At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Legal and Governance Team, providing expert legal advice and support.
- Company: Join The Law Society of Scotland, a leader in diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, flexible hours, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of respect, openness, and integrity in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the legal sector while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or advocate with significant senior legal experience required.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ 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. 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 employer: The Law Society of Scotland
The Law Society of Scotland is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values public service and professional integrity. With opportunities for employee growth through involvement in meaningful projects like the Civil Legal Aid Quality Assurance scheme, staff enjoy a flexible hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance while contributing to the vital mission of ensuring quality legal services across Scotland.
Contact Details:
The Law Society of Scotland Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Counsel
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including The Law Society of Scotland, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace General Counsel
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at The Law Society of Scotland, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in The Law Society of Scotland and the specific role of General Counsel. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for The Law Society of Scotland’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Law Society of Scotland
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at The Law Society of Scotland.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at The Law Society of Scotland.
