What does DSO do?
The Departmental Solicitor’s Office (DSO) is part of the Department of Finance and operates at the legal heart of government providing excellent legal advice, counsel and representation so as to serve, enable and empower government bodies in Northern Ireland to achieve their objectives within the rule of law. It does so by providing key legal advice and services to all Northern Ireland Ministers and Departments in a complex constitutional, political and legal environment.
How many placements are there?
This competition is to fill two opportunities for a Solicitor Traineeship within the Department of Finance (DoF). The successful applicants will be based in the Departmental Solicitor’s Office (DSO), Litigation Division, at our modern office on 2nd floor of Lanyon Plaza, close to the Royal Courts of Justice and Laganside Courthouse.
What is the criterion?
At the time of closing date of applications (12 noon (UK time) on Thursday 18 July 2024), you must hold an offer from the Institute of Professional Legal Studies of a confirmed place on the solicitors' course subject only to obtaining a Master. A copy of the letter must be enclosed with the application. Application forms without a copy of the letter enclosed will not be considered.
Why should I apply to DSO?
If you seek a diverse and truly unique training experience as well as a solid foundation on which to build your legal career, then DSO is perfect for you. The DSO 2-year Trainee Solicitor Programme offers so much more including;
- second to none experience working on some of the highest profile and most interesting legal cases in this jurisdiction
- support from colleagues with knowledge in a variety of specialisms
- access to a wealth of resources
- a friendly and supportive working environment
- a salary of £22,011
- payment of 50% of the Institute of Professional Legal Studies (IPLS) fees
How to you apply?
Completed application forms must be returned by email to Mary.Owens@finance-ni.gov.uk or via post to Mary Owens, Departmental Solicitor’s Office, Litigation Division, 2nd Floor, Lanyon Plaza, Lanyon Place, Belfast, BT1 3LP no later than 12 noon (UK time) on Thursday 18 July 2024.
Please refer to the Candidate Information Booklet (CIB) before completing your application form and retain a copy for your reference.
See what our past and present trainees say about DSO
Since 2019, DSO has a track record in producing highly qualified solicitors, with everyone who successfully completed their traineeship with DSO quickly securing employment. Below are comments from some of DSO’s former trainees.
![Niamh Gollogly](https://www.finance-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/styles/inline-expandable/public/images/dfp/Niamh%20Gollogly.jpg?itok=x1EYeVMi)
Niamh Gollogly, Trainee Solicitor, 2019-2021.
![Éadaoin MacRandal](https://www.finance-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/styles/inline-expandable/public/images/dfp/Eadaoin%20MacRandal_0.jpg?itok=WNBa4dYs)
Éadaoin MacRandal, Trainee Solicitor, 2020-2022.
![Lauren Goudie](https://www.finance-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/styles/inline-expandable/public/images/dfp/Lauren%20Goudie%20.jpg?itok=56GcKT5L)
Lauren Goudie, Trainee Solicitor, 2021-2023.
Gemma Ross, Trainee Solicitor, 2023-2025.