Working hours: 35 hours per weekContract type: Permanent, Full TimeWorking style: HybridClosing date: 11.59pm, 2 April 2025Interview method: in personThis role is subject to: - Qualification - a minimum of 4 GCSEs grades C or above including English Language or Literature, or qualifications at an equivalent level, or equivalent legal qualification
- Agree to study and enrol for ILEX Level 3 Professional Diploma in Law and Practice course
"This is Manchester – We Do Things Differently Here."Manchester is a city that has reinvented itself time and again, leading change, and creating innovative solutions to complex challenges. It is building a diverse, vibrant and creative city, reimagining urban living, working, and leisureJoin Our Dynamic Regeneration Legal TeamOur Regeneration Legal Group spearheads the complex negotiation, drafting and delivery of the planning, property and regeneration work that makes this revolution happen. We’re now expanding the team to deliver on the Council’s ambitious strategy: (Investing in success - an Economic Strategy for Manchester.We are expanding our Regeneration Legal Group to support Manchester’s strategy – blending property, planning, and regeneration work to create the vibrant future we all envision. We have a number of trainee legal officer roles, offering opportunities to get involved in some of the most interesting legal work in the city at the beginning of your legal career. The positions are in the Planning / Highways, Property and Construction / Commercial teams. The successful candidate for this role will:
- Be a key member of the team in the support and delivery of high-quality legal advice.
- Undertake a varied case load and learn different areas of highways, property or commercial law within the team.
- Have the opportunity, subject to conditions and service need, to progress to Grade 6 role.
For an informal discussion, please contact: Planning / Highways - Robert Irvine on robert.irvine@manchester.gov.uk or 07760 326672.Property - Kate Bouchier on kate.bouchier@manchester.gov.uk or 07976 666361 Commercial / Construction - Tony Hatton on tony.hatton@manchester.gov.uk or 07971 620985
We would love to hear from you if you meet the following requirements:
- To be able to demonstrate some legal training or legal work experience
- Agree to study and enroll for ILEX Level 3 Professional Diploma in Law and Practice course (to embark on this course of study you should already hold a minimum of four GCSE grades C or above including English Language or Literature or qualifications at an equivalent level) or equivalent legal qualification
- Be able and commit to working in a flexible manner including working outside normal office hours, when necessary
- Communication skills: Demonstrates an understanding of the views of others and communicates in a realistic and practical manner using appropriate language and medium, listens attentively to views and issues of others and responds to issues arising.
- Analytical Skills: Able and confident to resolve moderately complicated queries in their area of knowledge using logical thinking to explain reasoning behind decisions or actions taken.
- Planning and Organising: Demonstrates the ability to organise multiple tasks in the most effective way and allocate time and energy according to task complexity and priority and be logical in thinking and explain reasoning behind decisions or actions taken.
- Problem Solving and Decision Making: Is able to make effective decisions on a day to day basis, taking ownership of decisions, demonstrating sound judgement in escalating issues where necessary.
- Creative Skills: Ability to think creatively and provide innovative solutions to problems. Has ability to develop new approaches to finding solutions outside of existing parameters.
- ICT Skills: Ability to use multiple applications, systems and associated software packages.
- Administrative skills: Ability to arrange and service complex meetings, preparing information, taking detailed notes and producing minutes from a wide range of meetings.
- Research and intelligence: Demonstrate the ability to analyse, organise and present research material in an appropriate format
If you have a preference on which team you wish to apply for, please tell us in your application.
Join Us and Make Your MarkBe part of Manchester’s ambitious regeneration journey. Let’s build something remarkable together.
We’re the local council for one of the UK’s most vibrant and diverse cities.
Working for Manchester isn’t just a job – it’s an opportunity to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives. Whether it’s strengthening communities or driving innovation in public services, you’ll play a vital role in creating opportunities and shaping a brighter future for everyone.
Our Manchester is our vision for a fairer, greener, and healthier city – a vision shaped by the people of Manchester. It guides everything we do at the Council and is brought to life through the Our Manchester behaviours:
- We take time to listen and understand
- We work together and trust each other
- We show that we value our differences and treat each other fairly
- We ‘own it’ and we’re not afraid to try new things
- We’re proud and passionate about Manchester
Benefits we offer
Generous holiday allowance
Enjoy up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays. Increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service. Want more leave? You can purchase up to two additional weeks.
A buzzing pension
You’ll be enrolled in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme, with plenty of options to top up your benefits. Includes life cover of three-times your salary as a lump sum.
Enhanced parental and carers leave
Take advantage of our enhanced family leave options, designed to provide ample time for you to bond with your newborn or support your family during critical life events.
Brilliant perks
Access a range of discounts, from saving on the weekly shop to holidays and days out with MCR+. Plus discounts on phone contracts, cycle to work scheme, free flu jabs and eye tests, and more.
Learn and grow
We are dedicated to nurturing talent and providing you with the tools to thrive. Take part in a diverse set of learning opportunities, from workshops and training sessions through to apprenticeships and qualifications. All this begins with our comprehensive onboarding process.
A Good Employment Charter member
We are committed to offering secure, flexible work and embedding fairness into everything we do. We review pay annually, recognize three trade unions, and are constantly working to offer the best possible health and wellbeing support throughout all stages of your working life.
Up to 3 days volunteering leave
Give back to the community with three days pro-rate of paid volunteering leave, in addition to existing benefits.
Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council
At Manchester City Council, we’re dedicated to creating a workplace that truly reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people.
Support During the Process
- Interview Adjustments: Let us know if you need any adjustments to demonstrate your suitability during the interview.
- Accessible Formats: Our ReciteMe tool can be accessed through the "Accessibility tools" button at the top of our careers page. This tool offers features like text-to-speech, translation into multiple languages, and adjustable text size and colour to make our site more accessible for everyone.
Guaranteed Assessment Scheme
We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the minimum shortlisting requirements for the role and identify with at least one of the criteria below:
- Members of the Armed Forces members or veterans
- Current or former care leavers
- Have a disability or long-term condition
When You Join Us
We’re a Disability Confident Employer, offering:
- A workplace adjustment hub which provides specialist support, advice and guidance to ensure you have the adjustments needed to thrive at work.
- Disabled Staff Network, Neurodiversity Staff Network and Mental Health Staff Network that provides a safe inclusive space to share experiences and opportunities to influence council practice.
- A strong commitment to ensuring all information adheres to accessibility standards and that our workplaces are accessible and disability-friendly.
For more information about the role or any adjustments, email jobs@manchester.gov.uk.
What we will need from you if you’re successful
In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. This is not a role we consider to be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route based on Manchester City Council policy. Candidates are therefore encouraged to consider their own right to work options without the requirement for Manchester City Council sponsorship.
Pre-Employment Checks
If you are successful in securing a position with us, the pre-employment checks required will depend on the role you’ve applied for. As a guide, these checks may include:
- Proof of Right to Work: You’ll need to provide documentary evidence of your right to work in the UK. Please note, visa sponsorship is not guaranteed for this role.
- References: We’ll request references from your current and previous employer(s).
- Proof of Qualifications: Evidence of qualifications relevant to the role will be required.
These checks are an important part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our workforce and the community we serve.
Other relevant information
We want everyone to be able to be themselves at work and give their best. If you need additional support to undertake the duties of the role, we’ll make every effort to source any necessary aids, adaptations or equipment. If, however, any task proves to be unachievable, we will look at redesigning parts of the role.
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