At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our legal team to provide advice and representation in planning, housing, social work, and education.
- Company: East Renfrewshire Council, committed to community growth and support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and inclusion in the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your legal skills.
- Qualifications: Current practising certificate and experience in court or representational work required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 51000 £ per year.
East Renfrewshire Council is seeking to recruit a solicitor to join the in-house Legal team on a temporary basis to cover maternity leave. The successful candidate will be expected to work as part of a team to undertake research, provide advice and representation across all Council areas with a particular focus on the areas of planning, housing, social work and education, and to sit as legal adviser on a variety of regulatory committees.
The applicant should have a current practising certificate and the ability to research and deliver high quality, practical and timely legal advice and guidance in a professional manner whilst managing a broad personal caseload and ensuring proper prioritisation of work. Experience of court or other representational work is essential. The successful candidate should have well developed skills in written and oral communication and be able to develop and maintain good interpersonal relationships with other team members, officers of client services, Elected members and the public.
Responsibilities:- Provide research, advice and representation across Council areas with focus on planning, housing, social work and education
- Sit as legal adviser on a variety of regulatory committees
- Work as part of a team to manage a broad personal caseload and prioritise work
- Current practising certificate
- Ability to research and deliver high quality, practical and timely legal advice
- Experience of court or other representational work
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Ability to develop and maintain good interpersonal relationships with team members, officers, Elected members and the public
Depending upon the needs of the service, staff in Hybrid roles will typically work from home for up to 40-60% of the time where the needs of the service can still be met.
Please note – all applicants will be asked to provide proof of their right to work in the UK, and any offer of employment will be conditional upon verifying documentary evidence before employment commences. Further information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-work
Please note - East Renfrewshire Council does not provide Visa sponsorship.
References – during your application form completion you must provide details of a minimum of 2 referees, 1 of which should be your most recent or current employer. It is also a requirement that the referees are your previous/current managers and are not the details of work colleagues operating at the same level as you or personal referees. Only work email addresses for referees will be accepted.
Pension Scheme: Employees with a contract of employment for 3 months or more are automatically included in our Local Government Pension Scheme which is a career average scheme. Pension contribution rates are based on a tiered system determined by your annual full time equivalent pensionable pay.
Recruitment Dates:- Closing date for applications: midnight on Sunday 08 February 2026
- Shortlist date: 13 February 2026
- Interview date: 26 February 2026
If you would like an informal discussion about the post, please contact Gerry Mahon, Chief Officer – Legal and Procurement, on 07711017084.
(No agencies please).
Link to apply: https://myjobscotland.gov.uk/456428
Solicitor (Litigation) in Glasgow employer: Scottish Legal News
East Renfrewshire Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and professional growth. With the opportunity to work in a hybrid model, employees can enjoy a flexible work-life balance while contributing to meaningful projects that impact the community. The Council also provides a robust pension scheme and encourages continuous development, making it an attractive place for solicitors looking to make a difference in areas such as planning, housing, and education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solicitor (Litigation) in Glasgow
✨Get Involved in Legal Networking Events
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We think you need these skills to ace Solicitor (Litigation) in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Know-How:In the legal services world, it's all about demonstrating your understanding of relevant laws and regulations. Make sure your CV highlights your legal training, internships, or any relevant projects you've worked on. If you've done any mooting or legal research, include those too - they can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Application for the Temp Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should stress your adaptability and readiness to jump in right away. Highlight any previous temp roles where you quickly got up to speed, or any diverse experiences that show you can handle a variety of cases or tasks with ease.
Keep it Specific with Your Documents:Make sure your application includes essential legal documents, such as any relevant certifications or memberships in legal bodies. These can add credibility to your CV and show that you're serious about the profession – especially useful in a competitive field like law!
Express Your Enthusiasm in the Cover Letter:Your cover letter is a golden opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Let them know why you’re excited about this temporary position with Scottish Legal News and how you're motivated to contribute to their success during your limited time with them!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Legal News
✨Show Off Your Legal Know-How
Prepare to discuss your understanding of legal terminology and concepts that might come up during the interview for the Solicitor (Litigation) role at Scottish Legal News. Brush up on relevant laws or recent cases that could be pertinent to the temporary position, as they'll likely appreciate candidates who can think on their feet and adapt to the fast-paced legal environment.
✨Talk About Your Flexibility
Since this is a temporary role, employers want to know you can hit the ground running. Be ready to highlight past experiences where you've had to quickly adapt to new tasks or work cultures. Flexibility is key in a short-term position like this, so share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage changing priorities efficiently.
✨Prepare for the Casework Challenge
You might face hypothetical scenarios where you'd have to advise on a legal issue or case. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, as interviewers in the legal sector often expect candidates to walk them through their reasoning step-by-step. This will not only showcase your legal acumen but also demonstrate your communication skills, which are crucial in law.
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If you have any relevant work samples, such as briefs, contracts, or legal research, this is your chance to shine! Be ready to discuss what you did, what challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This speaks volumes more than just listing your skills; it shows you're proactive and results-oriented, which is essential for a temporary role at Scottish Legal News.
