Solicitor (Maternity Cover)

Job Description

We’re looking for a committed and capable Solicitor to join the Civil Legal Assistance Office (CLAO) to cover maternity leave for up to 12 months. You’ll handle a mixed and often complex legal aid caseload, delivering high-quality, trauma-informed legal advice and representation in key areas like child law, public family law, housing, and more. 

This is an excellent opportunity for anyone with a track record of excelling at civil litigation work, particularly those who have experience in either representing parents and children in the children’s hearing process, or in housing and homelessness law, as well as newly or recently qualified solicitors or those looking to develop such skills in a highly rewarding work environment.

The role is based within the geographical area covered by our Aberdeen office and will involve regular attendance at in-person court and children’s hearings in both Aberdeen and other areas within Aberdeenshire. Our preference is for the successful candidate to be based locally. Whilst we will consider applications for those wishing to work remotely, for example homeworking or in one of our other offices (Edinburgh and Inverness), the successful candidate will be expected to attend the Aberdeen office on a regular basis.

Key responsibilities include:

• managing your own complex and varied civil legal aid caseload
• advising and representing clients in a timely, independent, and trauma-informed manner
• supporting colleagues across CLAO’s network to ensure consistent delivery of casework services
• delivering and contributing to training and resources for staff, partner agencies and external organisations
• participating in duty solicitor schemes, CLAO helplines and second-tier advice rotas
• building strong relationships with local solicitors, courts, and support organisations 
• assisting with policy development and CLAO’s strategic project work 
• supporting Heads of Office with peer supervision, work allocation and team support.

To succeed in this role, you will need:

• strong civil court experience and advocacy skills
• in-depth knowledge of the civil justice system and legal aid legislation
• experience in at least one key area: child law, housing, homelessness, mental health, AWI, debt, or benefits appeals
• confidence in working with vulnerable groups and managing complex, often urgent cases
• excellent communication, legal research, and IT skills
• a proactive, self-motivated attitude with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

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

Completed applications should be returned by Sunday, 13 July 2025 (midnight).

ABOUT US

The Civil Legal Assistance Office (CLAO) is part of the Scottish Legal Aid Board, providing accessible legal support to those who need it most. Since 2008, we have helped people with their civil law problems by providing a combination of direct casework, expert guidance and training to advice organisations, and referrals to other providers of legal assistance. In addition to supporting individuals, we collaborate with local and national organisations on projects that strengthen legal assistance networks and address community needs.

We are part of the Scottish Legal Aid Board’s Client Legal Services Directorate. The Directorate comprises the Civil Legal Assistance Office (CLAO), Public Defence Solicitor’s Office (PDSO) and Solicitor Contact Line (SCL) making us Scotland’s largest multi-disciplinary legal aid practice and a unique place to work.

Learn more at www.clao.org.uk.

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.