Job title: Secretarial Administrator | Grade: 3 | Employment type: permanent | Hours: full time (35 hours per week) | Starting salary: £30,160 | Directorate: Client Legal Services | Department: Public Defence Solicitors’ Office | Location: Edinburgh | Closing date: 4 January 2026 (23:55)

Job description

We are looking for a well-organised and proactive Secretarial Administrator to join the PDSO Edinburgh office. Reporting to the Network and Systems Coordinator, you will provide high-quality legal administration and casework support to solicitors locally and across the network.

This role is central to ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and supports the delivery of client-centred and trauma-informed legal services.

Key responsibilities include:

· Providing general administrative and casework support

· Maintaining and updating case files

· Audio typing, copy typing and preparing documents

· Reception and client enquiries

· Handling incoming/outgoing mail

· Managing case documents (scanning, photocopying, downloading)

· Diary management

· Processing invoices and requisitions

· Using and monitoring Legal Aid Online (LAOL)

· Assisting with admin tasks delegated by the Network and Systems Coordinator

· Supporting training for new business support staff.

To succeed in this role, you will need:

· Strong communication skills

· Confident IT skills (Microsoft applications)

· High accuracy and attention to detail

· Fast and accurate typing - experience in audio typing using transcription software is highly desirable

· Ability to work independently with good judgement

· Strong organisation and time-management skills

· Excellent customer service

· Understanding of confidentiality and data protection.

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, 4 January 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.