Contract Type: Permanent
Location: Dumfries/Hybrid
Salary Range: £52,842 - £56,934 (increasing by 3.5% in April 2026)
Hours per week: 36
Weeks per year: 52
Closing date: 9 February 2026
Interview date – 19 February 2026

A vacancy has arisen for a qualified solicitor in our in-house Court and Licensing Team. The team delivers a diverse and complex range of services and general public sector legal support to the Council organisation. We aim to deliver an outcome/client focussed legal service ensuring that we meet our client services’ needs and Council priorities. 

Working as an in‑house solicitor offers the opportunity to undertake high‑quality, varied legal work that makes a tangible difference to local communities. The role provides exposure to a broad and intellectually challenging caseload, close collaboration with elected members and senior officers, and the ability to influence decision‑making at an early stage. In‑house practice also offers a supportive and collegiate environment, a strong commitment to work‑life balance, and opportunities for professional development within a stable public‑service setting.

Dumfries and Galloway Council has modernised its ways of working, through our Smarter Working Policy. We offer fixed, flexible, mobile and home working styles. Legal Services operates a hybrid working model, with a mixture of office and home working. 

We would be pleased to hear from anyone with enthusiasm and experience in Local Government, other statutory advisory areas, or with a strong interest in developing such expertise within Local Government.

The successful post holder must:

Hold a degree in Scots Law and Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. 

Be admitted as a solicitor by the Law Society of Scotland and hold a current unrestricted Practising Certificate.

Requirements

Have a good working knowledge of Scots Law.

The post holder will require to hold / undergo PVG registration.

Have good knowledge of current and impending legislation and practice areas, and an understanding of the impacts on the public sector.

Have knowledge and experience of delivering legal advice in the Local Government/Public Sector.

Good experience of providing support and advice with minimal supervision in one or more of the following areas of Law:

Court and Tribunal
Social Work
Education
Licensing
Employment
Environmental Health / Trading Standards
Governance and/or
other public sector matters

Expertise or a willingness to develop expertise in Social Work law is highly desirable for this position.

General litigation and representation experience, providing support and advice with minimal supervision.

Experience of supporting clients/employers to develop policies/strategies.

Good written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to manage varied and challenged workload

Effective time-management skills and prioritisation

Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft packages – Outlook, Word, case/file management systems etc.

Drafting and negotiation skills

Legal Research skills

Ability to work effectively as part of a Team.

Self-confident and self-motivated.

Fostering client relationships and good resolutions.

Able to form productive working relations with various Council officials, elected members, and external solicitors.

Ability to work flexibly to meet the needs and demands of the service.

Appreciation, acceptance of and a commitment to the importance of confidentiality.

Ability to work from home.

Ability to attend Court/Council offices at short notice.

Some knowledge/experience of the following is desirable:

Experience of operating within a political regime.

Understanding of local and national strategies and impacts on local government services.

Experience of supporting committees, sub-committees and other Council led bodies/partnerships.

Disclosure

If successful, you may be required to undertake a PGV/Disclosure Scotland check, the level of check will be determined by the duties of the post. If you would like further information in relation to the Disclosure Scotland checks, please visit www.disclosurescotland.co.uk

Link to apply: Solicitor Courts and Licensing - DGA12900 | Dumfries and Galloway Council | myjobscotland

For further information please contact

Jacqueline Holland
Governance and Assurance Manager
Tel: 07920 071064
Email: Jacqueline.Holland@dumgal.gov.uk