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Head of Office
Grade: 8 | Employment type: Permanent | Hours: Full time (35 hours per week) | Starting salary: £71,940 | Directorate: Client Legal Services (CLS) | Department: Civil Legal Assistance Office (CLAO) | Location: Aberdeen | Closing date: 20 January 2026 (23:55)
Job description
We’re looking for an experienced and motivated Head of Office to lead day-to-day operations at CLAO Aberdeen. The role combines management responsibility for a team of solicitors along with managing your own legal aid caseload in key areas like public family law and housing. You’ll ensure the delivery of high-quality, client-centred, and trauma-informed legal services whilst supporting the Head of Service in developing CLAO’s network-wide services and strategic priorities.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced solicitor with existing management experience and an interest in supporting a team to deliver much needed civil and children’s legal assistance across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. The role is based within the geographical area covered by our Aberdeen office and will involve regular and frequent office and in-person hearing attendances.
Key responsibilities include:
• managing day-to-day office operations, including staff, casework, and business support functions
• overseeing work allocation, diary management, supervision, and performance reviews
• managing your own complex and mixed caseload, providing high-quality independent advice and representation
• contributing to CLAO’s strategic projects and policy development
• ensuring compliance with SLAB policies, financial procedures, and quality standards
• developing effective working relationships with solicitors, partner agencies, and external organisations
• representing CLAO and SLAB in relations with outside bodies (where appropriate).
To succeed in this role, you will need:
• excellent knowledge of the civil justice system and legal aid legislation
• strong advocacy skills and significant civil court experience
• proven expertise in at least one core area of CLAO’s work (child law, housing and homelessness, mental health, debt, or benefit appeals)
• effective leadership and people management skills
• excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to work with clients who may be vulnerable
• strong planning, organisational, and financial management abilities
• Proficiency with IT in a legal context (Microsoft 365, case management systems)
• A full, current, valid driving licence.
For more details and a full list of essential criteria and required competencies, please see the Job Description.
Completed applications should be returned by Tuesday, 20 January 2026 (23:55).
Interviews will take place on Monday 26 January 2026.
About Us
The Civil Legal Assistance Office (CLAO) provides 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, alongside the 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 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 benefits we offer, 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.
