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Policy Advisor (Legal)

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A Policy Advisor (Legal) is responsible for providing expert advice on legal and legislative issues to inform the development, implementation, and review of public policies. This role involves researching laws and regulations, drafting policy documents, analysing the potential impact of legal changes, and briefing senior officials or ministers. Policy Advisors (Legal) are often required to explain complex legal concepts in clear terms and ensure that new policies comply with existing legislation. They might work on areas such as criminal justice, human rights, environmental law, or regulatory compliance. The job requires strong analytical, research, and communication skills, as well as a good understanding of the UK legal system and political process.

Policy Advisor (Legal)

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average salary for a Policy Advisor (Legal) in the UK is between £32,000 and £55,000 per year, depending on experience and location.

Number of Positions

There are approximately 5,000 policy advisor roles in the UK, with a significant proportion specialising in legal or legislative matters, particularly within government departments.

Work Sectors

Most legal policy advisors work in the public sector, including central government, local authorities, and regulatory bodies, but some may also be found in private consultancy or non-profit organisations.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Human Rights Policy Analyst

Focuses on analysing, developing, and advising on policies related to human rights issues, often working for government departments, charities, or international organisations.

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Environmental Policy Advisor

Specialises in legal policy concerning environmental protection, climate change, and sustainability, providing guidance to government bodies or environmental organisations.

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Criminal Justice Policy Advisor

Advises on legal policy development within the criminal justice system, such as sentencing laws, rehabilitation programmes, and policing practices.

Build a Strong Academic Foundation

Choose Relevant A-Levels

Take A-Levels in subjects such as Law, Politics, History, or English to develop analytical and research skills.

A strong academic background in humanities or social sciences is highly regarded for legal and policy careers. Subjects like Law or Politics will introduce you to the basics of governance, legislation, and policy-making. Achieving high grades is important for university entry.

Pursue a Law Degree or Related Field

Apply for an undergraduate degree in Law (LLB) or a related subject such as Politics or Public Policy.

Most Policy Advisor (Legal) roles require at least a 2:1 degree. A Law degree provides a direct route, but you can also consider Politics or Public Policy, then convert to Law via a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) if needed.

Gain Legal and Policy Experience

Undertake Legal Work Experience

Get experience through internships, placements, or volunteering in legal or policy environments.

Look for internships with government departments, legal firms, local councils, or charities involved in legal reform. This experience will develop your understanding of the links between law and policy and help you build a professional network.

Get Involved in Policy Projects or Research

Participate in university societies, think tanks, or student research projects focused on policy or legal issues.

Joining debate clubs, model United Nations, or policy societies can help you develop relevant skills. Many universities also run research groups or partner with external organisations for policy projects, which are valuable for your CV.

Specialise and Progress in Your Career

Consider Postgraduate Study

Undertake a postgraduate qualification in Public Policy, Law, or a related area to deepen your expertise.

A Masters in Public Policy or a related field can give you advanced analytical skills and a deeper understanding of the policy process. Some roles may require further legal qualifications, such as becoming a qualified solicitor or barrister, depending on your career interests.

Apply for Policy Advisor Roles

Seek entry-level policy or legal advisory roles in government, NGOs, or private sector organisations.

Look for roles such as Policy Assistant, Junior Policy Advisor, or Legal Analyst. Tailor your applications to highlight your legal knowledge, policy understanding, and experience. As you build experience, you can progress to more senior policy advisor positions.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Policy Advisor (Legal). Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

A Policy Advisor (Legal) and a Solicitor both require a strong understanding of legal frameworks, regulations, and advisory skills. They often work on legal analysis, policy development, and providing legal guidance, making their qualifications and responsibilities closely aligned.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • the traditional solicitor qualifying route until 2032

University

To qualify as a solicitor, you must:

Though your degree does not have to be in law, you will need some legal knowledge to pass the SQE.

To study law at some universities you'll need to pass the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT).

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 3 A levels or equivalent

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Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Solicitor Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship to start on the path to qualifying as a solicitor.

This route includes the completion of a law degree and usually takes around 5 to 6 years. You'll need your employer's support to join it.

You'll also need to pass the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE), which has 2 parts, and do 2 years' qualifying work experience.

The apprenticeship will prepare you for the SQE exams.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
  • 3 A levels or equivalent

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Work

You could start with a legal firm and do on-the-job training like the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) Level 6 Professional Diploma in Higher Law and Practice.

You would then need to:

Another option is to complete a Paralegal Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship then move on to the solicitor degree apprenticeship route.

Other Routes

If you started a qualifying law degree, Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) or Legal Practice Course (LPC) before 2021, you will be able to continue to qualify as a solicitor by the traditional route until 2032.

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Career tips

Competition for solicitor roles is strong so you need to show that you have consistently good grades as you progress through your education.

Getting work experience in different types of legal settings can help you to stand out and show your commitment. There are diversity work experience schemes to encourage under-represented groups into the legal profession.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join The Law Society for professional development, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about the training routes to become a solicitor through:

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