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- Tasks: Engage in exciting legal work and receive top-notch training in a supportive environment.
- Company: Join the Government Legal Profession and kickstart your legal career.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £34,695, with opportunities for growth and development.
- Other info: Dynamic roles available in Bristol, Manchester, London, and Leeds.
- Why this job: Work on significant legal issues and potentially shape the law itself.
- Qualifications: Must have a minimum 2:2 in a qualifying law degree or equivalent qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 34695 - 34695 £ per year.
Salary: Starting salary around £34,695. Salaries differ according to department and location.
Location: Bristol, Manchester, London, Leeds.
The Government Legal Profession (GLP) Legal Trainee Scheme offers you the chance to start your legal career with a legal trainee position (training contract/qualifying work experience) in the Government Legal Department (GLD), GLD Commercial, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
Whether the government is creating new laws, buying goods and services, setting the annual budget and collecting the right amount of tax, employing people, or defending its decisions in court, it needs significant levels of legal advice on a whole range of complex issues.
The Trainee Solicitor positions are based in Bristol, Manchester, London and Leeds. Please note that offers will be made in merit order. The training period will be for 2 years in duration. No account will be taken of training completed elsewhere.
Whether joining GLD, HMRC, CMA or NCA, you can expect to be fully involved in a range of interesting legal work and receive high quality training in a supportive and inclusive working environment. You will have the opportunity to build a rewarding career, working on some of the biggest legal issues of the day. The work is cutting edge, public‑serving, and often headline news. If that wasn’t enough, you may have the opportunity to make the law, not just interpret it.
Work and on‑the‑job training depends upon the department in which you are placed.
What do you need?
As you’d expect, there are some must haves. Full details can be found on our website, the minimum being that you must meet the Civil Service Nationality requirements and have obtained, or be predicted to obtain, a minimum of a 2:2 (Hons) in a qualifying law degree or undergraduate degree in a non‑law subject; or hold equivalent qualifications (e.g. CILEx) as recognised by the professional bodies.
You’ll need to have successfully completed the Graduate Diploma in Law/CPE (law conversion which covers the foundation topics in law where a degree is held in a non‑law subject); and the Legal Practice Course or Solicitor’s Qualifying Exam before the start of the role.
Please note that should you be successful you will be expected to undergo Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks as a minimum, some departments will require higher levels of National security vetting.
We recommend that you take some time navigating our careers site; we want you to be as prepared as possible for your application journey. You’ll also find more information regarding our eligibility criteria, selection process, sponsorship arrangements and where your career path can take you.
Please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/civil-service-government-legal-profession
The application process opens at 11:00 on 14 April 2026. The deadline for the online application form to be submitted is Tuesday 28 April at 12:00 (Midday) and the deadline for the Situational Judgement Test to be fully submitted is Tuesday 28 April at 15:00.
Trainee Solicitors employer: Government Legal Department
Contact Detail:
Government Legal Department Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Solicitors
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the departments you're interested in! Each one has its own vibe and focus, so do a bit of research. This will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former trainees on LinkedIn or at events. They can give you insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you. Plus, it’s a great way to learn more about the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills! Mock interviews with friends or mentors can really boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your passion for law and how you can contribute to the government’s legal work.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about eligibility and the selection process right there.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Solicitors
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role and the requirements. Familiarise yourself with the Government Legal Profession and what they’re looking for in a Trainee Solicitor. This will help us tailor your application to hit all the right notes.
Be Yourself: Let your personality shine through! We want to see who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your passion for law and why you’re excited about this opportunity. Authenticity goes a long way in making your application stand out.
Follow the Guidelines: Stick to the application guidelines provided on our website. Pay attention to word limits and formatting requirements. A well-structured application shows us that you can follow instructions and pay attention to detail, which is crucial in the legal field.
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!: Before hitting submit, give your application a thorough read. Typos and grammatical errors can distract from your message. We recommend asking a friend or mentor to review it too – a fresh pair of eyes can catch things you might miss!
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Legal Department
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on key legal principles and current issues relevant to the Government Legal Profession. Familiarise yourself with recent cases or legislation that might come up during your interview, as this shows your genuine interest in the field.
✨Understand the Departments
Each department has its own focus and challenges. Research GLD, HMRC, NCA, and CMA to understand their roles and how they contribute to the government. This will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the specific area you're applying to.
✨Practice Situational Judgement Tests
Since you'll need to complete a Situational Judgement Test, practice similar scenarios beforehand. Think about how you would handle ethical dilemmas or complex legal situations, as this will prepare you for both the test and interview questions.
✨Show Your Passion for Public Service
The work in these roles is public-serving and impactful. Be ready to discuss why you want to work in government law and how you can contribute to making a difference. Sharing personal motivations can really resonate with interviewers.