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Law Commissioners

Criteria for the role

Eligibility

To be considered for a commissioner role, you must either hold judicial office, teach law in a University or have a general legal qualification (as defined in section 71 of the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990).

The role is open to: 

  • British or Commonwealth citizens
  • British Dependent Territories citizens
  • British Nationals (Overseas) citizens
  • British protected persons
  • European Economic Area (EEA) nationals or those of other member states
  • Certain non-EEA family members

You must have the right to live and work in the UK.

Skills and experience

You will need to demonstrate that you have:

  • excelled in your chosen field of law and are committed to delivering effective law reform
  • the ability to think creatively to resolve complex legal problems and to take reasoned decisions, including a keen interest in the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies
  • excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas to a diverse range of audiences, including members of the public
  • an open-minded approach with a willingness to think flexibly and consult widely before reaching firm conclusions
  • awareness of the diverse needs and backgrounds of those affected by the work of the Commission and of colleagues and staff within the Commission, including a desire to learn about and engage with Whitehall, Parliament, Ministers and a wide range of stakeholders
  • a keen interest in leading people and the strategic direction of the organisation

Pay and benefits

These include:

  • the salary is currently £150,000
  • annual leave is 30 days a year plus bank holidays
  • you must get agreement with the Lord Chancellor to do any external work
  • travel expenses are paid for travelling as part of Law Commission business, not for travelling to the office and home

More information

Read more about the role:

  • the role is full-time although we offer flexibility, for example through competitive annual leave and elements of home-working
  • commissioners are expected to spend the majority of their time at the Commission’s offices in Central London
  • the appointment is for an initial period of five years
  • the Lord Chancellor may consider a further term of up to five years
  • the Lord Chancellor may terminate an appointment at any time on the grounds of incapacity or misbehaviour
  • commissioners may resign at any time but are expected to complete at least three years before applying for any other role