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As a research assistant at the Law Commission, you’ll master complex areas of law and help shape UK legal reform as part of an expert team. You will develop a range of skills and gain professional experience that is hard to obtain anywhere else.
You’ll be part of an organisation which makes a real difference to people’s lives – the work you contribute to won’t just sit on the shelf. Over the past 50 years, more than two-thirds of our recommendations have been accepted or implemented.
At a central London location, in the heart of Whitehall, you’ll be working shoulder to shoulder with a Court of Appeal Judge, KCs, professors, barristers and solicitors – all at the top of their game. You’ll also gain insight into the inner workings of government, working with different departments and policy officials.
As a civil servant, you’ll also be able to access training and benefits to help you progress in your career. Time at the Law Commission is regarded extremely highly by employers – our research assistants typically go onto successful careers at the bar, top law firms, academia and in policy.
The role
The research assistant role involves a mix of legal research, policy analysis and administrative work.
Before consultation
In the early stages of a project, research assistants can expect to look into the present law and identify commentary from practitioners and academics on the problems with it and possible options for reform. You may be asked to conduct comparative research, considering both common law and civil law jurisdictions. You may be asked to look at current court practices or socio-economic research. You are likely to work with the Commission’s economist to assess the practical impact of the current law and options for reform.
Consultation
The Law Commission places great emphasis on consultation. Research assistants will be closely involved in the researching, drafting and publication of the consultation paper. You may be asked to assist with press or other communication work, and with consultation events. You will usually work on evaluating and analysing the consultation responses.
After consultation
At this stage of the project, the team prepares a policy paper seeking approval from Commissioners for their proposed final recommendations. Research assistants will help to prepare this paper and may be involved in the process of instructing Parliamentary Counsel to draft a Bill. You will play an important role in the preparation and publication of the final report. If Government accepts our recommendations, you may be involved in supporting Government’s introduction of legislation into Parliament.
At all times
Research assistants at the Law Commission are required to respond flexibly to varying demands. This might include being asked to work on different projects at short notice, to research a new area of law or to deal with an enquiry from a member of the public. You may be asked to contribute to the wider work of the Commission, for example, by assisting with corporate activities. The role also involves routine administrative work such as minute-taking, organising meetings, proof-reading documents and photocopying. In particular, you will play a leading role in the preparation of documents for publication.
Research assistants are kept busy and are expected to work hard but the atmosphere in the open-plan office is friendly, with sensible, flexible working hours. New staff are given a full induction on arrival.
Find out what life is like as a research assistant at the Law Commission.
Pay and benefits
As a research assistant you can expect the following benefits:
- annual salary of £38,661 (based on a 37 hour week, excluding meal breaks)
- 25 days annual leave each year, plus paid time off for public holidays and 1 paid privilege day
- flexible working scheme
- Civil Service pension scheme
Terms of employment
Period of employment
Research Assistant contracts will be offered from September 2025 to August 2027. Candidates may choose a 1 year contract if preferred.
Probation
For employees on a fixed term contract, the following probation periods apply:
Fixed term contract between six months and one year – Four months
Fixed term contract more than one year – Six months
The appointment will be confirmed provided the normal requirements of the post, attendance and conduct have been satisfactorily met during the probationary period.
Outside activities
Employees of the Ministry of Justice, including the Law Commission, are subject to a number of rules affecting the ability to undertake specified outside activities. If, for example, you wish to publish material (in any form), teach, or engage in political activities during your time at the Law Commission, you will need to consider whether these activities are consistent with the duties of civil servants. In some cases, activities can only be undertaken with prior authorisation. We are happy to provide you with the Law Commission’s guidance on outside activities in advance of your application.
Further information about benefits and terms and conditions of employment will be provided on completion of pre-employment checks.