Job title: Solicitor | Grade: 6 | Employment type: Fixed term (6 months) | Hours: Full time (35 hours per week) | Starting salary: £51,010 | Directorate: Client Legal Services (CLS) | Department: Civil Legal Assistance Office (CLAO) | Location: Inverness | Closing date: 21 June 2026 (23:55)
We’re looking for a committed and capable Solicitor to join our highly skilled, collaborative and supportive team, where you will make a real difference to people’s lives across the Highlands and Islands.
You will manage a varied and meaningful legal aid case load, delivering high-quality, trauma-informed advice and representation in such areas as child law, public family law, Adults with Incapacity and housing. This is a role where your work truly matters – helping vulnerable individuals access justice while being fully supported by experienced colleagues. You’ll be part of a close knit and experienced team who actively support one another with casework, share knowledge, and provide informal and formal supervision. We recognise the challenges of this work and prioritise wellbeing, team collaboration, and peer support.
This is an excellent opportunity for anyone with a track record of excelling at civil litigation work, particularly those who have experience with either representing parents and children in the children's hearing process, adults seeking support for guardianship and detention under the Adults with Incapacity Act, or housing and homelessness law. It is also a great opportunity for a newly or recently qualified solicitor looking to develop such skills in a highly rewarding work environment.
The role is linked to our Inverness office and offers the opportunity to work across the Highlands and Islands, attending courts and hearings in a unique and rewarding legal landscape. While regular attendance in Inverness is expected, we are open to considering candidates based further afield, where feasible.
Key responsibilities include:
managing your own complex and varied civil legal aid caseload
advising and representing clients in a timely, independent, and trauma-informed manner
working collaboratively with colleagues across CLAO’s network, sharing expertise and supporting high-quality practice delivering and contributing to training and resources for staff, partner agencies, and external organisations
participating in duty solicitor scheme, CLAO helpline, and second-tier advice rotas
developing expertise through involvement in training, mentoring and knowledge sharing initiatives
building strong relationships with local solicitors, courts, and support organisations
assisting with policy development and CLAO’s strategic project work
supporting Heads of Office with peer supervision, work allocation, and team support.
To succeed in this role, you will need:
strong civil court experience and advocacy skills
in-depth knowledge of the civil justice system and legal aid legislation
experience in at least one key area: child law, housing, homelessness, mental health, AWI, debt or benefits appeals
confidence in working with vulnerable groups and managing complex, often urgent cases
excellent communication, legal research and IT skills
a proactive, self-motivated attitude with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
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 and a full list of essential criteria and required competencies, .
Completed applications should be returned by Sunday 21 June 2026.
The Civil Legal Assistance Office (CLAO) is part of the Scottish Legal Aid Board, providing 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. The Directorate comprises the Civil Legal Assistance Office (CLAO), 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 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.
