Usdaw Union
Solicitor/Barrister/Senior Legal Advisor

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Solicitor/Barrister/Senior Legal Advisor
Company Description
Usdaw is one of Britain’s largest trade unions, representing over 360,000 members across the nation. Its members work in a wide range of occupations and industries, including retail, warehousing, manufacturing, transport, call centers, clerical and administrative roles, catering, and pharmaceutical sectors. The union is committed to protecting and advancing the rights, working conditions, and welfare of its members through advice, representation, and collective bargaining. Usdaw operates from its head office at Voyager Building, Salford Quays, and works closely with employers and stakeholders to promote fair and safe workplaces. The organization offers a collaborative environment where legal professionals can contribute to impactful work that supports workers’ rights.
Role Description
This is a full-time, on-site role based in Manchester for a Solicitor/Barrister/Senior Legal Advisor. The role involves providing legal advice and representation to union members and the union itself on matters such as employment law, discrimination, health and safety, and industrial relations. Day-to-day tasks include:
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
- Managing a caseload
- Assessing claims
- Drafting legal documents
- Preparing and presenting cases before tribunals and courts
- Advising union officials on legal strategy and risk


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
The successful candidate will liaise with external legal providers where appropriate, contribute to policy development, and support training and guidance for colleagues and representatives on legal issues. The role also includes:
- Keeping up to date with legislative and case law developments
- Translating complex legal information into clear, practical guidance for members and staff
Qualifications
- Qualified Solicitor or Barrister (or equivalent Senior Legal Advisor experience) with a strong grounding in employment law and related areas.
- Experience in advocacy, case preparation, and representation before courts or tribunals, with the ability to manage a varied caseload effectively.
- Strong legal research, drafting, and analytical skills, including the ability to interpret legislation and case law and provide clear, concise advice.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with union officials, members, and external stakeholders.
- Demonstrated commitment to workers’ rights, social justice, or trade union values, and experience in or understanding of union or not-for-profit environments is highly beneficial.
- Ability to work on-site in Manchester, exercise sound judgment under pressure, and handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills, with proficiency in standard office and legal case-management software.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills