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- Tasks: Lead a team of solicitors to ensure fair access to legal representation in Scotland.
- Company: Scottish Legal Aid Board, dedicated to justice and equality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a collaborative environment focused on developing talent and improving services.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by ensuring access to justice.
- Qualifications: Must be a practising solicitor with experience in criminal court practice.
The predicted salary is between 74460 - 84270 £ per year.
Location – Edinburgh (Hybrid)
Salary – £74,460 – £84,270
The Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB) was set up in 1987 to manage legal aid in Scotland. We are a non-departmental public body responsible to the Scottish Government. Our main purpose is to fund, deliver and advise on services that enable people to exercise their rights and live in a fair society that respects the rule of law.
The Public Defence Solicitors Office (PDSO) was created by the Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB) and our reason for being is to provide access to legal representation for clients eligible for legal aid who require the services of our criminal defence solicitors. The PDSO consists of 8 offices across Scotland providing our services across the country. The Edinburgh office is the largest of these.
PDSO sits within Client Legal Services Directorate, which also includes the Civil Legal Assistance Office and Solicitor Contact Line. We are looking for someone who is a people-focussed leader and solicitor with a current practising certificate and experience of criminal court practice in Scotland to manage the team of talented and committed public defence solicitors and business support staff in our Edinburgh office.
You will bring a passion for ensuring a fair justice system, where those who require our services can access and secure them where and when they need them or easily connect people to those services. Along with this passion, we are looking for someone with working knowledge of the criminal justice system in Scotland, who thrives in leading people, ensuring strong internal and external collaboration and clarity of direction.
The core responsibility of this role is to manage the operations of the Edinburgh office, ensuring that the service we provide is effective, efficient and easy to access for our clients. The performance of the team is key to delivering for our clients, and you will manage and analyse performance, seeking ways to improve and maintain our high standards. The support, guidance and development of our people is at the heart of what we do, and you will work with your team members to develop and maximise their potential.
As a senior member of the SLAB, Client Legal Services Directorate and PDSO teams, your responsibilities go beyond the operational management of your team: you will partner with teams and individuals across the organisation and externally, and play an important role in providing a positive and collaborative working environment.
If you are an experienced people leader and enrolled solicitor with experience of criminal court practice in Scotland and a deep understanding of the Scottish criminal justice system, who can truly understand our reason for being and why we do what we do, I look forward to receiving your application.
Applications in the form of a tailored CV and a covering letter (no longer than two pages), highlighting your skills and experience pertinent to the role, should arrive no later than midnight Sunday 10 May, 2026. For a confidential, informal discussion about the role, or to request a Candidate Information Pack, please contact LHH directly.
Head office › in Edinburgh employer: LHH Recruitment Solutions
Contact Detail:
LHH Recruitment Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head office › in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who know about the Scottish criminal justice system. A friendly chat can lead to insider info or even a referral that could land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the PDSO and SLAB thoroughly. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and improved performance. Highlight your people-focused approach and how it relates to the role at PDSO.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head office › in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored specifically for this role. Highlight your experience in criminal court practice and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be no longer than two pages, so make every word count! Use it to showcase your passion for the justice system and how you can contribute to our mission at PDSO. Let us know why you're the perfect fit!
Showcase Your People Skills: As a people-focussed leader, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to manage and develop a team. Share examples of how you've supported your colleagues in the past and how you plan to foster a collaborative environment at our Edinburgh office.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at LHH Recruitment Solutions
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the Scottish criminal justice system. Brush up on recent changes and key legislation that might impact the role. This will show your passion for the field and your commitment to providing effective legal representation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a people-focussed leader, be ready to discuss your experience in managing teams. Prepare examples of how you've supported and developed your team members in the past. Highlighting your ability to foster collaboration and maintain high standards will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Tailor Your Application
When preparing your CV and covering letter, make sure they are tailored specifically to this role. Emphasise your relevant experience in criminal court practice and how it aligns with the mission of the PDSO. A personalised application can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the organisation. Inquire about the challenges the Edinburgh office faces or how they measure success. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.