Public Law Project (Cardiff) – Trainee Solicitor (JFF)

Job title: Trainee solicitor
Location: Cardiff, Wales – Homeworking within flexible working policies. New starters are required to work in the office 3 days a week for the first 3 months
Salary: £29,698 (plus cost of living increase)
Contract: Fixed two-year contract
Hours: Full-time (35 hours per week)

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Public Law Project as a Justice First Fellow, based in Wales. The Justice First Fellowship (JFF) is a two-year, fully funded legal training programme for aspiring social justice lawyers. Run by LEF, JFF has supported 170 fellows since 2014, with most continuing to work in social justice law.

As a fellow at PLP, you’ll complete your legal training with us, supporting our team of solicitors in work that brings about real change. We’ll cover the cost of any required training, and you’ll also work with us to develop a project that supports our mission. Through JFF, you’ll receive additional training, wellbeing support, and join a growing network of lawyers using the law to drive social change.

Join PLP and you’ll be playing a key role in the team that brought the main challenge to the Safety of Rwanda Act, intervened in the challenge to the prorogation of Parliament, helped survivors whose assets are controlled by their abuser to access legal aid and secured a declaration that the Government’s decision to stop holiday free school meals in Wales was unlawful.

You’ll be based in Wales and supervised by our Wales-based Lead Lawyer but have the opportunity to collaborate closely with the whole casework team. The PLP team is friendly, diverse, and inclusive, and you’ll be supported and encouraged to develop your skills.

Benefits

Pension: 10% per annum after one year. Statutory minimum during first year.
Leave: 33 days paid holiday per year including public holidays + 3-day closure over December festive period
Weekly wellbeing hour
Employee Assistance Programme

How to apply

To apply, please go to LEF’s JFF page at: https://lef.org.uk/justice-first-fellowship/how-to-apply

Applications close on 14 December 2026.

Interviews will be held in Cardiff on Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 January 2027 (ideally in person).