Graduate
Recruitment

Who are we looking for?
Barrister or Solicitor?
Eligibility
What can we offer you?
Location
Recruiting Departments
Selection Process
Vacation Placements
Meet us on Campus
Calendar
Equal Opportunities
Guaranteed Interview Scheme
GLS Trainee Network
Frequently Asked Questions
Apply

Life as a GLS Trainee

Home > Graduate Recruitment > Barrister or Solicitor?

Barrister or Solicitor?

We offer both training contracts and pupillages. Trainees and pupils are involved in the full range of casework conducted by their department. They can expect to benefit from the supervision of a senior colleague who will ensure that they have a good balance and range of work.

Trainee solicitors can expect to spend six months in four different ‘seats’ over the two-year period before qualifying. Where necessary, a period of attachment to another Department may be arranged. For example, those in a department without a litigation team may spend one seat in TSol (the Treasury Solicitor’s Department) to gain litigation experience.

Pupil barristers will spend part of their pupillage (either the first 6 or middle 4 months) in chambers.

GLS lawyers from both sides of the legal profession are required to provide legal advice, prepare legislation and participate in civil litigation. Whilst some lawyers in departments such as the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Departments for Work and Pensions and Health may occasionally have the opportunity for specialist prosecution and tribunal work, opportunities for GLS barristers to engage in advocacy are limited and candidates wishing to focus principally on an advocacy career should bear this in mind.