The Welsh Assembly is to launch a formal trainee solicitor scheme as new legislation extends devolution and increases the principality's law-making powers.



The trainees will join the assembly's legal services department of 84 lawyers at a time of constitutional change as a result of the Government of Wales Act 2006.



Coming into effect after elections in May 2007, the Act creates a legally separate government and legislature, and gives primary legislative powers to the assembly for the first time.



Jeff Godfrey, director of legal services, said: 'The assembly will have the independence from Westminster to enact Acts of the Assembly, which are powers that can be triggered by Wales for the benefit of Wales.'



He added that the scheme would be attractive to those interested in public law, constitutional and European matters. Welsh language and bilingual drafting skills would be expected.



Mr Godfrey said a distinguishing feature of the training scheme is an exchange arrangement with local authorities, which will see the organisations swap trainees to widen their experience.



See feature



Jonathan Rayner