East Staffordshire is a great mix of town and country. The capital of the National Forest, the St George’s Park FA Centre and a rich brewing heritage can all be found in the borough, as can beautiful countryside and interesting villages. The Council offices and Town Hall are based in Burton upon Trent. It’s a great place to live, work and enjoy life.

Looking for a brilliant opportunity that works to your strengths and develops your skills? Join East Staffordshire Borough Council to take up this truly unique opportunity within our Legal Services team as a Trainee Solicitor and be an integral part of what we do here at the Council.

Reporting to the Borough Solicitor and the Principal Solicitor, you will assist with the delivery of legal advice to the Council on a wide range of legal and governance matters. As a Trainee Solicitor you will undertake work across a variety of Council legal matters, this includes but is not limited to: Litigation, Property, Contracts, and Planning.

Local Government Law is wide, there is a lot we cover as a department so expect to be undertaking a range of legal work unique to local government in addition to the four primary areas. There will also be plenty of research so that your understanding of Local Government Law continues to develop.

Your role will see you assist at committees, magistrates or county court hearings. Part of your training will encompass the sale and lease of property, drafting planning agreements, assisting with asset management, negotiating contracts, reviewing Freedom of Information or Data Protection matters and much more.

We are looking for Trainee Solicitor ready to continue their journey on the road to be a fully qualified Solicitor.

You will have strong communication skills and be confident in advising officers and other members. You will also be committed, flexible and adaptable to the needs of the department.

This is a 2 year Fixed Term Contract.

East Staffordshire Borough Council has a commitment to the Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  Successful applicants will be required to undertake a basic Disclosure and Barring Service check.  

Our attractive benefits package includes the Local Government Pension Scheme; flexible working hours; homeworking; development opportunities and free car parking.  The Burton Town Hall is also located close to the train station.  

The Council is actively building diverse teams and welcomes applications from everyone, including people of different age, sex, gender, ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation.  ESBC is a Disability Confident Employer.  

Supporting documents
Job Description & Person Specification
Employment of Related Persons Policy
Policy Statement on the Recruitment of Ex-offenders