Job Overview
We are seeking a motivated, professional and enthusiastic Second Year Trainee Solicitor to join our busy legal practice.
The successful candidate will gain substantial hands-on experience, with a particular focus on criminal law, immigration law and family law. This role is particularly suited to a trainee who wishes to develop strong advocacy and court skills and gain practical experience in managing cases and representing clients.
The position will involve regular court and tribunal work, client contact, case preparation, legal research and drafting. The trainee will work closely with experienced solicitors while progressively developing the confidence and skills required to manage their own caseload under appropriate supervision.
This is an excellent opportunity for a second-year trainee seeking meaningful responsibility and practical exposure before qualification.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Attend Sheriff Courts, Justice of the Peace Courts and other courts and tribunals, where appropriate, on behalf of clients.
- Assist with and undertake criminal court work, including summary criminal proceedings, procedural hearings, intermediate diets, trials, sentencing diets and other hearings.
- Prepare criminal cases for court, including reviewing police reports, witness statements, productions and other evidence.
- Take detailed instructions from clients in criminal matters and assist solicitors in advising clients regarding pleas, court procedure and potential outcomes.
- Assist with immigration and asylum cases, including preparation of applications, appeals and supporting evidence.
- Assist with and attend First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) hearings where appropriate.
- Prepare immigration appeal bundles, witness statements, appeal skeleton arguments, representations and other legal documents.
- Review Home Office decision letters and identify relevant factual and legal issues for challenge.
- Conduct legal research concerning the Immigration Rules, immigration legislation, Home Office guidance and relevant case law.
- Assist with family law matters, including separation, divorce, child contact and residence disputes, protective orders and other family proceedings.
- Attend family court hearings and assist with the preparation and conduct of cases.
- Meet and interview clients, obtain detailed instructions and provide appropriate advice under supervision.
- Draft legal correspondence, court documents, pleadings, applications, representations, statements and other documentation to a high professional standard.
- Liaise professionally with clients, advocates, counsel, procurators fiscal, court staff, the Home Office, HMCTS, Police Scotland and other relevant organisations.
- Conduct legal research and remain informed of developments in criminal, immigration and family law.
- Manage and progress an allocated caseload under supervision.
- Maintain accurate and organised client files and attendance notes.
- Monitor and comply with court, tribunal and procedural deadlines.
- Assist with Legal Aid applications and ensure relevant documentation is prepared and submitted accurately.
- Provide regular updates to supervising solicitors regarding the progress of cases.
- Maintain client confidentiality and comply with all applicable professional and regulatory obligations.
- Undertake other reasonable legal duties consistent with the position of a Second Year Trainee Solicitor.
Qualifications and Requirements
The successful candidate should:
- Be a current Second Year Trainee Solicitor in Scotland who is eligible to transfer and complete the remainder of their traineeship with the firm.
- Hold an LLB degree and Diploma in Professional Legal Practice .
- Have a genuine interest in criminal law, immigration law and family law.
- Have a particular interest in developing courtroom advocacy and litigation skills.
- Have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrate strong legal research, analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Be confident communicating with clients from a wide variety of backgrounds.
- Be capable of dealing professionally and sensitively with clients who may be vulnerable or facing difficult circumstances.
- Have excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
- Be capable of managing competing deadlines and prioritising work effectively.
- Be able to work independently when appropriate while recognising when supervision or guidance is required.
- Demonstrate professionalism, integrity and an understanding of client confidentiality.
- Be willing to learn, accept feedback and continue developing professional skills throughout the traineeship.
Desirable Experience
Previous experience or exposure to any of the following would be advantageous:
- Criminal defence work
- Sheriff Court or Justice of the Peace Court proceedings
- Immigration and asylum law
- Immigration appeals before the First-tier Tribunal
- Family law and family court proceedings
- Legal Aid work
- Client interviewing and taking statements
- Drafting court documents and legal representations
- Advocacy or mooting experience
- Managing or assisting with a legal caseload
What We Offer
The successful candidate will receive practical experience across criminal, immigration and family law, with significant opportunities to develop advocacy, litigation, drafting and client-management skills.
You will work alongside experienced legal professionals and receive appropriate supervision and support while being encouraged to take increasing responsibility as your experience develops.
The role provides an excellent opportunity for a Second Year Trainee Solicitor who wants genuine court exposure and practical case-handling experience before qualification.
We are looking for someone who is ambitious, dependable and committed to providing a high standard of service to clients while developing into a confident and capable solicitor.
Pay: £25,000.00-£26,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
