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Policy Advisor (Legal)

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Policy advisors with a legal specialism play a crucial role in shaping laws, regulations, and public policies. They work in government departments, think tanks, regulatory bodies, and sometimes private sector organisations. Their main duties involve researching legal issues, analysing current and proposed legislation, drafting policy documents, and providing expert advice to ministers or senior officials. Policy advisors often consult with stakeholders, assess the impact of legal changes, and help ensure that new policies comply with existing laws. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in law or public policy are essential for this career. It is a great choice for those interested in law, politics, and making a difference in society.

Policy Advisor (Legal)

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Policy advisors (legal) in the UK typically earn between £28,000 and £55,000 per year, with senior roles reaching up to £70,000.

Employment Opportunities

There are over 8,000 policy advisor roles in the UK, with a significant portion specialising in legal and regulatory areas within government departments.

Growth Outlook

The demand for policy advisors, including those with legal expertise, is expected to grow by 5 percent over the next five years, driven by changes in laws and public policy.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Human Rights Policy Officer

Focuses on analysing and developing policies related to human rights law, ensuring that government or organisational decisions comply with legal standards and promote equality.

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Environmental Law Policy Analyst

Specialises in researching and advising on policies concerning environmental legislation, such as climate change laws, waste management, and conservation regulations.

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Criminal Justice Policy Specialist

Works on creating and reviewing policies that impact the criminal justice system, including issues such as sentencing guidelines, rehabilitation programmes, and prison reform.

Develop Academic Foundations

Achieve Strong GCSEs and A-Levels

Focus on achieving high grades in GCSEs and A-Levels, particularly in subjects such as English, History, Politics, or Law.

A career as a Policy Advisor (Legal) requires strong analytical and communication skills, which are developed through academic subjects. Prioritise subjects that encourage critical thinking and essay writing. Some institutions may require specific A-Level subjects for entry into law or related degrees, so check university requirements early.

Obtain a Relevant Undergraduate Degree

Apply for and complete a degree in Law (LLB) or a related discipline such as Politics, Public Policy, or International Relations.

An LLB is the most direct route, but degrees in related fields can also be suitable if you plan to specialise in policy with a legal focus. Consider universities with strong law or public policy departments, and take modules in public law, constitutional law, or policy analysis if available.

Gain Legal and Policy Experience

Pursue Work Experience and Internships

Seek internships, placements, or volunteering opportunities in legal practices, government departments, or policy think tanks.

Experience in a legal or policy environment is invaluable. Look for summer internships at law firms, government policy units, or NGOs focused on legal reform. Even short-term placements can help you build practical skills and professional networks relevant to policy advising.

Consider Postgraduate Study

Undertake a postgraduate qualification such as a Master’s in Law (LLM), Public Policy, or a related field.

A postgraduate degree can enhance your understanding of complex legal issues and policy development. Some roles may require specialist knowledge, such as environmental law or human rights, which can be gained through targeted postgraduate study.

Secure a Policy Advisor Role

Apply for Entry-Level Policy Roles

Look for policy assistant, legal researcher, or junior advisor roles within government, regulatory bodies, or large organisations.

Entry-level roles give you hands-on experience in policy development. Tailor your CV to highlight research, analysis, and communication skills. Demonstrate your understanding of legal frameworks and your interest in influencing public policy.

Develop Your Career and Specialise

Gain experience and progress to more senior policy advisor roles, specialising in a particular area of law or policy if desired.

Once in the field, continue your professional development through training, networking, and possibly gaining professional memberships. Specialising in areas such as health policy, environmental law, or criminal justice can open up further opportunities for advancement.

🎯 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) typically requires a strong understanding of legal frameworks, regulations, and policy development, similar to the qualifications and expertise needed to become a Solicitor. Both roles involve legal analysis, advising on lawful procedures, and ensuring compliance within legal and governmental contexts.

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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