Priority Candidates will be considered in the first instance Wigan Town Hall/Hybrid Working Library Street Wigan WN1 1YN Salary: Legal Trainee Pathway (Grade 5/6/7 whilst training with a commencement salary based on pre-existing qualifications which result in examination exemptions). Substantive Grade 8 Lawyer role upon successful completion of studies and satisfactory work performance. 37 hours per week We're on a journey to build a workforce reflective of our Borough. We are committed to fostering diverse teams where everybody can bring their authentic selves to work and feel that they belong. If you want to work for a Council where everybody is encouraged to meet their full potential and make a difference in our neighbourhoods, we would love to hear from you! Legal Trainee Pathway Trainee Solicitor Corporate Your roles (seats) will be in the Corporate Team with a specific focus on Litigation, Licensing and Regulation as the substantive role will operate in this area. Your role: The Legal Trainee Pathway is a bespoke training, work program with a phased renumeration package for Trainees with an ethos of learn with us, grow with us and stay with us. As a Pathway Trainee you will be part of a client focussed and outcomes driven legal and democratic function. You will operate in the areas of law including Criminal Litigation, Civil Litigation, Licensing, Regulation, Planning and Highways matters. You will work closely with client officers, Elected Members, partner organisations and other key stakeholders to assist them in the delivery of their service objectives and priorities. You will handle a personal legal caseload under supervision and assisting colleagues with their cases. You will draft legal documents engaging in negotiations with parties as appropriate and prepare proceedings on behalf the Council and attending court as appropriate. You will also be required to undertake legal research on behalf of colleagues, gather evidence and documentation and liaising with key stakeholders including external solicitors, barristers and courts. You will advise, prepare and conduct proceedings on behalf of the Council, acting as an advocate for the Council at court, tribunals, inquiries and other statutory and legislative hearings and attend meetings with committees and panels. About you: The pathway is a fantastic opportunity for individuals who are looking for a career in Local Government law with a guaranteed Lawyer role upon qualification subject to successful academic and work performance. For the Trainee Solicitor Pathway you will need to have: Grade 7 Grade 8 Essential Qualifying Law Degree Completion Legal Practice Course Upon completion of Training Contract You will gain knowledge and experience of the areas of law in the Corporate Team including Criminal Litigation, Civil Litigation, Licensing, Regulation, Planning and Highways matters. You will be able to handle a personal legal caseload under supervision and assisting colleagues with their cases drafting legal documentation, engage in negotiations and prepare proceedings on behalf of the Council. You will be able to operate in a pressurised and deadline driven environment and be able to provide legal advice to assist and guide clients when making decisions. You will co-work cases and handle a legal caseload under supervision. You will also be required to undertake legal research on behalf of colleagues, gather evidence and documentation and liaise with external stakeholders including external solicitors, barristers and courts. You will be required to make satisfactory progress towards your qualification as a lawyer within the team. About us: Wigan Council has been voted Overall Council of the Year at the APSE (Association for Public Service Excellence) Awards. We are signed up to the Greater Manchester Continuous Service Commitment ensuring that your service will be continuous or 'unbroken' between the supporting organisations. The Progress with Unity plan is a place movement for change for the next decade, bringing a new era for Wigan Borough. It draws on the strengths of our individual organisations, recognising that together we can achieve much more for our communities by delivering on our 2 place missions; create fair opportunities for all children, families, residents and businesses and make our towns and neighbourhoods flourish for those who live and work in them. Our Legal team provides high quality legal advice to Senior Leaders, Elected Members, Council Officers, partner organisations and other key stakeholders across the public and private sector on a range of legal matters. We aim to offer services which are good value for money, innovative in their approach and delivery, risk aware not risk averse and open to doing things differently. We adopt a collaborative approach with all our clients ensuring we are embedded in all their processes and decision making. We are committed to the continuous professional development of our staff which includes the payment of professional fees, a wide range of training opportunities and potential for management development. Our commitment to continuous professional development has seen us shortlisted for the Lawyers in Local Government Excellence in training award 2024. Here at Wigan, we are proud to support flexible working patterns, when the service can accommodate this. We also take a blended approach to where we work, depending on the work we do. This may include working from home, the office, or the community. We like to thank our employees for their hard work and commitment by giving them the opportunity to access a range of exclusive rewards and benefits click here to find out more about working for TeamWigan. To be appointed to this role you must be able to prove your right to work in the UK. Please visit the link below to check you qualify to apply. Please note, at present we are not a licenced sponsor. Prove your right to work to an employer: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Prove your right to work to an employer For an informal discussion please contact Alison Henderson, Group Lawyer via email a.henderson@wigan.gov.uk Interview date: W/C 30th July 2025 To view the details relating to this position, please click the links below: