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- Tasks: Join our team as a Trainee Solicitor, tackling inquiries, litigation, and legislation monitoring.
- Company: Be part of the Independent Monitoring Authority, making a real impact on legal matters in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy tailored learning, supportive colleagues, and potential for permanent placement after training.
- Why this job: Gain diverse legal experience in a dynamic environment while contributing to significant public interest work.
- Qualifications: Minimum 2:2 honours degree required; LPC or SQE qualifications needed by September 2025.
- Other info: Fixed term role with opportunities for secondment and career progression within the legal sector.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 36000 £ per year.
Are you looking for a truly varied role where you will be involved in a range of matters including inquiries, litigation and complaints? This is an exciting time for the IMA and some of the work we have been doing includes:
- A range of litigation, including a landmark judicial review of elements of the EU Settlement Scheme, and important interventions on novel and contentious questions of interpretation of the Withdrawal Agreement.
- The IMA's first inquiry on delays in the issuing of Certificates of Application under the EU Settlement Scheme.
- Reviewing legislation from each of the different governments across the UK which cover a range of subjects including student finance, social security, immigration and the recognition of qualifications.
We are expanding our Legal team to help support this work and are looking for a Trainee Solicitor to join our current team. We are offering a truly varied role that will give wide exposure across the full range of legal matters requiring input from the IMA Legal Directorate. The role will offer a unique opportunity to develop your skills in a supportive but challenging environment.
You will work to a Senior Legal Adviser, within a current team of 9 lawyers (comprising 3 Senior Legal Advisers, 5 Legal Advisers and 1 Trainee Solicitor) within the Legal Directorate of the Independent Monitoring Authority, reporting to the IMA General Counsel. As a Trainee Solicitor, you will be expected to contribute to the successful delivery of legal services within the IMA. You can expect to assist in all aspects of the IMA's work, including in relation to inquiries, legislation monitoring, litigation, complaints in addition to contribution to the development of training materials and guidance. You will have the full support of all colleagues both from within the Legal Directorate and from colleagues across the IMA.
As part of your training, it is likely that you will be expected to undertake a short period of secondment with another public sector legal department or solicitor's firm, in order to ensure that you receive a breadth of experience of working within the legal sector. We offer any tailored learning and development required for you to thrive in this role and you have support and guidance to progress your legal career.
The Trainee Solicitor role is a fixed term appointment of up to two years. If appointed and you successfully complete the required training contract, a 24-month transitional period will apply during which you will be offered a permanent appointment as a Legal Adviser at Senior Executive Officer (SEO) grade working towards Grade 7. During the transitional period, you will be expected to successfully complete the objectives and meet the performance standards of the Grade 7 Legal Adviser Framework. In accordance with business needs, you will be provided with the support, training and opportunities to develop the skills, knowledge and expertise to achieve this goal.
You will have a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree although this does not have to be in law. Alternatively, if you hold a Certificate of Academic Standing or Equivalent Means from the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), you will be eligible to apply. Fellows and graduate members of CILEx who have satisfied the SRA's academic stage of training are also eligible.
Have either passed the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or both the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) 1 and SQE 2 by 1 September 2025. And you will be able to demonstrate the following:
- Excellent legal research skills
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- Planning and organising to deliver work to tight deadlines
- Ability to build effective working relationships with a range of colleagues and work as part of a team
Behaviours We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: Interview dates: Provisionally scheduled for 17 & 18 July 2025.
Independent Monitoring Authority (Swansea) – Trainee Solicitor employer: Young Legal Aid Lawyers
Contact Detail:
Young Legal Aid Lawyers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Monitoring Authority (Swansea) – Trainee Solicitor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Independent Monitoring Authority's recent work, especially their inquiries and litigation cases. This knowledge will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the IMA or similar organisations. They can provide valuable insights into the work culture and expectations, which can be beneficial when preparing for your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your legal research skills, as they are crucial for this role. Consider taking part in mock research exercises or workshops to enhance your ability to analyse and interpret legal documents effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you can contribute to the IMA's objectives, particularly in relation to legislation monitoring and complaints. Think about specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Monitoring Authority (Swansea) – Trainee Solicitor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Trainee Solicitor position. Familiarise yourself with the IMA's work, especially their recent inquiries and litigation cases.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the job description. Emphasise your legal research skills, communication abilities, and any experience working in a team or under tight deadlines.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should express your enthusiasm for the role and the IMA. Discuss why you are interested in this position specifically and how your background makes you a suitable candidate. Be sure to mention your academic qualifications and any relevant legal training.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Attention to detail is crucial in the legal field, so ensure your application reflects this quality.
How to prepare for a job interview at Young Legal Aid Lawyers
✨Research the IMA's Recent Work
Before your interview, take some time to read up on the Independent Monitoring Authority's recent cases and inquiries, especially the landmark judicial review of the EU Settlement Scheme. This will not only show your interest in the role but also help you engage in informed discussions during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Legal Research Skills
As a Trainee Solicitor, strong legal research skills are crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've conducted legal research in the past, and consider bringing along any relevant work or projects that showcase your abilities in this area.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Good written and verbal communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, and be ready to provide examples of how you've effectively communicated complex legal concepts to different audiences.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
The selection process will assess your behaviours, so prepare for behavioural interview questions. Think of situations where you've demonstrated teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to meet tight deadlines, and be ready to share these experiences with the interviewers.
