Trainee Solicitors - in-house - Winchester City Council

Deadline 31 January 2025

• Trainee solicitor (two posts)

Candidates must have an innovative commercial approach to ensuring the delivery of a high quality in-house legal service. Candidates must be able to work as part of a team, be flexible, enthusiastic and committed with excellent communication skills and an ability to work under pressure and prioritise workloads to meet tight deadlines.

This is an exciting opportunity for talented and enthusiastic individuals to join a committed and highly regarded in house legal team. The Winchester City Council Legal Services Team is professional, friendly and inclusive. We are employers who develop talent, encourage innovation and offer a supportive and flexible working environment.

Duties

1. Working in Legal Services assisting with the provision of quality legal services to the Council.
2. Covering all aspects of the work carried out by the Legal Services team including, civil and criminal litigation; corporate governance; freedom of information/data protection, environmental health; housing; licensing; planning; commercial and residential property, procurement and contracts.
3. Reporting to a supervising solicitor for specific pieces of work. 
4. With appropriate supervision undertaking the full range of work covered by the Legal Services team including: -

a)       Drafting documents of varying complexity relating to planning, land transactions, contractual issues, orders and other types of agreement.

b)       Assisting with litigation and appearing on behalf of the Council at appropriate Court appointments or tribunals.

c)       Giving advice and assistance to other council services.

d)       Carrying out legal research.

e)       Attending meetings, including member level meetings, to represent Legal Services and/or the Council.

f)        Carrying out instructions given by colleagues in Legal Services.

g)       Evaluating the impact on the Council’s services of new legislation and case law.

5. Developing expertise in legal issues and a personal caseload
6. Developing and maintaining effective working relationships with officers and members of the Council and with outside organisations.

Package offered:

• An excellent pension through the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Up to 31 days annual leave (depending on grade and length of services) plus eight public holidays per year
• Employee Assistance Programme providing advice and counselling services.  
• Health and leisure discounts and cycle to work scheme.