£31,067 - £32,654 per annum

2 year fixed term contract

Leeds City Council is a progressive authority which works closely with local communities and businesses to create a vibrant and economically thriving city.

We serve an outstanding Children & Families Department, and seek a trainee solicitor to be based in the Social Care Legal section.

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

About you
As a Trainee Solicitor (C3), you will bring to the role:

• good interpersonal skills,
• ability to prioritise your own workload,
• draft court documents,
• attend court with counsel and where appropriate act as an advocate at hearings and work to tight court deadlines,
• be able to work as part of a team andbe flexible, enthusiastic and committed.
• the academic qualification (Successful completion of the Legal Practice Course/SQE 1 & 2)

About the role
You will undertake legal professional work, under supervision, primarily in the area of Children Social Care law, including where/when appropriate, advocacy and preparation for hearings, with a view to covering all of the competences to qualify as a solicitor. Exposure to other areas of law will also be provided during the course of the training contract. Some clerical duties may also be required.

As our Trainee Solicitor (C3), you actively support the delivery of the Council strategic objectives as set out in the Best Council Plan.

The role is integral to our Social Care Legal team. You will be supported by an experienced team of Principal Legal Officers, Legal Officers and Legal Assistants; with supervision and management by a Team Leader.

What we offer you
We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

• a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
• a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further
• attendance upon the Professional Skills Course.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role contact Safeena Koshar (Team Leader) on 0113 3789101 or in her absence Rebecca Roberts (Section Head) on tel:0113 3789134 or email at safeena.koshar@leeds.gov.uk or rebecca.roberts@leeds.gov.uk

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying.To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least *GBP*38,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job Description
Job purpose to undertake legal work for and on behalf of Social Care Legal, including where appropriate, advocacy and preparation for hearings. Some clerical duties may also be required.

To carry out legal work primarily within the team and section named above but the post holder could be required to carry out work within other teams or sections in Legal Services.

Responsibilities

• To provide advice as appropriate.
• To assist Officers in Legal Services with legal work
• Drafting documents - including drafting, issuing and serving Court documents.
• Preparing cases for hearing in Courts, including drafting letters, taking witness statements, collating and redacting evidence, arranging for the attendance of witnesses at Court and preparing Instructions to Counsel.
• Attendance at Courts with Counsel.
• To undertake legal research.
• Post-Court work to inform Clients of outcomes.
• Maintaining and operating computerised systems.
• Dealing with enquiries/correspondence from external solicitors, the court and other agencies.
• The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.

Qualifications

• Qualifying Law Degree or successful completion of the Graduate Diploma in law.
• Successful completion of the Legal Practice Course/SQE 1 & 2

Essential requirements
It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post. Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate that they meet all the essential requirements.

• To draft and prepare clear and concise documents, including statements, briefs to counsel, and correspondence.
• To relate effectively to people at different levels inside and outside the Council.
• To work and communicate effectively as a member of a team.
• To prioritise and organise workload.
• To possess or have the ability to develop IT skills.
• To work within time constraints.
• To work with minimum supervision within a supportive environment.
• To grasp and assimilate new information quickly.
• To deal sensitively with situations involving people who are experiencing distress or personal or other difficulties.
• To adopt a flexible approach.
• To express concepts and ideas clearly.
• To negotiate with external organisations (including legal and other professional representatives and Court Officers).
• Knowledge of office procedures and practice.
• Knowledge of relevant research tools.
• Experience of using IT systems such as Windows (Word, Excel, Databases).
• Experience of organising and planning own work with minimum supervision.
• Experience of dealing with enquiries and correspondence from a wide range of people.
• Experience of working as a member of a team.

Closing date: 27 July 2025 @ 23:30
Interviews will take place during w/c 1 September 2025

For further information or to apply, please click on the 'Enquire/Apply' button below.