We have recently opened applications to join our legal team. We asked our Senior Lawyer, Jamie Munk about his day-to-day work life and what it's like working at the Trade Remedies Authority...
Tell us about yourself Jamie!
I joined the TRA as a senior lawyer about 18 months ago – and currently lead the legal team’s work advising on new trade remedy investigations.
What motivated you to join TRA?
I started my legal career in private practice as a commercial litigator, but prior to joining TRA much of my working life has been spent in Government on international trade matters - so I already had a fair idea of how interesting and important the work of the TRA is. Working in trade law involves a fascinating intersection of commercial, governmental and civil society interests, and between public international and domestic law. And with its mission to defend UK economic interests against unfair international trade practices – the TRA offered an exciting opportunity to bring my experience to bear on live investigations to support the delivery of this important function.
What’s it been like in terms of work?
The work itself has been challenging, varied and fast-paced – but also highly rewarding.
- Working on investigations, no two days are alike. One day I’ll be advising on pre-initiation matters relating to a fresh application – applying our regime to the specific context of an industry sector in the UK and overseas, and the next on recommendations for provisional measures, final recommendations or on reconsiderations of our decisions. At all stages, I work hand-in-hand with a range of case team and wider colleagues, engaging on issues raised by overseas businesses and governments, and with domestic producers and stakeholders – often involving interesting legal questions to unpack and advise on.
- Trade remedies is a continually evolving field in the context of the wider global trading system. This context, combined with the TRA still being a young organisation (it was established as part of the UK’s exit from the EU) means I and the wider legal team are also called on to advise on changes to the way we operate, both legislative and from an operational policy perspective – seeing the bigger picture of what we do alongside the specifics of an individual case. This involves engaging with colleagues in the Government Legal Profession (of which we form part) – and with wider stakeholders in academia, industry and peer organisations. So we feel really well connected to the wider world of trade law.
The team is also called on to advise on litigation matters – including a judicial review on one of our investigations last year.
Can you give an insight into life at the TRA?
The culture of the TRA as an organisation has been a real highlight for me. For a small organisation, the diversity of experiences and backgrounds of colleagues is amazing – both within the legal team and beyond. This means I’m constantly learning from those with backgrounds in economic analysis, accountancy, investigations, public policy and beyond –
from across the UK and overseas - in a genuinely multidisciplinary team. I’ve also been supported to develop my expertise further through a great training offering, underpinned by a culture of learning – and the ability to connect with our wider stakeholders, such as through the TRA Stakeholder Forum.
This also makes for an inclusive place to work - and joining as a senior lawyer has given me opportunities to feed into this as part of our senior managers group, helping shape the culture and direction of the organisation as a senior leader.
I’ve also really valued the flexibility of working here – both in terms of the balance of working at home and in the office and wider approach to flexible working and leave.
Who would you recommend the role to?
To any experienced lawyer with a commitment to work in public service, a genuine interest in international trade and its relationship to UK economic interests, and an enthusiasm for developing their expertise in a multidisciplinary, delivery-focussed organisation. For anyone interested, I’d really encourage you to sign up for a chat to learn a bit more about the roles being advertised.
What else should an applicant know?
I’ll be available for informal conversations with those interested in applying about the TRA’s Legal team up until 30 January 2026. Please email jamie.munk@traderemedies.gov.uk to arrange one.
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