Our legal practice spans both councils, providing expert advice to our shared body of officers, both sets of councillors and several council-owned companies. We are a small collaborative team of 18 staff working across a variety of practice areas, such as commercial property, contracts and procurement, planning, civil litigation, housing, regulatory, freedom of information and data protection.

Working across two councils, our geographical area is unique in its mix of environments, including the larger urban area of Eastbourne, the historic county town of Lewes, small towns and villages in and around the National Park and a large area of coastal strip, making the work varied and interesting.

The postholder can expect to gain wide-ranging practical experience, as well as training relevant to the solicitor qualification. This will include research, assistance with legal matters and transactions, advising various clients, attending court, meetings and committees, as well as drafting simple agreements, notices and other legal documents.

You will have a dedicated supervisor and specialist mentors for the duration of the training contract. The legal services department is supported by a practice manager and case management system and we have a proven track record in supporting and training legal staff towards successful qualifications.

The legal team works predominantly from the Lewes office, but the successful candidate may be required to work from the Newhaven and Eastbourne offices, as the need dictates.

For those qualifying via the SQE route, you will have one day per week spent on self-guided study for SQE qualification. 

• Property
• Commerical contracts/procurement
• Planning
• Litigation & housing
• Governance

• In-house

• Eastbourne
• Lewes
• Newhaven