As part of her role sponsoring the Government Legal Department
(GLD), the Attorney General, KC MP visited the
regional office in Leeds.
During the visit, which coincided with the launch of the
Government Legal Profession Trainee Solicitor
Scheme the Attorney General spoke with GLD staff, including a
trainee solicitor, about their experiences being a government
lawyer and opportunities in the region.
Attorney General Rt Hon KC MP
said:
Government lawyers work on some of the most complex and sensitive
legal issues of the day. That is why it is so important that we
have a workforce that truly represents the public we
serve.
The Trainee Solicitor Scheme is open to aspiring solicitors
across Leeds, the North East and beyond. It was fantastic to hear
about the breadth and complexity of the work in Yorkshire, and
the welcoming environment GLD has created for
trainees.
As a former government lawyer, I know first-hand what a rewarding
career it is, and I strongly urge people thinking about starting
their legal career to consider applying to the trainee solicitor
scheme.
The Trainee Solicitor Scheme offers aspiring solicitors the
opportunity to start their government legal career, gaining
experience in different areas of law and across various
departments.
Applications for the trainee scheme close at midday on Wednesday
15 May. Recruitment for trainee solicitors and pupil barristers
is now split, with recruitment for pupil barristers next taking
place in January 2025.
Leigh McGeeney, 2nd year Legal Trainee in GLD said:
Even as a trainee, I have been able to get involved in so much of
the interesting and complex work GLD has to offer.
One of the key things that attracted me to GLD was the ability
lawyers have to move around and work in so many different areas
of law, even when qualified. No other legal practice offers both
the variety and uniqueness of work.
It is great to see that rewarding and varied government careers
exist outside of Whitehall.
During the visit, the Attorney also met with Head of Place for
Leeds Justinia Lewis, and spoke with members of GLD staff to
express her continued support for GLD's regional
model.
Treasury Solicitor and GLD Permanent Secretary, , said:
The Government Legal Profession Trainee Solicitor Scheme offers
the chance to start your legal career at the heart of government
and gain experience across different teams and areas of law.
You can expect to be involved in a range of interesting legal
work and receive high quality training in a supportive and
inclusive environment. You will have the opportunity to build a
rewarding career, working on some of the biggest legal issues of
the day.
The Attorney's visit to Leeds was also part of the Law Officers'
Connect sessions to engage with the Bar and members of the legal
community.
The Attorney met with barristers from the North Eastern Circuit
where she discussed successes and challenges facing the
profession in the region.
