About The Role This is a role with real purpose and development at its core. As a Trainee Solicitor, you will support legal work that underpins lawful, transparent and accountable decision‑making across the Council, helping to shape services and outcomes that matter to our communities. You will gain hands‑on experience across a broad range of local authority legal work, including litigation, regulatory and advisory matters, while working under close supervision and progressively increasing responsibility as your confidence and competence grow. The Litigation and Business Support Team provides legal services across a wide portfolio including civil and criminal litigation, housing, regulatory prosecutions, social services, governance, planning, property, licensing and education. This breadth is intentional and designed to equip you with a strong foundation for qualification and future progression. Responsibilities

Assist with a varied caseload across local government legal services, including litigation, regulatory work and advisory matters Support the provision of clear, timely and solution‑focused legal advice to officers and members under supervision Assist with preparation and conduct of cases in courts, tribunals, inquiries and hearings Undertake legal research to support decision‑making, casework and policy development Draft legal documents under supervision, including court pleadings, contracts, leases, notices and statutory agreements Support committees and democratic processes, helping to ensure decisions are legally robust and transparent Contribute to good governance, public law compliance and high standards of customer care Work collaboratively with colleagues across Legal Services and the wider Council

About You This role is ideal for someone at the beginning of their legal career, or considering a change in career, who is motivated to qualify as a solicitor or lawyer and develop as a confident public sector practitioner. You do not need prior local government experience. What matters most is your commitment to learning, professionalism and interest in public service and public law. You’ll bring:

A clear commitment to qualifying as a solicitor or lawyer through an accepted route (SQE, LPC/training contract, CILEX or Equivalent Means) Completion of, or progress towards completion of, the required academic stage for your chosen route An interest in public sector and local government law Strong written and verbal communication skills The ability to manage competing priorities and work accurately and methodically Willingness to learn, take responsibility and seek guidance when appropriate Confidence in using digital systems and legal technology, or a willingness to learn A collaborative, values‑led approach and strong customer focus

What we offer You will be joining a friendly, supportive and collaborative Legal Services team that is committed to developing future public sector lawyers. We offer a structured and meaningful training contract, high‑quality supervision and a working culture that supports both professional development and wellbeing.

A genuine two‑year training contract with wide‑ranging legal experience High‑quality supervision and mentoring Hybrid and flexible working arrangements Excellent pension and wellbeing support Generous annual leave (28 days) Family‑friendly policies Commitment to ongoing training and professional development Opportunities to work on meaningful, community‑impacting legal work An inclusive culture that values openness, learning and mutual support

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