Research assistants

Applications are now open for Research Assistant vacancies to start in September 2025

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Deadline for applications is 11.55 pm on Tuesday 4 February 2025.

Apply at the following links:

Before you apply, you must read the Guide for Applicants – How to Apply.

More information is available in the Guide for Applicants – General.

Qualifying criteria: at least two years’ substantive legal studies at first class/high 2:1 standard, or equivalent experience (see Guide for Applicants – How to Apply for more details).

Join the Law Commission as a research assistant

Every year, the Law Commission recruits exceptional individuals for fixed-term, paid research assistant roles, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of the law and its impact on society. For our 2025 recruitment campaign, applications are now open and will close at the end of January. Updates will be shared here and on our social media channels. Below is an overview of the role, the application criteria, and why this is one of the most sought-after opportunities in the legal sector.

About the role

Research assistants join us on either:

  • A two-year fixed-term contract (103 weeks), or
  • A one-year fixed-term contract (52 weeks) as an alternative.

Based in central London, our office places you at the heart of Whitehall, giving you insight into the workings of government and policymaking.

Why apply?

Joining the Law Commission means becoming part of an organisation that drives real and lasting legal reform. At the Commission, you will:

  • Make a meaningful impact – Over two-thirds of our recommendations are implemented or accepted by government, ensuring that your work contributes to significant, tangible changes in the law.
  • Develop invaluable expertise – Build skills in legal research, policy analysis, legislative drafting, and consultation management, while tackling intellectually stimulating challenges.
  • Collaborate with leading experts – Work closely with a Court of Appeal judge, KCs, barristers, solicitors, and academics at the forefront of their fields.
  • Advance your career prospects – Experience at the Law Commission is highly regarded, with many research assistants progressing to distinguished careers at the Bar, in leading law firms, academia, or policy.
  • Work on reforms that matter – Your contributions will shape the law in ways that impact people’s daily lives – this is work with a purpose.

What do research assistants do?

The research assistant role involves a mix of legal research and writing, policy analysis, and administrative work.

Research assistants are assigned to one of four specialist teams:

  • Commercial and Common Law
  • Criminal Law
  • Property, Family, and Trust Law
  • Public Law

Within those teams, most research assistants work mainly on one project supporting a lawyer – normally a solicitor, barrister or academic. Under their guidance, and depending on the stage of the project, you may:

  • Conduct detailed legal research and analysis.
  • Draft reports, consultation papers, and other key materials.
  • Meet and correspond with a wide range of stakeholders.
  • Assist in organising and managing large scale public consultations.
  • Help develop recommendations for reform and instruct Parliamentary Counsel on draft legislation.

Who are we looking for?

We welcome applications from candidates with a passion for legal reform, whether you are a recent graduate, have pursued further legal studies, or gained professional experience.

Given the competitive nature of the role, we are looking for candidates who meet the following criteria:

  • You must have completed a course or courses involving two years full-time substantive legal studies (or equivalent part-time).
  • You must hold a first-class or high 2:1 undergraduate degree in law.

If your undergraduate degree does not meet this standard, you may still be eligible if you can demonstrate academic excellence through one of the following qualifications:

  • A GDL (or CPE) at distinction, or at commendation with at least one distinction and significant additional evidence of skills and knowledge.
  • A completed master’s degree in law (LLM, BCL, MA, or M Phil) at merit (2:1) or above.
  • A completed PhD in law.

For further details on the role, application process, and essential criteria, please refer to Guide for Applicants – How to Apply.

Thinking of applying?

Find out about our current Research Assistants.

Here are some Top Tips to help you through the recruitment stages; from application through to joining the Law Commission. Also take a look at our CV Template, which should be used as a guide to structure your CV.

More information about being a Research Assistant and how to apply can be found on the following document links:

In December 2024 we held a free online information session ahead of our 2024/25 research assistant campaign. You can find the recording here, and embedded below.

You can also find a short video showing what our interviews are like, and demonstrating good and bad interview skills.

A video on how to answer strengths and behaviour-based questions at interview is also available here.