Trainee Solicitors | London, Leeds, Manchester, Bristol

Job Description

Creating new legislation. 

Providing legal advice to government ministers. 

Representing the government in the highest courts in the land. 

The work of government lawyers and legal trainees is challenging, unique and often headline news. 

Whether the government is creating new laws, buying goods and services, investigating mergers which could restrict competition, setting the annual budget and collecting the right amount of tax, employing people, fighting organised crime or defending its decisions in court, it needs significant levels of legal advice on a whole range of complex issues. To carry out this work, the government needs its own lawyers, who understand its business, to provide legal services to a wide client base - including a range of central government departments and other government bodies. 

The government is our sole client and everything a government does affects society in one way or another. Whether it is developing policy; creating new legislation; entering into contracts; enforcing regulation; or protecting the public by prosecuting fraud, the government needs lawyers who understand its business. It's a terrific responsibility. 

It's a responsibility we want you to share! 

This year we are offering around 50 Trainee Solicitor positions within the Government Legal Department (GLD), HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), National Crime Agency (NCA) and Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), starting in September 2027. There are also a small number of positions available for a September 2026 start.  

Whilst many of the trainee positions are based in London, departments are also offering opportunities in Manchester, Leeds and Bristol. Please note that offers will be made according to each location in merit order.