Currently working in the Home Office Private Law Team, Michala describes her day-to-day workload: 'I work an average of 37.5 hours per week net. Responsibilities differ according to placement. Trainees in the litigation division of a GLS Department will join a litigation team and are expected to act as case officers on a number of active cases. This means supervising the day-to-day management of a case, liaising with the courts, the clients and the claimant's solicitors. 'Trainees are not expected to manage the same number of cases as more senior lawyers within the GLS, as they are provided with opportunities to get involved in interesting cases within their team and are asked to perform research tasks, or attend court. Trainees are allowed to work at a slower pace, to ensure that they have an opportunity to understand any important aspects of law or legal procedure which arise in the course of their work.' A GLS lawyer can perform many roles that are very different to the role of a barrister in chambers. This, Michala says, 'is largely due to the fact that the GLS is not driven by profit and its lawyers have the opportunity to be involved in many issues of national and international importance. A number of GLS lawyers are involved in the drafting of legislation, a role which is exclusive to the GLS. 'There are two main types of GLS lawyer: those who work in an advisory capacity, providing advice to Ministers and administrators in Government Departments and those who are involved in litigation or prosecution on behalf of the Government. An advisory lawyer works in a similar way to a barrister within chambers. A GLS lawyer working in litigation or prosecution is more comparable to a solicitor. There is much more contact with the client and the claimant's solicitors. The main difference from a barrister in independent practice is the reduced advocacy opportunities. Whilst there are opportunities to get involved in advocacy within the GLS, these opportunities are more limited than in most sets of chambers, where advocacy is likely to form a major element of a barrister's work.' In assessing what it takes to be a GLS lawyer, Michala believes, 'it isn't necessary to have any particular specialist skills. But it is useful to know something about, or at least to have an interest in public law and the general legal powers, obligations and liabilities of public bodies and central Government Departments. An appreciation of human rights law is also very useful in relation to most GLS work. 'A GLS lawyer must have the same attributes as a barrister in chambers. Enthusiasm and commitment are almost as important as a sound legal knowledge and good powers of analysis. Workloads can be heavy, so the ability to motivate yourself and to organise your time effectively is vital.' How do the pay and benefits differ from barristers in chambers? Michala says: 'As an employee of the Government, my salary is secure and regular. Although I will never have the opportunity to join the 'magic circle' of millionaire lawyers outside the public sector, I will never have to wait for long periods of time for outstanding cheques from clients. The GLS also has, a pension entitlement and 'family friendly' flexible working policies.' Michala says of her future: 'There are opportunities for promotion within the GLS and for movement within and between different Government Departments. All GLS lawyers are encouraged to move positions every 3-4 years, to ensure that each person experiences a wide variety of work.' Michala Emmett: Legal Trainee, Goverment Legal Service | 
