Many services in local government involve daily contact with the law, and councils need frequent legal advice. Solicitors advise both elected council members and senior officers on a wide range of topics from employment to land purchase, through to prosecution of rogue traders and suppliers.

Solicitors need to be excellent communicators, with good writing skills and an eye for detail. They also need dedication and commitment, as it takes time to train and qualify. However, this is rewarded by interesting and challenging work. Nathalie is a solicitor at Nottinghamshire County Council, she says, “I like the variety of work. I love the flexibility of working for a local council and have been involved in a number of high profile cases.”

Read more about Nathalie’s work as a solicitor in local government.

Read our legal services career descriptions:

Visit the Junior Lawyers website for more information about becoming a solicitor and the Solicitors in Local Government careers brochure http://juniorlawyers.lawsociety.org.uk/career