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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct legal research and support solicitors in delivering high-quality legal services.
- Company: Join the Scottish Government Legal Directorate, a key player in public legal services.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop skills, and contribute to meaningful legal work.
- Why this job: Enhance your legal research skills while making a difference in Scotland's legal landscape.
- Qualifications: Strong research skills and a keen interest in law are essential.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you looking for a role that develops your legal research skills and helps deliver high quality legal services for the people of Scotland? We are looking to recruit two Professional Support Legal Assistants (PSLAs) to join the Scottish Government Legal Directorate (SGLD) to undertake legal research and provide Knowledge Management (KM) support to solicitors.
SGLD delivers a full range of legal services to the Scottish Government and various public bodies. This includes instructing primary legislation, drafting secondary legislation, and advising Ministers and officials across a broad range of legal issues. It is a fast-paced and high-profile environment, often involving complex and sensitive legal matters.
PSLAs provide a vital service to solicitors across SGLD. They contribute to the delivery of timely, high-quality legal advice through research and KM activities. Research supports both legislative and advisory work, while KM activities help maintain and improve the Directorate’s knowledge resources, underpinning the delivery of its KM Strategy. While PSLAs work closely with solicitors to enhance the quality and efficiency of legal services, they do not provide legal advice or draft statutory instruments.
SGLD has a complement of four PSLAs (including these two posts). Each PSLA is assigned to two Divisions, providing shared support across both. These vacancies will be assigned to the following Divisions:
- One post will support Rural Affairs Division (RA) and Marine, Planning and Natural Resources Division (MPNR).
- The other post will support Economy and Social Protections Division (ESP) and Transport, Commercial and Information Division (TCI).
PSLAs may be asked to support colleagues outside the Divisions to which they are primarily assigned.
Professional Support Legal Assistant employer: Work For Scotland
Contact Detail:
Work For Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Professional Support Legal Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Scottish Government Legal Directorate (SGLD) inside out! Research their recent projects and legal challenges. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former PSLAs on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have. It’s a great way to get insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your legal research skills before the interview. Use online resources to brush up on relevant legislation and case law. Being able to discuss these confidently will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Professional Support Legal Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your legal research skills and any relevant experience. We want to see how you can contribute to the high-quality legal services we provide at SGLD.
Showcase Your Knowledge Management Skills: Since KM support is a big part of the role, don’t forget to mention any experience you have with knowledge management or similar activities. We love seeing how you can help us maintain and improve our resources!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively, so make sure your application reflects that. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Work For Scotland
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Brush up on your legal research skills and be ready to discuss relevant legislation. Familiarise yourself with the types of legal issues the Scottish Government deals with, especially in the areas of rural affairs, economy, and transport. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also understand the context in which you'll be working.
✨Showcase Your KM Skills
Knowledge Management is key for this role, so think about how you can demonstrate your experience in managing and organising information. Prepare examples of how you've contributed to knowledge resources in previous roles or projects, as this will highlight your ability to support solicitors effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle complex legal matters. Think through potential challenges you might face as a PSLA and how you would approach them. This will help you articulate your thought process during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the SGLD's current projects or future initiatives. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage with the interviewers on a deeper level.
