Solicitor

Job Description

We’re looking for a skilled civil solicitor to help shape the delivery of legal aid in Scotland by making well-reasoned decisions on complex civil and children’s legal assistance applications. 

This is an ideal role for someone who combines strong legal knowledge with excellent communication, research, and decision-making skills.

Key responsibilities include:

• Making decisions on civil and children’s legal aid applications, including assessing case merits and approving expenditure
• Handling complex legal queries and providing expert guidance to both internal staff and the legal profession
• Drafting clear, practical internal and external guidance on decision-making processes
• Advising on legal aid policy and contributing to improvements in procedures, systems, and application standards
• Keeping up to date with legal developments, relevant legislation, and case law
• Representing SLAB at external meetings and participating in internal projects, training, and legal system improvements.

To succeed in this role, you will need:

• Significant experience in civil law, with in-depth knowledge of the civil justice system and legal aid legislation
• Excellent legal research and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex cases and apply sound judgement
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills – clear, diplomatic, and confident when dealing with legal professionals and internal teams
• Strong client and customer focus with an organised, pragmatic approach to handling urgent and complex casework
• A self-motivated mindset with the ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines under pressure
• Familiarity with legal IT systems and Microsoft 365 tools in a professional setting
• A collaborative attitude with a willingness to support training and contribute to broader SLAB initiatives.

For more details about this role and a full list of essential criteria and required competencies, please see the Job Description. 

ABOUT US

The Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB) plays a vital role in ensuring access to justice for all individuals in Scotland. As a non-departmental public body, SLAB operates independently but is accountable to the Scottish Government. Our mission is simple: to provide essential legal support to those who need it most, ensuring fair access to justice for all.

We manage and continually improve the delivery of publicly funded legal assistance and provide strategic advice to Scottish Ministers, shaping the future of legal aid in Scotland. In a dynamic and evolving legal landscape, our work is central to the functioning of the justice system, supporting the courts and helping people navigate complex legal matters.

At SLAB, we believe in the power of a diverse, talented workforce. We employ individuals from all backgrounds, bringing a range of skills and experiences to our workforce. Every role, whether directly interacting with the public or providing behind-the-scenes support, makes a meaningful impact on people’s lives.

We offer an inclusive, supportive work environment with a comprehensive employment package. To learn more about working with SLAB and the benefits we offer, please visit www.slab.org.uk/recruitment/working-for-us.

We are an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to being fair, inclusive and a place where all belong.

We welcome and encourage applications from diverse backgrounds, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQI+ people.

We will ensure that the disclosure of disability status will not negatively impact anyone’s application. Where reasonable, we are committed to guaranteeing an interview to every applicant who indicates they have a disability, under the Equality Act 2010, and meets the minimum criteria for the role.

For further information on SLAB’s services, values, and how the legal aid system works, please visit www.slab.org.uk.