An opportunity has arisen for assistant solicitors to join the legal team of the Emma Caldwell Inquiry
The Emma Caldwell Inquiry was formally set up on 9 December 2025. The Inquiry’s Terms of Reference were published by Ministers on that date. The Inquiry has been set up to examine the initial investigation into the murder of Emma Caldwell and to establish what, if anything, could have been done to apprehend Iain Packer sooner.
The Inquiry legal team is headed up by the Solicitor to the Inquiry, Ciara Pang. The Inquiry is still in the early stages of its investigation and as such you will have the opportunity to play an important role in the Inquiry.
You will work closely with the other assistant solicitors within the legal team and will work closely with all members of the Inquiry team and will be line managed by the deputy solicitor, Duncan Peat.
This role requires: excellent attention to detail as there will be high volumes of documentation requiring rigorous legal analysis; strong interpersonal skills as you will be working closely with all members of the Inquiry as well as external stakeholders; and flexibility and adaptability, as working in a small team you need to be willing to turn your hand to all tasks.
In return, you will have the rare opportunity to support a high-profile Public Inquiry.
The Inquiry must be, and be seen to be, independent and impartial to maintain the confidence of the public. We will not consider applications from anyone who has worked for the Crown Office or Police Scotland.
- Identifying and recovering evidence, including engagement with external stakeholders.
- Reviewing and analysing any recovered evidence, assessing its relevance to the Terms of Reference and producing summaries and thematic reports on the evidence for use by counsel.
- Using recovered evidence to identify further lines of inquiry and witnesses as well contribute to the Inquiry’s list of issues.
- Responsibility for redaction and disclosure of evidence in line with Inquiry policies and protocols.
- Instructing, liaising and working collaboratively with Counsel on a regular basis.
- Providing legal advice to the Chair when required.
- Liaison with the solicitors representing the core participants and assisting the facilitation of witness statements from their clients.
- Assisting counsel with the identification of expert witnesses and their instruction where appropriate.
- Drafting of, and ensuring compliance with, the Inquiry’s procedure/protocol documents.
- GDPR compliance.
- Provision of practical and legal assistance to the Chair and Counsel during hearing sessions as well as producing summaries of evidence following on from oral hearing sessions.
Responsibilities
You must be a solicitor or advocate qualified to practise in Scotland but applications from other jurisdictions will be considered.
- Ability to conduct sound legal analysis taking account of multiple sources of information and data
- Communicating and Influencing - Level 4
- Working Together - Level 4
- Delivery at Pace - Level 4
- Making Effective Decisions - Level 4
Expected Timeline: (subject to change)
Sift - w/c 13 July 2026
Interview - w/c 27 July 2026
Location - In person at Victoria Quay
In the event of a high volume of applications, candidates will have their applications initially assessed against the Experience criteria above. Candidates who pass this initial sift will have their applications fully assessed against all criteria.
Recruitment Principles
As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.
Qualifications
The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles.
Location and working pattern
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role. The Inquiry will have two bases, one in Edinburgh for the administration, and one in Glasgow for the oral hearings. The postholder will be required to travel regularly between the sites. While virtual & hybrid working may be feasible at some points, there is an expectation that the will be present in Glasgow for the duration of the inquiry hearings.
Due to the nature of delivering public hearings annual leave and flexible working hours will be restricted at times during this post. While job sharers and individuals on any working pattern are welcome to apply, the likely restrictions should be noted and may not suit all.
Fixed Term Appointment Fair and Open
This is a Fixed Term Appointment Fair and Open post with duration of the post being 47 months
Equality statement
Further information about this opportunity is available from Ciara Pang (ciara.pang@emmacaldwellinquiry.scot) or Duncan Peat (duncan.peat@emmacaldwellinquiry.scot)
