Main Purpose of the Role
Working within Perth & Kinross Council is more than a job, it's about being part of something meaningful. It's about being part of an organisation that puts people at the heart of all we do and provides opportunities to make a real difference by enhancing every life we touch.
We currently have the following opportunity:
Trainee Solicitor, Perth PKC12893
£26,090 - £36,508 (Fixed Term for 2 years)
2 High Street, Perth PH1 5PH
We are looking for a trainee solicitor to join the Council's Legal and Governance Services. The post is within the Property, Planning & Infrastructure Team which delivers legal services to support a wide range of Council's functions.
This includes the Council’s functions as the planning, housing and roads authority. The work will include a range of property work relating to the acquisition, sale and leasing of property as well as work associated with the Council’s responsibilities relating to roads, planning, environmental health, housing and flooding.
The team is regularly required to provide advice to client services and the trainee role will assist with that advice work. You will be working closely with surveyors in the Estates Team as well as other professions, including landscape architects, planning, housing and environmental health officers. There are also opportunities to become involved in the wider work of Legal and Governance Services such as advising Committees and Councillors.
Skills & Experience Required
We are looking for someone who has a genuine interest and commitment to a career in local government and in the areas of work covered by the team.
You should be able to demonstrate an awareness of public administration law, whether through education, knowledge or experience.
You will also have an interest in the wider social, economic and political environment within which the Council works.
You will be part of a supportive and dynamic team which is committed to delivery of high quality legal advice and support to clients.
You will have good written and verbal communications skills, with the ability to explain legal advice in plain English.
You will be professionally curious, able to think creatively to support clients and focused on finding solutions to problems.
You will be able to work closely with those from other disciplines, developing trusted relationships.
You will have an ability to direct your own learning, to develop knowledge and understanding of both the law relevant to the Team's work and the business needs of clients.
You will be accurate and pay attention to detail.
You will have strong persuasion/negotiation skills which you are able to use in a positive and respectful way, when working with clients and external agencies.
You will be able to work under pressure, juggling different demands, and maintaining an organised workload.
You will be a team player, working closely with colleagues to ensure that the team’s commitments are met, sharing ideas and supporting each other to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
You must have an LLB or equivalent and completed the Diploma in Legal Practice/PEAT 1. For the right candidate this is an opportunity to develop a rewarding career in both local government and in these areas of law as there may be an opportunity to apply for a permanent post on satisfactory completion of the traineeship. A trainee will have access to training and support within a supportive, committed and experienced team.
An application form to the Law Society for an Entrance Certificate must be completed and submitted at least four weeks before the start date of training.
Law Degree and Diploma In Legal Practice
Working at Perth & Kinross Council
Our influence our work and support us in the delivery of our key priorities. In your application, and should you be invited to interview, you will be asked to describe situations that support the criteria required in the role and which also demonstrate our. Find out more about Perth & Kinross Council and you could soon be joining our team!
Here's what we can offer you :
* A generous annual leave package
* 6 days public holiday and an additional discretionary day
* Eligibility to join our pension scheme
* Family friendly and positive work/life balance policies such as Flexible Working, Maternity, Paternity & Adoption leave, time off for volunteering and our Wellbeing Framework
* Flexi time
* Access to a range of benefits
We recognise there can be benefits to flexible working and where individual jobs allow, we seek to support this. You are encouraged to discuss potential options with the recruiting manager, if this is of interest to you. A healthy work life balance is important to us and we provide supportive management and, where possible, flexible working arrangements to help you achieve that balance. You will have access to training and support for continued professional development.
For purposes of connection and collaboration with colleagues and with the community we serve, our full-time employees work on site for a minimum of 2 days per week with the arrangements for part time employees being agreed on a basis which will ensure that they benefit to an equivalent degree. Our FAQs on hybrid working can be found here Hybrid working FAQs. We are committed to being a more inclusive employer - to ensure we can consider any reasonable adjustments, please either contact the recruiting manager to discuss any individual circumstances, discuss at interview or, if you prefer, after any conditional offer is made.
Next Steps
We would love to hear from you and would encourage you to get in touch with Geoff Fogg, Legal Manager on his email address: gfogg@pkc.gov.uk to find out more.
Click “APPLY NOW”
External candidates are required to provide contact details for 2 references, including email addresses. One of these must be your current or most recent employer.
We welcome applications from everyone and as a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to interview applicants who declare a disability and meet the essential requirements of the post. Please contact the hiring manager above or the Recruitment Team on (01738) 475555 or recruitment@pkc.gov.uk to discuss any reasonable adjustments. Appointments are based on evidence supplied during the selection process.
Diversity is important to us and although some of our jobs may be perceived to be traditionally gender specific, we welcome applications from everyone and would encourage you to apply if you meet the job requirements. That includes welcoming applications from former armed forces personnel/reservists. Many of the skills picked up during your military career could be transferred directly into a role with local government.
This post is subject to a Disclosure Scotland check.
If you have lived overseas for a period of 12 months or more (continuous or total) within the last 10 years, whilst over the age of 18, an Overseas Criminal Record Check will be required. You will be required to provide this check.
A confirmed offer of employment and commencement in the post will be subject to the outcome of the above mentioned mandatory pre-employment checks (including references) and will also include eligibility to work in the UK, qualifications and fitness to undertake the post.