Public administration lawyers propose special career path for 2027 Budget

The Movimento de Juristas da Administração Pública (MJAP) has submitted a proposal to the Portuguese government to establish a special career path for legal professionals within public administration. The proposal aims to be integrated into the discussions for the 2027 State Budget.

Currently, most lawyers working in public services are categorized under the general career of senior technicians, despite performing specialized legal duties. MJAP argues that this classification hinders the retention of qualified professionals, leads to a loss of institutional knowledge, and increases reliance on external legal services.

The proposed special career would cover workers in both direct and indirect state administration. As a transitional measure, the group suggests a remuneration supplement for those performing specialized legal functions. The proposal requests that the government approve a diploma defining the career structure, recruitment rules, and transition mechanisms within 180 days of the 2027 Budget taking effect.