At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Trainee Solicitor and develop your legal skills in various specialist areas.
- Company: City of Edinburgh Council, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, first-class training, and flexible working options.
- Other info: We value respect, integrity, and flexibility in our workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while gaining invaluable experience in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must have an LLB and Diploma in Legal Practice by September 2026.
The predicted salary is between 30188 - 34452 £ per year.
Trainee Solicitor – fixed term 2 year contract
Location: Waverley Court, City of Edinburgh Council.
Salary: £30,188 - £34,452
Hours: 36 per week
We offer a varied and challenging Legal Traineeship where you will have the opportunity to develop skills in a range of specialist areas. You will benefit from first class training and support and enjoy working in a busy but supportive environment.
We welcome applications from potential trainees who have an LLB or equivalent and have obtained a Diploma in Legal Practice that will be valid for the start of your traineeship in around September 2026. We will not interview candidates who have applied and been interviewed for a traineeship in previous years. Successful candidates will be invited to interview in July 2026.
This position is subject to Standard Disclosure check. Where an individual has spent a continuous period of 3 months or more out with the UK in the last 5 years, an Overseas Criminal Record Check will be required. You will be required to provide this check. An unconditional offer of employment and commencement in the post will be subject to the outcome of both these pre-employment checks being deemed satisfactory.
Equality and Diversity
We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone feels valued and able to be their best. We particularly encourage applications from women for senior roles, as well as people from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities or neurodivergent people, care experienced people, carers and LGBT+ people across all levels of the organisation, all of whom are currently underrepresented. All applicants will be considered fairly based on skills and experience. Disabled and care-experienced applicants who meet the minimum job criteria will be guaranteed an interview.
As part of our goal to improve organisational culture and create a great place to work together for the people of Edinburgh, we want to make sure we're recruiting the best people. We’re interested not only in your skills and experience but also in your approach to work. Therefore, part of our interview process will be an assessment of how you would bring our behaviours of Respect, Integrity and Flexibility into your ways of working.
Our salary range typically reflects the initial starting salary and annually increases until it reaches the top of the range. Happy to talk flexible working.
Trainee Solicitor - Waverley Court employer: The City of Edinburgh Council
The City of Edinburgh Council is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and supportive environment for Trainee Solicitors at Waverley Court. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees benefit from first-class training, opportunities for professional growth, and a culture that values respect, integrity, and flexibility. This role not only provides a competitive salary but also the chance to contribute meaningfully to the community while developing essential legal skills in a vibrant city.
Contact Details:
The City of Edinburgh Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Solicitor - Waverley Court
✨Join Local Law Societies
Get involved with local law societies in your area. These groups often host networking events, workshops, and panels that can provide insider insights and potential job leads. It’s a great way to meet professionals who can vouch for you!
✨Leverage University Resources
Swing by your uni’s career centre and see what they’ve got on offer for law students. They usually have connections with firms looking for trainees, and can help you polish your interview skills through mock interviews. Don’t forget to ask about any upcoming recruitment fairs!
✨Connect with Trainee Alumni
Reach out to past trainees from your network or alumni groups. They can offer invaluable advice on their experiences and might even point you to firms that are hiring. Plus, you never know when a friendly face could help your application stand out!
✨Submit Direct Applications through Our Website
Don't wait around for listings! If you’ve got your heart set on a certain firm like The City of Edinburgh Council, drop them a direct application through their website. Tailor your cover letter to reflect your passion for law and what you can bring to their team!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Solicitor - Waverley Court
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Acumen:Make sure your CV highlights your knowledge of legal principles and any relevant coursework. This is super important for a trainee role, so if you've got any practical experience like mooting competitions or internships, be sure to include those to show us what you've learned in practice!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Let us know why legal services excite you and detail your motivation for wanting to be a trainee with us at The City of Edinburgh Council. Share any unique experiences or insights you've had that relate to our work — we love to see passion!
Demonstrate Your Research Skills:As part of a legal team, strong research skills are key. If you've conducted any legal research during your studies or previous roles, mention specific cases or legal documents you've worked with. Including these details can set you apart from other candidates applying for your trainee spot.
Tailor Your Documents to Us:When applying through our website, make sure you're tailoring your CV and cover letter specifically for the role at The City of Edinburgh Council. Use our job posting as a guide to emphasize the skills and qualifications that align perfectly with the trainee position — it shows us you're keen and have done your homework!
How to prepare for a job interview at The City of Edinburgh Council
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Get ready to showcase your understanding of key legal concepts and principles relevant to the field. Brush up on areas like contract law or torts, as you might encounter some scenario-based questions during your interview. It’s not just about memorising; be prepared to discuss how you'd apply these principles in real-world situations, which will highlight your analytical skills.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In legal interviews, your ability to conduct thorough research is essential. Be prepared to discuss how you approach case studies or legal precedents. You might also be asked about tools like Westlaw or LexisNexis, so having some familiarity with these platforms can really set you apart.
✨Emphasise Your Enthusiasm for Learning
As a trainee, companies like The City of Edinburgh Council want to see your passion for the law and eagerness to learn. Bring up any relevant coursework, internships, or voluntary work during your studies. This shows that you're proactive and ready to embrace the challenges of the legal world.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect a few behavioural questions that probe your problem-solving and teamwork skills. Examples might relate to how you've handled conflict in a group project or dealt with tight deadlines. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly, making it easy for the interviewers to see your thought process.
