staff to join then and move into the Three New Bailey, office block, off Chapel Street, and near Manchester city in April 2023. The expansion of GLD in the North West complements existing offices in Bristol, Leeds, and London.
The department was historically known as the Treasury Solicitor's Department, but changed name to the Government Legal Department in 2015. The new name reflects a "significant period of change", which saw the department more than double in size.
GLD lawyers work in both advisory and litigation roles. In litigation, lawyers bring and defend legal proceedings involving central government and related bodies. In advisory teams, lawyers provide advice to ministers and civil servants on both the current law and on proposed Government policies and future legislation.
GLD is the government’s principal legal adviser and is made up of up of nearly 3,000 staff with over 2,500 lawyers. Advising on the some of the most complex, demanding and varied legal issues of the day, its lawyers represent the government in cases ranging from education to transport and help bring the government’s legislative agenda to fruition.
In Salford 20 jobs will created initially and will increase to up to 120. Job applications with the option to be based in Manchester will be advertised from April 2023.
Susanna McGibbon, Treasury Solicitor and Permanent Secretary of the Government Legal Department, said: “This is an exciting moment for the Government Legal Department. Establishing a new office in the North West is an important step in us becoming truly national and creating unique career opportunities across the country.”
The Attorney General, Victoria Prentis KC MP has commented on GLD becoming a more national organisation and strengthening the government’s commitment to growing government hubs across the country. She said: “Manchester has a thriving legal market and the expansion of GLD in the North West is an exciting step for both them and the city.
"As a former government lawyer myself, I am well aware of the exciting and varied career they can offer and I very much hope that talented local lawyers will take the opportunity to join this valuable and important team.”
