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- Tasks: Provide commercial legal advice and support to the Council's business.
- Company: Join Midlothian Council, a dynamic local authority focused on transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and comprehensive training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Law degree, Diploma in Legal Practice, and a practising certificate required.
- Other info: Guaranteed interview for eligible candidates; excellent career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 39128 - 40713 £ per year.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to work as part of a team to provide commercial legal advice and assistance across all aspects of the Council’s business. The post will be based in Fairfield House, Dalkeith although hybrid working will be available. We will also consider applications from graduates in Scots law who have a diploma in legal practice (preferably including public administration). Trainee solicitors will undergo a full range of CPD, training and study (PEAT 2) prior to developing their career in the hugely varied and professionally rewarding local authority environment. A trainee solicitor would be recompensed at Grade 4 (£29,586.06 to £30,713.14) during the traineeship but would be moved onto Grade 7 on qualification.
KNOWLEDGE
It is essential that the postholder possesses a Law degree, post graduate Diploma and a practicing certificate from the Law Society. Organisational knowledge, interpersonal skills, an understanding of public sector legal issues. The jobholder should be aware of the initiatives which affect council services in order to be aware of the pressures and influencing factors on the client before giving legal advice.
CLOSING DATE - Wednesday 28th January 2026
INTERVIEW DATE - Week beginning 9th February 2026
Requirements
Compliance with the mandatory Cabinet Office PSN (Public Sector Network) Code of Connection requires the Council to meet a baseline personal security standard. This requires completion of a disclosure check for all employees who can access official information. The fee for this PSN Disclosure check will be met by the council. Please note that Disclosure Scotland has changed the way certificates are issued. You will be notified by email from Disclosure Scotland that your certificate is available to view. Once you have viewed your certificate you will be allowed to share this with your employer and it is only available for 14 days from the first day you have viewed the certificate. If you do not grant access to Midlothian Council to view before access is removed, a further application will need to be generated, and this will incur an additional cost.
Additional Information
Midlothian Council is currently undergoing a period of transformation, changing and improving the way it delivers services in Midlothian. As a consequence, there are a number of existing employees for whom we are committed to seeking suitable alternative employment within the Council in accordance with our legal obligations. Candidates are advised that, for some vacancies, internal candidates in this situation will be interviewed before the wider selection pool and a slightly longer delay may be experienced before application outcomes can be advised to you. Thank you for your patience in this matter. If you are a trainee of a Midlothian Council Training Programme, have a disability or you are a care experienced young person who has previously been a looked after child you are eligible for a guaranteed interview if you meet the essential criteria for the post.
Assistant Solicitor - Commercial - MID07258 in Dalkeith employer: Midlothian Council
Contact Detail:
Midlothian Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Solicitor - Commercial - MID07258 in Dalkeith
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience with local authorities. They can provide insights and might even refer you to opportunities that aren't advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Midlothian Council's recent initiatives and challenges. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their goals. Plus, it gives you great talking points during the interview!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Mock interviews can help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing your qualifications and how they align with the role of Assistant Solicitor.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing enthusiastic candidates who are keen to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Solicitor - Commercial - MID07258 in Dalkeith
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Law: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for commercial law shine through. We want to see that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely excited about the opportunity to provide legal advice in a local authority setting.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the job description. We love seeing how your background fits into our team at Midlothian Council!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate when candidates can communicate effectively, just like we do in our legal work.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Midlothian Council
✨Know Your Law
Make sure you brush up on your Scots law knowledge, especially around public sector legal issues. Understanding the specific legal frameworks that affect council services will show your enthusiasm and readiness to provide relevant advice.
✨Research the Council
Dive into Midlothian Council's current initiatives and challenges. Being aware of their transformation efforts will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
As an Assistant Solicitor, you'll need to work closely with various teams. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated and collaborated in past roles, highlighting your ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-life scenarios. Think about potential legal dilemmas you might face in a local authority setting and how you would approach them, showcasing your analytical thinking and practical application of law.
