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- Tasks: Provide legal support on Scotland’s food and drink trade, including drafting legislation.
- Company: Join the Scottish Government Legal Directorate's collaborative Food & Drink Trade Branch.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Scotland’s food and drink sector while developing your legal skills.
- Qualifications: Must be a Scottish Qualified Solicitor with strong legal and drafting skills.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with a supportive team and career advancement opportunities.
We are looking for a lawyer to join the Food & Drink Trade Branch within the Rural Affairs Division of the Scottish Government Legal Directorate (SGLD). The branch is a small, collaborative team of four, working as part of a wider division of 20 lawyers across five specialist teams.
For a complete understanding of this opportunity, and what will be required to be a successful applicant, read on.
This is an exciting opportunity to provide legal support on matters central to Scotland’s food and drink trade, including secondary legislation and work connected with the proposed EU/UK SPS Agreement. You will also have the chance to collaborate across other SGLD divisions, ensuring variety and breadth in your work.
What you’ll do:
Provide clear, high-quality legal advice on food and drink trade issues, including drafting secondary legislation.
Carry out detailed legal analysis, including comparisons across UK, EU, and Scottish law.
Work with policy colleagues and other teams, building effective professional relationships.
Communicate complex legal advice in both written and oral form.
Contribute flexibly to the division’s work, adapting to changing priorities.Skills & Experience We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:
Strong legal ability, with skills applicable or transferable to public law in Scotland.
Must be a Scottish Qualified Solicitor
A proven track record of providing legal advice on complex issues.
Excellent drafting skills and the ability to explain complex legal concepts with clarity.
Strong interpersonal skills, with a collaborative, team-friendly approach.
Flexibility, resilience, and the ability to manage shifting priorities.Contract: Start: ASAP until 31 August 2026
Location: Hybrid (40% in office, occasional attendance at Parliament)
Rate: Starting salary in the SGLD is £57,701 + (LTD £302.66 PAYE(inc) £257.02)
Apply today by sending your CV to (url removed) or call on: (phone number removed). We also welcome referrals for this position if they are new to SCS, where a successful recommendation would be worth £250
Lawyer employer: Service Care Legal
Contact Detail:
Service Care Legal Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lawyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the Scottish Government Legal Directorate. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of food and drink trade laws. We want to show that we’re not just a good fit, but that we’re genuinely interested in the role and the sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice articulating complex legal concepts clearly. We need to demonstrate our ability to communicate effectively, just like the job description highlights. Role-play with a friend if you can!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Lawyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of a lawyer in the Food & Drink Trade Branch. Highlight your relevant legal experience, especially in public law and food and drink trade issues, to show us you’re the right fit.
Show Off Your Drafting Skills: Since excellent drafting skills are key for this role, include examples of your previous work where you’ve drafted legal documents or provided clear legal advice. We want to see how you communicate complex concepts with clarity!
Highlight Teamwork Experience: We’re a small, collaborative team, so it’s important to showcase your interpersonal skills. Mention any experiences where you’ve worked effectively with others, especially in a legal context, to demonstrate your team-friendly approach.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Service Care Legal
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the relevant food and drink trade legislation, especially any secondary legislation. Being able to discuss specific laws and how they impact the sector will show your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Drafting Skills
Prepare examples of your drafting work that demonstrate clarity and precision. You might even want to bring a sample to the interview to discuss how you approached complex legal concepts and made them accessible.
✨Build Rapport with the Team
Since this role involves collaboration, think about how you can demonstrate your interpersonal skills. Be ready to share experiences where you successfully worked in a team, highlighting your flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex legal ideas in simple terms. During the interview, aim to communicate your thoughts clearly and concisely, as this will reflect your ability to provide high-quality legal advice effectively.
