Solicitor

Job title: Solicitor | Grade: 6 | Employment type: permanent | Hours: full time (35 hours per week) | Starting salary: £49,280 | Directorate: Client Legal Services | Department: Public Defence Solicitors’ Office | Location: Edinburgh | Closing date: 1 March 2026 (23:55)

We’re looking for a committed and confident criminal defence solicitor to join our Public Defence Solicitors’ Office (PDSO) in Edinburgh. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of clients, delivering high-quality legal representation in both solemn and summary proceedings.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing legal advice and representation to clients at police stations and in criminal courts as a nominated and duty solicitor
• Applying best practice and legal procedures to ensure effective case handling and operational efficiency
• Building and maintaining a local client base through excellent service and representation
• Representing PDSO in liaison with external organisations to support the wider objectives of Client Legal Services
• Contributing to staff training and development.

To succeed in this role, you will need:

• A current, unrestricted practising certificate and enrolment as a solicitor with the Law Society of Scotland (or a pending application)
• Strong experience in Scots criminal law and criminal court procedure
• Experience advising clients in police detention and managing cases across summary and solemn courts
• Sound judgement and the ability to make objective, informed decisions under pressure
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills – persuasive, clear and client-focused
• Strong planning, organisational, and time management skills with an eye for quality
• A proactive, driven mindset with a high standard of personal ethics and professionalism
• A valid driving licence for travel to courts, client meetings, and other PDSO offices.

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, please see the Job Description.

Completed applications should be returned by Sunday 1 March 2026 (23:55).