Solicitor

A unique opportunity has arisen to provide vital legal support to women, children, and young people affected by domestic abuse across Shetland and Orkney.

We are seeking a dedicated Solicitor to join a collaborative project between Scottish Women’s Aid, Shetland Women’s Aid, Women’s Aid Orkney, and Baker Gostelow Family Law. Together, we aim to address unmet legal needs for women, children, and young people who have experienced domestic abuse.

The successful candidate(s) will be employed by Baker Gostelow Family Law and will take a compassionate, collaborative, and trauma-informed approach to delivering legal information, advice, and representation to women supported by Women’s Aid Orkney and Shetland Women’s Aid.

Role Overview

Legal casework and court representation will largely focus on family law matters such as separation, contact, and residence, as well as related areas like housing and financial claims arising from separation.

In this rewarding role, you will not only provide legal advice and representation on family law matters but also contribute to policy and research—helping to shape the future of legal responses to domestic abuse.

We understand that working in this field requires sensitivity and specialist knowledge. Candidates must have some experience in family law and an awareness of domestic abuse and the criminal justice process. Training on these areas will also be provided.

If you’re a solicitor with family law experience and a passion for social justice, we’d love to hear from you!

Location & flexibility: We’re committed to making this role work for the right candidate. While our ideal candidate would be based on Orkney and/or Shetland, we’re open to hybrid and flexible working arrangements—let’s discuss what works for you. The role is expected to involve:

• A mix of office and court work on the Shetland & Orkney Islands.
• Home-based working options available.
• Applications for full-time, part-time, or job share arrangements are welcome.
• For the right candidate, there’s potential to work remotely with travel to the islands (expenses covered).
• Access to central Edinburgh office space, if required.

Salary: £35,000 – £55,125 FTE per annum, commensurate with post-qualifying & family law experience.

Contract: Fixed-term 18 months. We are open to offering this role as either one full-time position (39 hours per week) or two part-time positions.

Experience: This post is suitable for solicitors with a range of post-qualifying experience, starting at newly qualified. Some experience in family law is preferred.

Essential: This role is available only to women. This is a Genuine Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

Apply now: To apply or for more information, please send your CV in confidence.

Closing date: Applications are being accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Applications are being received and considered now.

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