Senior Solicitor

Public Defence Solicitors’ Office

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Senior Solicitor to support the Public Defence Solicitors’ Office (PDSO) network by delivering high-quality, ethical and independent criminal legal defence services across Scotland.

Working as both a nominated and duty solicitor, you will provide advice and representation to clients involved in criminal investigations or proceedings, including at police stations and in summary and solemn courts. You will apply specialist knowledge of Scots criminal law, criminal procedure, advocacy and legal aid to ensure services are delivered without fear or favour.

This role is based flexibly within our PDSO network and can be located at any of our eight PDSO offices, but the successful solicitor will be expected to support the PDSO network across Scotland as required. Location will be variable and dependant on the business need of each office. Given the nature of this role, there will be a requirement for travel to various locations and there will be an element of home-based working when not required for court or other business.

Key responsibilities include:

advising and representing clients in criminal investigations and proceedings
acting as nominated and duty solicitor in courts and police stations
applying PDSO procedures and Codes of Practice effectively
building and maintaining a local client base
representing PDSO with external partners
supporting the wider PDSO network as required
contributing to staff training and development
mentoring solicitors and supporting caseload management.

To succeed in this role, you will need:

enrolment as a solicitor with a Law Society of Scotland practising certificate
strong knowledge of criminal justice and legal aid
experience practising Scots criminal law in court
experience advising suspects in police detention
specialist knowledge of criminal law, procedure and advocacy
excellent communication, judgement and decision-making skills
strong planning, organisation and prioritisation skills
a self-motivated, flexible and pragmatic approach
ability to mentor and coach colleagues
a valid driving licence.

What we offer

A meaningful role where your work makes a real impact
A supportive, inclusive, and values-driven working environment
Opportunities for learning and professional development
Flexible working to support a healthy work-life balance
A competitive salary and benefits package, including pension contributions
Generous annual leave entitlement (34 days, rising to 42 days after two years’ service)
Enhanced family-friendly leave entitlements
Access to wellbeing support, mental health support and an employee assistance programme
Access to a wide range of discounts (including gym and retail) and the Cycle to Work scheme through our partner, Edenred.
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, 9 August 2026.

About Us

The Public Defence Solicitors’ Office (PDSO) is a national network of publicly employed solicitors, providing high-quality criminal legal assistance across Scotland. Established in 1998, we operate as a direct service of the Scottish Legal Aid Board, offering expert advice and representation to clients eligible for criminal legal aid. Our experienced team supports individuals facing summary and solemn cases at all levels, representing them in some of Scotland’s busiest courts.

For more information, visit www.pdso.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.

Apply here