Job title: Legal Learning Solicitor | Grade: 7 | Employment type: permanent | Hours: full time (35 hours a week) | Starting salary: £61,820 | Directorate: Client Legal Services | Department: Public Defence Solicitors’ Office (PDSO) | Location: Edinburgh | Closing date: 7 September 2026 (23:55)
We are seeking a Legal Learning Solicitor to join the Public Defence Solicitors’ Office (PDSO) in Edinburgh.
This is a key role supporting PDSO solicitors to deliver a high-quality criminal defence service. You will provide expert legal advice and representation, support professional development through training and coaching, and help shape guidance, protocols and quality assurance processes across the service.
You will also carry your own caseload, advise senior colleagues on legal developments, and contribute to wider improvement work within the criminal justice system.
Key responsibilities include :
Providing advice and representation to clients involved in criminal investigations and proceedings
Delivering and facilitating legal training, coaching and professional development for PDSO solicitors
Advising colleagues and senior leaders on criminal law developments and their practical implications
Drafting and communicating legal guidance, protocols and best practice materials
Supporting quality assurance in case preparation, strategy and performance monitoring
Building and maintaining effective relationships with clients, stakeholders, SLAB colleagues and external bodies
Gathering evidence and feedback on criminal justice operational practices to support policy and service improvement
Contributing to initiatives that support attraction, retention and development of legal talent
Supporting efficient use of resources, including awareness of financial and budgetary implications
Mentoring and coaching colleagues to help them achieve their potential.
To succeed in this role, you will need:
to be an enrolled solicitor with a full, unrestricted practising certificate from the Law Society of Scotland
strong experience as a criminal court practitioner in Scots Law, including police station advice
experience of criminal proceedings requiring specialist knowledge, including appeal work
in-depth knowledge of the Scottish criminal justice system and legal aid
experience designing, delivering and evaluating legal training
excellent communication, presentation, facilitation and influencing skills
strong stakeholder and client relationship management skills
effective leadership, coaching and mentoring skills
sound judgement, initiative and the ability to make objective decisions
strong planning, organisational and prioritisation skills
understanding of the criminal justice policy landscape in Scotland
awareness of budget management, financial controls and efficient use of resources
competence using Microsoft 365, Excel, Word and case management systems
experience of stakeholder engagement
a full driving licence and access to a vehicle.
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,
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.
