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- Tasks: Lead the Legal and Governance team, providing expert legal advice and support.
- Company: Join The Law Society of Scotland, a leader in legal services and diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive pension, private medical insurance, and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the legal sector while embodying values of respect and inclusion.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or advocate with significant legal and leadership experience required.
- Other info: Hybrid working environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Law Society of Scotland is seeking General Counsel to join the organisation at a pivotal time. This is a new and exciting opportunity to join the Society in leading our Legal and Governance Team.
The General Counsel will be responsible for leading and managing the Society's Legal and Governance team, providing expert advice and support across the organisation. As a trusted adviser to the CEO and other stakeholders, the role will safeguard the organisation's interests, ensure compliance with legal requirements and help the Society deliver its strategic objectives with integrity and confidence.
Reporting to the CEO, this role will provide strategic legal advice to a range of stakeholders as well as deliver guidance on corporate, legal, employment, and governance matters. The General Counsel will ensure organisational compliance with statutory, legal and governance requirements whilst working to evolve our governance structures. The role holder will monitor legal developments, lead on the identification and management of risks and manage disputes and litigation.
The ideal candidate will be a qualified Solicitor or advocate with a current unrestricted practising certificate and will have significant senior legal and leadership experience gained in-house or in private practice. A proven ability to advise senior leaders and Board in corporate, commercial, regulatory and governance matters with expertise in managing complex risks is essential.
As a senior position within the Society, the candidate will embody our core values of Respect, Openness, Progress, Inclusion, and Integrity which drive our teams to deliver the best possible service for the legal sector.
What we offer our employees?
- A hybrid working environment.
- Flexible working, to allow you to work around your lifestyle and commitments.
- A competitive pension provision scheme.
- Excellent family friendly benefits.
- Learning and Development opportunities to enhance your skills or through programmes leading to professional or academic qualification.
- Private medical insurance including dental and optical.
- Various health and wellbeing benefits such as confidential counselling services, bike to work scheme, eyecare, and offers on well-known brands through our Lifestyle savings offering.
The Law Society of Scotland is proud to hold a Leaders in Diversity Award in recognition of our commitment to advance fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion and engagement both within our organisation and in the Scottish legal sector. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity page.
We are always looking for new talent to join our incredible workforce. If you are looking for a new opportunity within the society, we would love to hear from you!
If this opportunity sounds like the one for you, click Apply now. This vacancy will close at 11:30am on Monday 3rd November 2025. Due to the volume of applications, we are unable to provide feedback to applicants who are not selected for interviews.
General Counsel in Edinburgh employer: The Law Society of Scotland
Contact Detail:
The Law Society of Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land General Counsel in Edinburgh
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the legal field! Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Ace the Informational Interview
Set up informal chats with professionals already working in roles you’re interested in. This is your chance to learn more about the organisation and show off your enthusiasm. Plus, it’s a great way to get your name out there!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience and how it aligns with their needs. Bring examples of your work or case studies that demonstrate your skills in corporate, commercial, and governance matters.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining The Law Society of Scotland.
We think you need these skills to ace General Counsel in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in legal and governance matters. We want to see how your skills align with the role of General Counsel, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As this is a senior position, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. We’re looking for someone who can advise and guide stakeholders effectively, so share examples of how you’ve led teams or projects in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! We appreciate straightforward language that gets to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and make sure your passion for the role shines through.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application reaches us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Law Society of Scotland
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest legal developments and governance structures relevant to the role. Being able to discuss recent cases or changes in legislation will show that you're not just qualified, but also engaged and proactive in your field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a General Counsel, you'll be leading a team and advising senior leaders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past, particularly in high-pressure situations. This will demonstrate your capability to lead and inspire confidence.
✨Align with Their Values
The Law Society of Scotland values Respect, Openness, Progress, Inclusion, and Integrity. Think about how your personal values align with theirs and prepare to discuss this during the interview. It’s a great way to show that you’re a cultural fit for the organisation.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the Society's strategic objectives and how the Legal and Governance Team fits into those plans. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
