Head of Office

Job title: Head of Office | Grade: 8 | Employment type: Permanent | Hours: Full time (35 hours per week) | Starting salary: £71,940 | Directorate: Client Legal Services (CLS) | Department: Civil Legal Assistance Office (CLAO) | Location: Aberdeen | Closing date: 20 January 2026 (23:55)

We’re looking for an experienced and motivated Head of Office to lead day-to-day operations at CLAO Aberdeen. The role combines management responsibility for a team of solicitors along with managing your own legal aid caseload in key areas like public family law and housing. You’ll ensure the delivery of high-quality, client-centred, and trauma-informed legal services whilst supporting the Head of Service in developing CLAO’s network-wide services and strategic priorities.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced solicitor with existing management experience and an interest in supporting a team to deliver much needed civil and children’s legal assistance across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. The role is based within the geographical area covered by our Aberdeen office and will involve regular and frequent office and in-person hearing attendances.

Key responsibilities include:

• managing day-to-day office operations, including staff, casework, and business support functions
• overseeing work allocation, diary management, supervision, and performance reviews
• managing your own complex and mixed caseload, providing high-quality independent advice and representation
• contributing to CLAO’s strategic projects and policy development
• ensuring compliance with SLAB policies, financial procedures, and quality standards
• developing effective working relationships with solicitors, partner agencies, and external organisations
• representing CLAO and SLAB in relations with outside bodies (where appropriate).

To succeed in this role, you will need:

• excellent knowledge of the civil justice system and legal aid legislation
• strong advocacy skills and significant civil court experience
• proven expertise in at least one core area of CLAO’s work (child law, housing and homelessness, mental health, debt, or benefit appeals)
• effective leadership and people management skills
• excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to work with clients who may be vulnerable
• strong planning, organisational, and financial management abilities
• Proficiency with IT in a legal context (Microsoft 365, case management systems)
• A full, current, valid driving licence.

For more details and a full list of essential criteria and required competencies, please see the Job Description.

Completed applications should be returned by Tuesday, 20 January 2026 (23:55).

Interviews will take place on Monday, 26 January 2026.