Solicitor (civil)

Job title: Solicitor | Grade: 6 | Employment type: permanent | Hours: full time (35 hours per week) | Starting salary: £47,380 | Directorate: Client Legal Services | Department: Civil Legal Assistance Office (CLAO) | Location: Aberdeen | Closing date: Sunday, 23 November (23:55)

We’re looking for a committed and capable Solicitor to join our expert and supportive team. The successful candidate will handle a varied and often complex legal aid caseload, delivering high-quality, trauma-informed legal advice and representation in key areas like child law, public family law, and housing.

This is an excellent opportunity for anyone with a track record of excelling at civil litigation work, particularly those who have experience in either representing parents and children in the children’s hearing process, or in housing and homelessness law, as well as newly or recently qualified solicitors or those looking to develop such skills in a highly rewarding work environment.

The role is based within the geographical area covered by our Aberdeen office and will involve regular attendance at in-person court and children’s hearings in both Aberdeen and other areas within Aberdeenshire. Our preference is for the successful candidate to be based locally as they will be expected to attend the Aberdeen office on a regular basis.

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
• supporting colleagues across CLAO’s network to ensure consistent delivery of casework services
• delivering and contributing to training and resources for staff, partner agencies, and external organisations
• participating in duty solicitor schemes, CLAO helplines, and second-tier advice rotas
• 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.

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

Completed applications should be submitted by Sunday, 23 November 2025 (23:55).