Career Story: Lawyer, Government Legal Division

What does a day in your shoes feel like? And what are the key skills that can make or break a career in your field?

We’ve asked a diverse group of Apolitical members to share their career story with us and the tips they have for junior public servants. In this article, Omobola Uthman explains why it’s important to work hard and network in their role as a lawyer in the government legal division

What is your current role and how do you spend your time on a standard day?

I am a lawyer with the litigation division. If I am not in too much of a hurry to dive into my emails/work when I log on at the start of the day, I read what's been going on in the organisation on the intranet page such as new appointments, events, senior leaders' communications etc. My typical day starts with checking my emails for new cases allocated to me and updates about existing cases. I write a lot of emails following up clients, responding to emails from opposing lawyers, read various documents and give advice. I may have a meeting or training to attend but this does not happen everyday. On Fridays, I have blocked out one hour as 'me-time' to self-reflect and learn something new to add to myself - but I haven't yet done this religiously.

What did you do before taking up this role?

I was a manager supporting a team of eight litigation support officers dealing with performance, attendance, HR issues, one-to-one, learning and development, and everything else that comes with managing a team.

In your opinion, what are the most important skills someone needs to excel in your field?

Technical legal skills (not necessarily knowledge) for the area of law are vital. You also need to be organised, have an ability to work on different things simultaneously and not get confused or mess it up and still meet deadlines. You need a commitment to learn and acquire further knowledge and a spirit of teamwork. The ability to work hard, and dedication and passion also help to enjoy the job and survive.

What is your favourite part of your job?

Finding solutions/resolving tricky problems - sometimes I have to really think to join the dots. I feel happy when I help someone who will be massively affected by the decision I come to. I also enjoy learning new things like updates in the law/attending training and discussing issues with like minds oropposing minds.

What advice would you give to young public servants who are interested in a career in your field?

Be ready to work hard and persevere. It's not always easy to get a training contract/SQE to qualify as a lawyer but don't give up your aspiration. There are many routes to Buckingham Palace, you just have to look at alternative routes and look at what else can you do. If you can't qualify yet, find a way to be involved in legal sector work and do your best at all times.

Networking is also key.-Liaise with people in the field, ask for help, use LinkedIn, attend seminars if in university, and take advantage of career support professionals at your university even if you've finished - you're still an alumni and they're there for you. Volunteer at legal advice centres or law firms if they take you. If all efforts don't get you there, you'll know you've tried your best and it's not to be. Something else for you may be waiting to be discovered. Good luck.

Want to share your own career story with the Apolitical community? Use this form to let us know about your job.