At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a Trainee Solicitor, working on exciting legal cases in Education and Childcare.
- Company: Legal Services Lincolnshire, a supportive local authority legal practice.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and a great pension scheme.
- Other info: Hybrid working options and strong professional development support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while developing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Must have completed or be eligible for LPC or SQE.
The predicted salary is between 30024 - 32597 £ per year.
Job Introduction
Trainee Lawyers – Education, Employment & Prosecutions (specifically SEN) Team and Childcare Team
Fixed term contract for Two Years
Starting August/September 2026
Salary: £30024 - £32597
Location: Lincoln (Hybrid)
Job closes: 17th June 2026
Interviews: 2nd & 3rd July 2026
About the Roles
LSL are actively planning for the future lawyers within local government in the areas of Education, Employment and Prosecutions (specifically in the area of Special Educational Needs (SEN)) and the Childcare Departments. As part of this process we are looking for two Trainee Solicitors who have a keen interest in these dynamic and fascinating areas of legal practice and someone who is interested in practising in these areas of law in the future.
You will be working within a friendly and supportive team environment where your professional development will be nurtured and appreciated.
- For the SEN Trainee role, you will be involved with appeals to the SEN Tribunal, including advice and preparation of the appeals along with advocacy at the Tribunal itself. The role will also provide an opportunity to be involved in wider advice to the SEND Team, including training of caseworkers.
- Within the Childcare Trainee role, you will be involved with advising Children's Services across the County on all aspects of Child Safeguarding, both pre-proceedings and within Court Proceedings. You will also have the opportunity to develop your skills in other aspects of Children law, such as Adoption, some elements of Private Law Children Proceedings (where there is the involvement of Children's Services) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards for under 18's.
Accordingly, we are looking to primarily grow our own Special Educational Needs and Childcare lawyer, so a significant part of the training contract will be within those areas of practice. The successful candidate will therefore be required to demonstrate advocacy skills and a willingness to undertake advocacy.
However, in order to comply with the Law Society requirements, the successful candidate will not be based exclusively in the Education, Employment & Prosecutions or Childcare teams and will have an opportunity to gain substantial pre-qualification experience in other areas of contentious and non-contentious Local Government legal practice with the aim of developing public sector lawyers with a strong working knowledge of the practice of law in local government.
About You
We are looking for candidates who will have commenced or completed their LPC at the time of commencing the training contract or are eligible and committed to qualifying via the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route. From the commencement of your training contract you will be a fee earner within our practice. You will have a strong academic record, be organised and committed, with good communication and inter-personal skills with an interest in pursuing a career in local government.
We will provide you with excellent training and support, the opportunity to take on responsibility from an early stage (including advocacy) and strong foundations for your future career.
About Us
Legal Services Lincolnshire is a local authority shared legal practice providing a full range of legal services to local authorities and public bodies. The main areas of our work include public law, property, highways and planning, commercial, adult care, prosecutions, civil litigation and childcare. We are organised as a trading unit following private practice disciplines and with LEXCEL accreditation.
What can we offer you?
As well as the satisfaction of helping improve thousands of lives across Lincolnshire, you can look forward to an environment that encourages a healthy balance between your work life and your personal life. You will also enjoy a generous annual leave entitlement and membership of the excellent Local Government Pension Scheme. In addition, you can choose from a number of staff benefits and discount schemes.
Closing date for applications: 17th June 2026
Interview date: 2nd and/or 3rd July 2026
For further information on post contact Leigh Middleton, Principal Lawyer, 07825 357875
Due to recent changes in immigration law in the UK we are unable to offer skilled worker visa sponsorship for this role as it does not meet the requirements.
If you would like an open and informal discussion regards this role then please contact; Leigh Middleton via email Leigh.Middleton@lincolnshire.gov.uk
PLEASE NOTE: It is imperative that your personal statement clearly states why you have applied, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role as set out in the Job Description (attached on LCC jobs Site) and what you feel you can bring to this role, the team and the wider County Council.
Please refer to our Job Information Pack here to support you in your application.
On occasion we receive significantly more applications than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward. Please also note: once an application is submitted it is final and cannot be amended. If you withdraw your application, it cannot be reinstated and you will not be able to submit another application for that vacancy.
If you have an issue with your submitted application, please contact recruitment@lincolnshire.gov.uk.
We operate a talent pool scheme whereby candidates who are not successful on this occasion may be considered for a period of up to 3 months for equal positions.
Lincolnshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
A Smarter Working Employer
We have embraced new ways of working and hybrid working will be a feature of this role. You will be given a nominated contractual work base and you will be required to commute to this work base when necessary. Working arrangements regarding hybrid working will be discussed as part of the appointment process. Our technology platform and equipment is very good enabling you to connect and collaborate remotely. We require that you have in place good connectivity, and we will discuss during the recruitment process if support with this is needed.
Our values – collaborative, adaptable, eco-conscious, supportive, and responsible – guide everything we do. We're looking for candidates who share these values and bring them to life in their work, helping us build strong teams and make a real difference in the communities we serve.
Trainee Solicitor in Lincoln employer: Lincoln
Legal Services Lincolnshire is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth of its Trainee Solicitors through a supportive and collaborative work culture. With a focus on public law and local government, employees benefit from a healthy work-life balance, generous annual leave, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, all while making a meaningful impact in the community. The hybrid working model and commitment to employee well-being further enhance the appeal of this role in Lincoln.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Solicitor in Lincoln
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Legal Services Lincolnshire and their work in Education, Employment, and Childcare law. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your advocacy skills! Since this role involves advocacy at the SEN Tribunal, consider joining a local debating society or mock trial group. It’s a great way to build confidence and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former trainees at LSL on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for standing out in the application process. Plus, it shows initiative!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need to make your application shine!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Solicitor in Lincoln
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Personal and Authentic:When writing your personal statement, make sure to express why you're genuinely interested in the Trainee Solicitor role. Share your passion for education, employment, and childcare law, and let us see your personality shine through!
Match Your Skills to the Criteria:Take a good look at the essential and desirable criteria listed in the job description. Make sure you clearly demonstrate how your skills and experiences align with what we're looking for. This is your chance to show us why you're the perfect fit!
Keep It Clear and Concise:While we love a good story, keep your application focused and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us understand your qualifications quickly and easily.
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the application process early if we receive a lot of interest. Get your application in as soon as you can through our website to avoid missing out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lincoln
✨Know Your Law
Brush up on the key areas of law relevant to the role, especially in Education, Employment, and Childcare. Familiarise yourself with recent cases or changes in legislation that could impact these fields. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to the position.
✨Showcase Your Advocacy Skills
Since advocacy is a significant part of the role, prepare to discuss any relevant experiences you have. Whether it's through mock trials, university competitions, or internships, be ready to demonstrate your ability to argue effectively and persuasively.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and the specific challenges faced in the SEN and Childcare sectors. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is right for you.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the values of the organisation—collaborative, adaptable, eco-conscious, supportive, and responsible. Think of examples from your past experiences that reflect these values and be prepared to share them during the interview.
