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Legal Adviser (Lothian & Borders)
Lothian & Borders Management Team have two excellent opportunities to join the team as a Legal Adviser covering the sheriffdom of Lothian & Borders.
You will perform a key strategic role, working closely with senior managers to deliver excellent service across the Sheriffdom of Lothian and Borders. You will provide accurate legal and procedural advice to Justices of the Peace (JPs) and support them within clearly defined roles. You will fully participate in training of JPs. You will take a proactive role in supporting the effective performance of the business team in response to service demands.
You must be admitted as a solicitor or advocate in Scotland (and hold, or could obtain, a current unrestricted practising certificate from the Law Society of Scotland).
The key responsibilities include:
- To act as Clerk of Court in the JP Court and proactively provide accurate and independent legal and procedural advice to lay JPs at, and out with, sittings of the JP Court and to support JPs in the execution of their judicial role.
- To prepare, process and complete all court documentation to ensure statutory/business targets are met.
- To assist the Sheriffdom Legal Adviser in the preparation and maintenance of JP and Legal Adviser rotas; provision of support and advice to Sheriffdom Justices’ Committees and any sub-committees, and undertake planning and reporting on behalf of the committees.
- To draft stated cases and reports for JPs in appeals and undertake all associated work.
- To undertake project work and delivery of local and national initiatives as required by the Sheriffdom Management Team, including the development of training for legal and non-legal staff.
- To assist in preparation and delivery of training to JP’s and prospective JPs in accordance with national and local training plans as required by the Sheriffdom Legal Adviser and the Lord President/Judicial Institute.
- To ensure all relevant new or amended legislation is assessed and any changes implemented in conjunction with the Sheriffdom Legal Adviser and if appropriate, the Judicial Institute.
- To continually monitor JP Court services, systems, methods and procedures, provide information on same and recommend changes to improve efficiency and service to all court users.
- Establish a network of effective communication and working relationships with Justice Partners.
- To undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested within the scope of the post.
Applications will be accepted until 11:59pm on the closing date stated on the advert, 1 June 2025.
Interviews will be held week commencing 16 June 2025.
If you have any questions with regards to this opportunity, please email Recruitment@Scotcourts.gov.uk
