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Criminal Defence Solicitors

This job is closed and is displayed for reference only. 

Reference:0333 

Salary:Circa £38,200 

Working pattern:Full time, Fixed Term 

Location:Inverness 

Closing date:01 December 2020 at midnight 

About us


The Public Defence Solicitors’ Office (PDSO) is a national network of publicly funded solicitors operating from seven offices across Scotland providing criminal legal assistance.
Operating as a direct service of the Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB), we advise and represent clients, who are eligible for criminal legal aid, in relation to summary and solemn cases at every level and in Scotland’s busiest courts all over the country.


This is a fixed term 12 months contract for maternity cover for the solicitor Grade 6 within our Inverness office. The successful post holder will be dealing with criminal cases at all levels with a focus on duty solicitor work both at courts and at police stations.


What we are offering

This is a fixed term, 12 month maternity cover contract for a Grade 6 criminal defence solicitor within our Inverness office. The successful post holder will be dealing with criminal cases at all levels with a focus on duty solicitor work both at courts and at police stations.

As an organisation, SLAB and the PDSO can offer highly rewarding work that can have a considerable impact on people’s lives. Our benefits package includes learning and development opportunities, flexible working hours, availability of working from home, competitive holiday entitlement and a contributory defined benefit pension scheme.

***Speculative applications are also welcome for our other PDSO offices located around Scotland.***


About you


This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled solicitor who is driven and self-motivated to achieve the best possible result. By using your own initiative to make things happen, you will work to high standards to produce high quality output and deliver the best possible case outcome for clients.

You should demonstrate excellent presentation skills with well-developed communication skills and be able to influence and persuade others, verbally and in writing, to be clearly understood.

You should have sound judgment skills and be able to evaluate information and courses of action to reach logical and objective decisions which lead to the desired results.

You should also have good planning and organising skills to achieve results in a qualitative, timely and cost-effective way, as well as be able to set priorities and plan for efficient use of resources in order to monitor progress against objectives.


About the role


Main responsibilities of Criminal Defence Solicitor:

  • Provide advice and representation to clients who are subject to criminal investigations or criminal proceedings.

  • Apply/adhere to practices, procedures and Codes of Practice to ensure the maximum efficiency and effectiveness of the PDSO.

  • Build effective relationships with clients and key contacts through appropriate contact.

  • Represent the PDSO in its relationship with outside bodies as required.


Please note that all candidates are required to hold a full, post-qualified and unrestricted practising certificate from the Law Society of Scotland, a valid driving licence and should have at least a year of criminal court experience in Scots Law and (desirably) experience in advising and assisting suspects in police detention.

Application Information

The job description and person specification with other relevant documents are available below.

Completed applications should be returned by Tuesday the 1st December 2020. Interviews will be organised via a video call shortly after closing date however, this can change depending of candidates’ availability.

To apply please click the “Apply Online” button. For assistance, please contact Klaudia Hall on recruitment@slab.org.uk or 0131 240 2145.