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As a Corporate Partner of Lawyers in Local Government (LLG), Venn Group is committed to promoting careers in local government law and helping to build a sustainable future for the profession. One of the most effective ways to inspire aspiring lawyers is by sharing the experiences of those already working in the sector. In this article, Dominic Powell, Deputy Team Leader at Coventry City Council, reflects on his journey through a local government training contract and the opportunities it has provided.
For many aspiring solicitors, the routes into the profession can appear surprisingly narrow. University careers fairs, graduate events and legal publications often focus heavily on private practice, meaning alternative pathways receive far less attention.
This was Dominic's experience.
"I didn't know very much about legal roles within local government beforehand, if I'm honest. It's not something that was ever really pushed at university or I was particularly aware of."
His reflection highlights a widespread challenge facing the sector. While local authority legal teams advise on some of society's most important issues, from safeguarding vulnerable adults and children to governance, regeneration, planning, litigation and major commercial projects, many students never learn these careers exist.
As Dominic notes, "One of the biggest barriers is that people just don't know it's there as an option."
That lack of awareness represents a missed opportunity, both for aspiring lawyers seeking meaningful careers and for local authorities seeking to attract future talent.
One of the biggest surprises for Dominic was the sheer variety of legal work undertaken within a local authority.
Like many people entering the profession, he initially associated council legal teams primarily with social care law. What he discovered was an organisation requiring expertise across a vast range of specialisms.
This diversity is one of local government's greatest strengths as a training environment. Lawyers gain exposure to multiple practice areas while developing a broader understanding of how public services operate and how legal advice directly supports decision-making.
It is a career that offers constant learning and challenge.
"I've never really felt that my days are just the same thing over and over again. There is such variety."
Another defining feature of Dominic's experience was the level of responsibility entrusted to him from an early stage.
Local government legal teams are often relatively small components of large and complex organisations. As a result, trainees and newly qualified lawyers are encouraged to become active contributors rather than passive observers.
"You are quite an important part of the team and you are given quite a lot of responsibility from the get-go."
Alongside experienced colleagues, Dominic was involved in legal research, drafting, case management and advocacy work, developing practical experience from the outset of his career.
While challenging at times, he believes that responsibility accelerated his professional growth and confidence.
"I've always felt like I was given a wide range of work, which was a challenge at the start, but a really positive one."
Responsibility is complemented by a culture of support, collaboration and learning.
For those entering the profession, the fear of making mistakes can be daunting. Dominic found the opposite environment, one where asking questions was actively encouraged and professional development was viewed as a shared responsibility.
"I've always felt like I can ask questions at every stage. It's always really important to feel like you can ask for the help that you need."
Supportive mentors played a critical role throughout his development.
"They made me feel like I could ask questions, I could try and fail and make mistakes as needed, because that does happen."
This culture enables aspiring lawyers to develop confidence while recognising that growth comes through experience, curiosity and continuous learning.
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Dominic's story is the impact of the work itself.
Working within adult social care law, he recalls supporting a case that ultimately resulted in an individual moving to a placement better suited to their needs and wellbeing.
"That was a real moment of thinking, that's why I want to do this work."
Yet the value of local government law extends beyond individual cases. Every day, lawyers help councils deliver essential services, protect vulnerable residents, support communities and enable positive outcomes.
As Dominic reflects: "Even when it's not such an overtly positive ending, I always feel like I leave it in a better place than I picked it up."
That sentiment captures what makes local government law unique. Success is measured not simply by transactions completed or disputes resolved, but by the positive contribution made to people's lives.
Dominic's journey demonstrates everything local government law has to offer: purpose, variety, responsibility, professional development and genuine impact. Yet for many students, these opportunities remain invisible.
If local government is to build the strong and sustainable legal workforce it needs for the future, the profession must become more visible to those considering a career in law. Universities, local authorities, professional bodies and legal practitioners all have a role to play in ensuring aspiring solicitors understand the breadth of opportunities available.
The next generation of local government lawyers is already sitting in lecture theatres across the country. The challenge is making sure they know this career path exists.
If you work in local government law, now is the time to help raise the profile of the profession.
Whether through university careers fairs, guest lectures, mentoring, work experience placements, networking events or career pathway sessions, every engagement has the potential to introduce students to a career they may never have considered.
At Venn Group, in partnership with local authorities and Lawyers in Local Government (LLG), we deliver career pathway sessions designed to introduce aspiring solicitors to careers in local government law. If you are a local government lawyer, legal leader, university representative or student interested in getting involved, we encourage you to join the conversation, share your experiences and help inspire the next generation of public sector lawyers.
For more information about our university outreach and career pathway sessions, please contact Connie.
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