Legal Trainee
| Posting date: | 05 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £33,754 to £37,636 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 26 January 2026 |
| Location: | EH6 6QQ |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 2 days per week |
| Company: | Scottish Government |
| Job type: | Temporary |
| Job reference: | 2485 |
Summary
Are you looking for a legal traineeship that offers a unique and stimulating start to your legal career, working right at the heart of government?
Government Legal Service for Scotland (GLSS) provides legal services to central government, advising on policy, legislation, and functions, including human rights, constitutional law, and private law. We represent the Scottish and UK governments in courts, tribunals, and inquiries, supporting the implementation of devolved powers like social security. Our legal work is varied, topical and rewarding.
We are recruiting for two-year traineeships commencing in September 2027. Your training will involve high quality, often high profile, work covering a wide range of legal issues that impact our society in Scotland. There will be opportunities to work in a variety of GLSS offices, as well as the possibility of secondment in the second year to a private practice firm or to the Office of Solicitor to the Scottish Parliament.
There may be the possibility of a permanent role after the traineeship subject to vacancies being available and your success in a formal assessment centre.
Responsibilities
Conduct legal research and analysis.
Drafting skills.
Assist with the instruction of counsel.
Prepare written legal notes.
Work with policy colleagues.
Support qualified legal staff in all of the above.
Government Legal Service for Scotland (GLSS) provides legal services to central government, advising on policy, legislation, and functions, including human rights, constitutional law, and private law. We represent the Scottish and UK governments in courts, tribunals, and inquiries, supporting the implementation of devolved powers like social security. Our legal work is varied, topical and rewarding.
We are recruiting for two-year traineeships commencing in September 2027. Your training will involve high quality, often high profile, work covering a wide range of legal issues that impact our society in Scotland. There will be opportunities to work in a variety of GLSS offices, as well as the possibility of secondment in the second year to a private practice firm or to the Office of Solicitor to the Scottish Parliament.
There may be the possibility of a permanent role after the traineeship subject to vacancies being available and your success in a formal assessment centre.
Responsibilities
Conduct legal research and analysis.
Drafting skills.
Assist with the instruction of counsel.
Prepare written legal notes.
Work with policy colleagues.
Support qualified legal staff in all of the above.