Contract: 2 Years Fixed Term

Hours: 37 Full Time

Working Style: Your workstyle will be a mobile hybrid worker in this role which gives you the flexibility to work from home and from a variety of Council workplaces.

We are looking for a motivated and ambitious future lawyer to join our Legal Services team as a Trainee Solicitor. This is a fantastic opportunity to build a legal career in the public sector, working on matters that genuinely make a difference to local communities across Wales.

Our Legal Services team sits at the heart of the Council, advising on everything from governance and contracts to regeneration projects, employment law and litigation. You will gain hands‑on experience across a wide range of legal areas, supported by experienced solicitors who are committed to developing the next generation of public sector lawyers. As one colleague says, “You’re trusted with real work from day one, but you’re always supported to learn and grow.”

As a Trainee Solicitor, you will support solicitors on live legal matters, develop practical legal skills, and gain a strong understanding of how law underpins democratic decision‑making and public service delivery.

Your day‑to‑day work will typically include legal research and drafting, assisting with case files and transactions, liaising with Council officers, attending meetings, preparing legal documents, and maintaining accurate case records.

About you:

Do you have:

The ability to meet the SRA requirements for entry to a training contract, including successful completion of an SRA‑approved Legal Practice Course
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain legal issues clearly
The ability to work effectively as part of a team in a busy, fast‑paced environment
Good organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines
A practical and solution‑focused approach to problem‑solving
An awareness of public sector ethics, equality, and professional standards

About us:

We believe in rewarding and recognising our colleagues’ efforts and achievements. We also believe that there’s life at work and life outside of work. We want everyone to be healthy and happy and have the financial resources and support they need.

Choose to work for us and you’ll be rewarded with a range of attractive benefits and support to help you live your best life.

Hybrid working (in some roles) and flexible working schemes to improve your work life balance
Benefit from a competitive employee package with a remarkable 15.3% employer pension contribution
Enjoy a holiday entitlement of 25 days, increasing to 32 days after 5 years’ service (not forgetting the additional 8 bank holidays too)
Access discounted gym membership with Celtic Leisure
Utilise the cycle to work scheme with up to 40% off bikes and cycling equipment
Purchase a new car through Tusker salary sacrifice scheme
Enjoy exclusive discounts at local and national retailers with the Smart Spend app through our staff wellbeing group.

If you would like to start a rewarding career with a company that values and invests in its employees and you have the necessary experience and qualifications, this could be your dream job and we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion, please contact Craig Griffiths on c.griffiths2@npt.gov.uk

DBS requirements:

This post is not subject to a DBS check

Welsh Language Requirements:

Welsh Language skills are desirable

Additional Information:

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who have a disability and armed forces veterans. In support of employees of Tata Steel who are at risk of redundancy, or have been made redundant in 2024, Neath Port Talbot Council is offering a guaranteed interview for jobs across the Council. Please note that applicants must meet all the essential criteria, as shown in the person specification, to qualify for a guaranteed interview. If you are or going to be affected by the job losses at Tata Steel then we would welcome an application from you. Just make it known on your application form that you are currently at risk of redundancy or you have been made redundant.

At Team NPT, we all work together to serve the people, communities and businesses of Neath Port Talbot.

We are committed to providing training opportunities and the professional development of all our employees.

We look forward to welcoming you to Team NPT.

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