DSO Two-Year Solicitor Traineeship Programme 2025
Find out more about the DSO Solicitor Traineeship Programme and how to apply.
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 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 three 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 and Advisory 3 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 Friday 11 July 2025), you must hold an offer from the Institute of Professional Legal Studies of a confirmed place on the Solicitor’s course subject only to obtaining a Master.
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 starting salary of £23,492;
- payment of 50% of the Institute of Professional Legal Studies (IPLS) fees.
How do I 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 Friday 11 July 2025.
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.
“I completed my training contract with DSO in October 2022. While I was sad to leave DSO, I was lucky enough to join the Crown Solicitor’s Office upon qualifying where I have had amazing opportunities to build upon everything I learnt during my training. I will shortly be moving to London to join the Government Legal Department, where I am looking forward to developing my legal skills and interests further - something that I feel my time in DSO has equipped and motivated me to do!”
Éadaoin MacRandal, Trainee Solicitor, 2020-2022.
“I completed my training contract with DSO in September 2024. DSO is the ideal foundation of your legal career. You are given the opportunity to learn from and work closely with colleagues that are experts in every area of law imaginable. The supportive environment, guidance and trust from your Master and colleagues leaves you feeling fulfilled at the end of every working day. Upon completion of your training contract with DSO, you have all the skills needed to become a capable and confident solicitor.”
Odhrán McMullan, Trainee Solicitor, 2022- 2024.
“I started my training contract with DSO in September 2023, and I am due to qualify as a Solicitor in September 2025. I have loved every minute of my training contact, both in DSO and in the IPLS. The training and exposure I received during my training contract is second to none and I urge anyone who is thinking about the training contract to apply as I never looked back."
Gemma Ross, Trainee Solicitor, 2023-2025.