Reporter to the Professional Conduct Sub-Committee in Edinburgh

It is an exciting time to join the Law Society of Scotland. Due to an increase in the volume of conduct complaints, we have an opportunity within the Professional Conduct Team for a Reporter. You would be joining the team that is responsible for dealing with all eligible conduct complaints about Scottish qualified solicitors. This role involves investigating complaints about the conduct of Scottish solicitors and writing recommendations for the independent Professional Conduct Sub-committee to consider. You will be responsible for a varied caseload of interesting work that can be technical and high profile in nature. You will have an opportunity to use your communication skills to help parties understand the process as we seek to deal with conduct complaints robustly but fairly – respecting all parties involved in the process.

The team do important and rewarding work. You will be busy and play a key role in public protection, maintaining confidence in the legal profession and upholding proper professional standards and conduct amongst solicitors. We want to get even better at what we do. You will have the opportunity to use your skills and experience to shape the role and how our work is done, to the benefit of the public and profession alike.

At the centre of our organisation are the values of Respect, Openness, Progress, Inclusion, and Integrity which drive our teams to deliver the best possible service for the legal sector and beyond.

Key Responsibilities for this role:

• Manage a varied caseload of investigations about the conduct of Scottish solicitors, progressing cases effectively in accordance with procedures, standards, deadlines and key measures.
• Ensure investigations are dealt with in a timely manner by prioritising work independently, managing your own workload and using problem solving skills to balance competing demands.
• Conduct robust, proportionate and fair investigations through effective investigation planning and case management.
• Obtain, analyse and assess all relevant information required for the effective investigation, applying good attention to detail, awareness of the relevant legal framework and the wider regulatory environment.
• Identify and research relevant points of law that may be material to the determination of the complaint.
• Write well-reasoned recommendations which: clearly identify the issues; present the information obtained in a well-structured, clear and succinct way; and make recommendations about what action the PCSC should take in accordance with policies and previous cases.
• Ensure prompt responses are provided to communications from parties and parties are kept informed in accordance with our policies and service standards.
• Communicate sensitively, effectively and professionally with parties, witnesses and others. Identify where parties are vulnerable and may require additional support.
• Produce high-quality written correspondence and documents.
• Maintain accurate records and case information.
• Manage large volumes of sensitive information in accordance with data protection legislation and our data management policies and procedures.
• Develop improved ways of working and assist with the implementation of change within the team.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties that may be expected.

Key Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• A Scottish solicitor with a current practising certificate.
• Experience of managing a varied investigation or complaints caseload in accordance with procedures and key measures.
• Experience of working under pressure in a busy and demanding environment, working independently and problem solving to manage competing deadlines and priorities.
• Experience of communicating sensitively and professionally with a range of stakeholders with different interests and needs.
• Experience of analysing high volumes of information and producing clear and succinct written reports or recommendations.
• Experience of adapting and contributing to change in the workplace.
• Experience of working across a range of business systems including Microsoft Office (including Teams), video conferencing applications and case management systems.
• High level of planning and organisational skills.
• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to understand and solve complex problems.

We are always on the look 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!