Job Description

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. With offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and London, 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 2026. 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 satisfactory performance, vacancies at the end of your traineeship and success in a formal assessment centre.

Responsibilities

RESPONSIBILITIES

Legal research and analysis.
Drafting skills.
Assisting with instruction of counsel.
Preparation of written legal notes.
Working with policy colleagues.
Supporting qualified legal staff in all of the above.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates must have an LLB in Scots Law from a provider accredited by the Law Society of Scotland before commencing their traineeship. Candidates are also required to have completed a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice before commencing their traineeship.

Success Profile

Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on.

Technical / Professional Skills

Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of public law and its practical application to government.
The ability to make and clearly explain decisions based on your analysis of relevant evidence.

Experience

Experience in organising and managing your own workload in a flexible way to respond to competing and changing priorities and deadlines.

Behaviours

Communicating and influencing - Level 2.
Working Together - Level 2.

You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here .

How To Apply

Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 750 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation.

Assessments are scheduled for March 2025 however this may be subject to change.

About Us

The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles.

Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service , working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland.

We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer .

As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules .

Working Pattern

Our standard hours are 35 hours per week. We offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options depending on the needs of the role. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.

Equality Statement

We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.

Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.

Further information

Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website .

Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.

Apply before: 27 January 2025 (23:59)

The Scottish Government jobs

Legal Trainee