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Staffordshire County Council: Is it important to you to have a future that matters?
Our lawyers make a real difference in their local community. We offer unique and intellectual challenges by working on diverse cases that shape public policy, protect public interests, and support vital services, providing vital job satisfaction.
The first steps into your legal career can be daunting; however, our skilled, approachable teams are experienced and committed to developing our trainee solicitors in these initial stages and beyond, ultimately aiming to cultivate future leaders. This collaborative learning environment builds confidence and helps us create highly competent solicitors. We demonstrate our commitment to 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, reflected in our flexible and family-friendly working arrangements, along with other benefits:
* Generous annual leave allowance (27 days - increasing to 31 after 5 years of 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 policies 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.
Package Description
Main Responsibilities
You will:
1. Work and gain experience in a range of litigious and non-litigious areas of Legal Services, based for approximately six months each in four of the various teams within legal services (by agreement, such experience may also be gained at other organisations), developing skills associated with the practice and profession of a Solicitor.
2. Gain experience in areas such as Contracts, Highways, Planning, Rights of Way, Property, Adult Social Care, Education, Litigation, Employment, and Child Care, as set by business need.
3. Provide practical and effective legal advice and solutions to clients within the County Council and externally.
4. Draft briefs to Counsel for advice, prepare statements, court papers, agreements, documents, and affidavits for approval.
5. Appear in Magistrates and County Courts or other courts, Tribunals/Inquiries where appropriate, and undertake hearings in chambers, initially in relation to undefended matters.
6. Accompany lawyers or Counsel to courts or tribunals, taking notes or undertaking other relevant duties as assigned.
7. Undertake legal research.
8. Draft reports for Cabinet, Committees, and Panels as required, for approval, and attend meetings as appropriate.
9. Maintain confidentiality and observe information security, data protection, and related guidelines.
10. Use information technology and associated systems in accordance with County Council policies.
The Ideal Candidate
You will have:
* A strong academic ability
* Excellent communication and analytical skills
* A genuine enthusiasm for law and a focus to contribute positively to the Council’s culture.
We’re happy to discuss flexible working arrangements.
The post is a fixed-term contract for 2 years, with the potential for appointment as a qualified lawyer at the end of this period for the right candidate.
You will be office-based throughout the fixed-term period to benefit from training across all teams.
Please note, only applications completed online via the portal will be accepted.
Interviews will be held on the following dates; candidates should keep these free:
* Initial screening interview via Teams: 25 & 26 June 2025
* Final face-to-face interviews in Stafford: 17 & 18 July 2025, including a presentation
For more information or queries, contact Samantha Gibson, Senior Solicitor, at sam.gibson@staffordshire.gov.uk or Wendy Lofthouse at wendy.lofthouse@staffordshire.gov.uk.
Our recruitment process involves anonymised applications during shortlisting to ensure fairness. Please complete your application fully, especially the supporting statement, to highlight your suitability for the role.
About Staffordshire County Council
We are an organisation driven by values created through staff feedback and best practice, emphasizing community spirit, ambition, and a forward-looking approach. We offer a supportive working environment that promotes full potential and work-life balance.
Additional benefits include access to our rewards and benefits program, and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare, being an equal opportunities and Disability Confident employer. We also support care leavers and armed forces personnel with guaranteed interviews if criteria are met.
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