Trainee Solicitor (LPC/SQE)

Is it important to you to have a future that matters? 

Our lawyers make a real difference in their local community. We can offer unique and intellectual challenges, by working on diverse cases that shape public policy, protect public interests, and support vital services, offering vital job satisfaction.

The first steps into your legal career can be daunting however, our skilled, approachable teams are experienced and committed in developing our trainee solicitors in these initial stages and beyond, ultimately with the aim of them becoming future leaders. This collaborative learning environment builds confidence and helps us create highly competent solicitors. We repeatedly evidence the growing our own professionals by providing supportive, clear career pathways, and prioritising professional growth. 

A culture of wellbeing and a healthy work life balance are genuine core values for this Council, and these are reflected in our flexible and family friendly working. Along with other benefits

• Generous annual leave allowance (27 days - increasing to 31 after 5 years Continuous service, plus Bank Holidays and 2 extra statutory days)
• Annual leave purchase scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working 
• Employee travel and entertainment discounts, 
• A local government pension scheme with generous contributions  
• Optional car lease scheme 
• We also offer family friendly polices such as maternity, adoption, paternity, and parental leave.

Join our local government legal team as a trainee solicitor and help shape the future of your community and make a lasting impact. 

You will:

• work and gain experience in a range of litigious and non-litigious areas of Legal Services being based for approximately six months each, in four of the various teams within legal services (by agreement such may also be gained at other organisation) and to develop the skills associated with the practice and profession of a Solicitor
• work and experience will be gain from 4 of the following areas as set by business need; Contracts, Highways, Planning, Rights of Way, Property, Adult Social Care, Education, Litigation, Employment and Child Care
• provide practical and effective legal advice and solutions to clients within the County Council and externally
• draft briefs to Counsel for advice, prepare statements, court papers, agreements documents and affidavits for approval
• appear in the Magistrates and County Court or other courts, Tribunals/Inquiries where appropriate and undertake hearings in chambers, initially in relation to undefended matters
• accompany lawyers or Counsel to courts or tribunals, taking notes or undertaking other relevant duties as assigned
• undertake legal research
• draft reports for Cabinet, Committees and Panels as required, for approval and accompany lawyers to, or attend, Cabinet, Committee and Panel meetings, Member and officer briefings or other meetings as appropriate
• maintain confidentiality and observe information security, data protection and associated guidelines where appropriate
• use information technology and associated systems in accordance with County Council policies.

You will have:

• a strong academic ability
• excellent communication and analytical skills, 
• a genuine enthusiasm for law and the focus to contribute positively to the Council’s culture.

“We’re happy to talk flexible working”

The post is a fixed term contract for 2 years but for the right candidate we will be looking to appoint qualified lawyers in designated roles at the end of this process.

You will be office based throughout the fixed term period to take advantage of the training on offer from across all teams. 

Please be aware, only application forms completed online via the portal will be accepted. 

Interviews will be held  as below  and candidates should keep the following dates free.

• Shortlisted candidates - initial screening interview via teams -  25 & 26 June 2025
• Successful candidates - Final interviews face to face in our Stafford offices, to include a presentation – 17 & 18 July 2025

For more about the role or any general queries please email Samantha Gibson, Senior Solicitor sam.gibson@staffordshire.gov.uk. Alternatively, please contact Wendy Lofthouse at wendy.lofthouse@staffordshire.gov.uk

Our Recruitment Process: We anonymise applications during shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered. Please complete your application fully, especially the supporting statement, to highlight what you’ll bring to the role.

We are no ordinary county council:

Our Values:

The core of who we are as an organisation. Just like we all have personal values that shape our thoughts and behaviour, organisational values drive how we think and act collectively.

Our values were created and shaped by colleague feedback and national best practice and they sit at the heart of People Strategy:

We have a real sense of community spirit that brings our people together. This feeling of belonging means we are all connected to what we do and take pride in the difference we make every day for Staffordshire people. We are ambitious and our sights are set firmly on a better future.

We look forward and race ahead - that goes for your career too. 

Our benefits:

We recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive working environment where employees can achieve their full potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance. 

In addition to your salary, as a member of staff, you will have access to Our rewards and benefits - Careers at Staffordshire

Our recruitment process:

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities organisation and Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all background and communities

As part of our commitment as a Disability Confident employer, a Gold Award Armed Forces employer and our commitment to supporting care leavers - we offer a guaranteed interview as long as your application meets the minimum criteria for the post.