Job Description
Trainee Solicitor (18/908) (Fixed Term)
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Dumfries
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Band 6 Year 1: Salary placing £32,925
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Band 7 Year 2: Salary placing £35,853
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Traineeship Commences: 11 January 2027
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Dumfries and Galloway Council is delighted to be recruiting a Trainee Solicitor to start in January 2027.
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This post is fixed term for up to 2 years.
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This post may be suitable for secondment. Agreement from your line manager must be sought before applying for this post.
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Working in-house for a local authority offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience across a broad range of legal disciplines in a political environment, reflecting the diverse services delivered by the Council. During the two-year traineeship, the successful candidate will work within both our Court and Licensing Team, and our Commercial Planning and Property Team, working on a wide variety of legal matters and developing the skills and professional experience required to qualify as a solicitor.
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During your traineeship, you will develop strong working relationships with elected members and clients and colleagues across a range of Council services that deliver key functions to the wider community, including education, social work, procurement, property, planning, economy, environmental services, roads and infrastructure. Your work and advice will contribute to the delivery of the Council’s wider objectives. You will gain experience in areas including litigation, education, social work, employment, commercial transactions and disputes, information governance, planning, property transactions and licensing, as well as providing strong support to our elections team. This will provide a strong foundation for your future career as a solicitor whether in a public or private sector setting.
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Throughout your traineeship, you will undertake meaningful and varied legal work, taking increasing responsibility for your own workload while always receiving appropriate supervision, support and guidance, all with a view to you achieving the PEAT 2 outcomes.
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Requirements\n
The successful candidate will be able to work collaboratively as part of a team, will be able to manage a varied workload, and will be clear and effective communicators.
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Candidates successful in securing an interview should note that we employ a competency-based framework. We will expect responses to follow the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) methodology to demonstrate your relevant skills and experience.
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The successful post holder must:
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Hold a degree preferably in Scots Law, or equivalent, and Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice.
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Requirements
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Have a good knowledge of the broad principles of Scots Law.
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Have strong personal commitment to the delivery of first-class services.
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Be able to build and sustain positive working relationships with all stakeholders.
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Strong written and oral communication skills
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Be ambitious, energetic and highly motivated.
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Be enthusiastic and self-disciplined, exhibiting good personal organisation and time management.
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Have good listening skills and ability to deliver outcome/client focussed service.
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Be visible, approachable, and accessible.
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Have high standards of both personal and professional ethics, integrity, and credibility.
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Be aware of your own strengths and weaknesses and committed to addressing areas of development.
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Be calm under pressure, respond constructively to criticism with high levels of resilience.
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Have strong IT skills.
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Have strong research skills.
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Be willing to learn and be part of a team.
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Be capable of working collaboratively with other Council services / officers to delivery Council priorities.
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Some knowledge/experience of the following is desirable:
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Some experience of working in a legal environment.
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Some experience of working in a public sector environment.
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Some experience of working with people in a team environment
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Responsibilities\n
With an exciting benefits package, working for Dumfries and Galloway Council supports you to invest in your own health and wellbeing. Employees have access to our bespoke Vivup platform with over 800 discounts on everyday essentials from top UK retailers, restaurants, utility providers and more. Employees also get access to membership of The Local Government Pension Scheme (Scotland) exclusive discounts from local businesses, a Cycle-to-Work scheme, financial support from My Money Matters, and guidance from our trained Wellbeing Champions.
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Here at Dumfries and Galloway Council we are committed to equality, diversity and equal opportunity with our values, which include treating everyone with dignity, fairness and respect, driving us to tackle inequality. We are looking for people that can bring different perspectives and experiences and especially welcome applications from those who are underrepresented in our organisation.
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For further information please contact
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Ben Thom
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Principal Solicitor - Court and Licensing
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Telephone: 07407827443
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Email: Ben.Thom@dumgal.gov.uk
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or
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Laura Whitelaw
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Principal Solicitor - Commercial, Planning and Property
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Telephone: 07824545252
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Email: Laura.Whitelaw@dumgal.gov.uk
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Trainee Solicitor - DGA13793 in Dumfries employer: Dumfries and Galloway Council
Stranraer Academy is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where teachers can thrive. With a strong focus on professional development and a commitment to equality and diversity, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while contributing to the vibrant community of Stranraer. The school also provides a generous benefits package, including access to discounts and a significant relocation package, making it an attractive place for educators seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
Dumfries and Galloway Council Recruitment Team
