Legal Officer

Legal Officer

Edinburgh Full-Time 45428 - 54166 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Blue Arrow

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our team as a Legal Officer, influencing child rights and driving systemic improvements.
  • Company: Be part of a leading organisation dedicated to safeguarding children's rights in Scotland.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, excellent holidays, and a competitive salary package.
  • Other info: Engage directly with children and young people to understand their rights and perspectives.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while working in a collaborative and ethical environment.
  • Qualifications: Must hold or be eligible for a Practising Certificate; experience in high-stakes litigation required.

The predicted salary is between 45428 - 54166 £ per year.

Job Description

Blue Arrow are seeking a Legal Officer (Solicitor) to work full time for our client in Edinburgh.

Incorporation of the UNCRC into Scots law places our client at the leading edge of child rights strategic litigation. This is an incredibly exciting opportunity to influence the development of Scots law and drive real systemic improvements in children’s lives.

This pivotal role helps promote and safeguard children’s rights in accordance with the duties of the office as set out in the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2003. Reporting to the Head of Legal, Legal Officers (Solicitors) are responsible for the lawful and effective discharge of our clients powers and duties.

As a key member of staff, you will undertake investigations, and the new strategic litigation power brought in by the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024. Working as part of the Legal Team, you will be responsible for ensuring the office achieves maximum strategic impact by undertaking swift, robust assessment and human rights analysis of cases and issues, providing advice on the most appropriate response, drafting submissions/terms of reference, carrying out investigations, instructing counsel and directly legally representing where appropriate.

Alongside developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, you will be expected to work directly with children and young people to gain their views and understanding on various complex rights issues, this includes working with a Young Advisers Group.

Our client is looking for someone with experience of successfully undertaking litigation in a fast-paced environment, and who evidences a commitment to rights-based practice, collaborative working and the highest professional and ethical standards.

  • Hold or be eligible to immediately apply for a valid Practising Certificate as a solicitor Sufficient satisfactory relevant post-qualification experience as a solicitor in a relevant area of law
  • Evidence of conducting high gravity litigation including at least one of the following;
  • Providing public law advice and instructing/conducting judicial reviews,
  • Edinburgh agency work and instructing cases in the Court of Session,
  • conducting complex child law proofs and appeals.

Why join?

You’ll be valued as an essential part of a busy team, working every day to make an impact in children and young people’s lives in Scotland.

On offer is a salary range of £45,428 – £54,166 (Grade 4), flexible working hours and excellent holidays and benefits within the public sector in Scotland.

Legal Officer employer: Blue Arrow

Join a forward-thinking organisation in Edinburgh that is at the forefront of child rights strategic litigation, where your work as a Legal Officer will directly contribute to meaningful changes in the lives of children and young people. With a strong commitment to collaborative working and professional development, you will be part of a supportive team that values your expertise and offers flexible working hours, competitive salary, and generous benefits within the public sector. This role not only allows you to influence Scots law but also provides unique opportunities to engage with children and young people, ensuring their voices are heard in legal matters.
Blue Arrow

Contact Detail:

Blue Arrow Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Legal Officer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the UNCRC and its implications for Scots law. Understanding how this legislation impacts child rights will not only enhance your knowledge but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the legal field, especially those involved in child rights and public law. Attend relevant seminars or workshops to build connections and gain insights that could be beneficial for your application.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific cases where you have successfully conducted high gravity litigation. Be ready to articulate your approach and the outcomes, as this will showcase your experience and suitability for the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Engage with children and young people in your community to understand their perspectives on rights issues. This hands-on experience will not only enrich your understanding but also reflect your dedication to the role's responsibilities.

We think you need these skills to ace Legal Officer

Legal Research
Litigation Experience
Public Law Expertise
Judicial Review Procedures
Child Law Knowledge
Human Rights Analysis
Stakeholder Engagement
Communication Skills
Drafting Legal Documents
Investigative Skills
Collaboration and Teamwork
Ethical Standards
Client Representation
Adaptability in Fast-Paced Environments

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Legal Officer position. Understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications, especially the emphasis on child rights and strategic litigation.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in litigation, public law advice, and any work with children and young people. Use specific examples that demonstrate your commitment to rights-based practice and collaborative working.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for children's rights and your understanding of the UNCRC's impact on Scots law. Make it personal and show how your values align with those of the organisation.

Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your application is clear, concise, and professional, as attention to detail is crucial in legal roles.

How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Arrow

✨Understand the UNCRC and Its Implications

Familiarise yourself with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and its incorporation into Scots law. Be prepared to discuss how this impacts child rights litigation and your approach to safeguarding children's rights.

✨Showcase Your Litigation Experience

Highlight your relevant post-qualification experience, especially in high gravity litigation. Be ready to provide specific examples of cases you've worked on, particularly those involving public law advice or judicial reviews.

✨Demonstrate Collaborative Working Skills

Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including children and young people. Share experiences where you successfully engaged with diverse groups to gather insights and perspectives on complex rights issues.

✨Prepare for Ethical Scenarios

Be prepared to discuss ethical dilemmas you may face in this role. Think about how you would uphold the highest professional standards while navigating the complexities of child law and rights-based practice.

Legal Officer
Blue Arrow
Location: Edinburgh
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