Trainee Solicitor
London Borough of Hillingdon
About the role
At Hillingdon Council, our in-house Legal Services team operates at the leading edge of local government practice. Every day, our lawyers put residents first, protecting the most vulnerable, prosecuting offences, tackling antisocial behaviour and supporting major planning, property and contractual matters.
We also handle complex and high-profile litigation where decisions have a direct impact on our communities.
As a Trainee Solicitor, you will undertake real legal work alongside experienced lawyers across a wide range of practice areas, including:
- Property
- Housing
- Civil litigation
- Contracts and procurement
- Adult and children’s social care
- Education
- Planning
- Licensing
You will gain hands-on experience and develop key professional skills, including legal research, drafting, communication, organisation, time management and client care.
This is a varied and practical training contract that will give you exposure to the full breadth of local government law.
About You
We are offering three training contracts to candidates who have completed the LPC and share our commitment to putting residents first.
- Two roles are available to start as soon as possible before August 2026
- One role will start after August 2026
You will be motivated, adaptable and keen to develop your legal career within a public sector environment.
What You’ll Gain
Over the two-year training contract, you will build experience across key areas of local government law, including childcare, education, planning, housing, landlord and tenant, and homelessness.
You will also gain a strong understanding of how legal services support the delivery of essential public services and improve outcomes for residents.
Why Join Us
At Hillingdon, we recognise that there are many pathways into a legal career. We are committed to developing your skills, supporting your progression and providing a structured and supportive training environment.
This is an excellent opportunity to start your legal career in a role that is both challenging and genuinely impactful.
Proposed interview dates: to be confirmed
About us
- We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work-life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.Here’s a comprehensive overview of the fantastic benefits we provide:
- Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
- 36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36-hour workweek for all full time staff.
- Generous Holiday Entitlement – increasing with length of service (for non-casual roles).
- Hillingdon Sports & Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
- Salary Sacrifice Schemes – option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
- Cycle to Work – Eco-friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
- Local Government Pension Scheme – access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
- Vivup Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Vivup Benefits.
- Mental Health Support and Counselling Services – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Access free 24-hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
- Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly.
The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities.
Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected, able to give their best and be themselves at work, whilst contributing meaningfully to our organisation's success.
Recruitment Information
Hillingdon Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities that meet the essential criteria for the role and wish to be considered under this scheme. We believe in the option to choose, so candidates declaring a disability have the choice to opt in for consideration under this scheme, on a ‘per application’ basis.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2019 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
In addition to verifying Right to Work in the UK and a new starter health questionnaire, the post is subject to the following pre-employment screening:- Standard DBS Check
- Qualifications Check
- 5 years of Referencing
Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.
It may be necessary due to a high volume of applications to close this role early. We therefore recommend you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.