The Scottish Bar is one of Scotland's most ancient and prestigious institutions with a membership of about 460 practising Advocates. Most advocates are supported in their professional practices by an Advocates' Clerk/ Practice Manager employed by Faculty Services Limited. Practice Managers are the primary point of contact for solicitors and others who wish to instruct Advocates to provide legal advice or to appear in court.
With the increasing numbers of Members due to Members staying in practice longer and new Devils joining in large numbers, FSL need to ensure the service provided to all remains at the high standard that we are proud to deliver. This has resulted in the creation of a new stable, the first to be created since devolution, and the following vacancy has arisen on a fixed term basis with the potential for the role to become permanent:
Post: Advocates' Clerk/ Practice Manager (non-devolved)
(Fixed Term Contract – 12 months)
Ref: 26.03
Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday - Friday: 9.00am -5 .00pm
Operating under a hybrid working policy
Salary: Grade 1b £56,540 - £68,725 per annum
(All new appointments will be made at the start of the salary scale)
Rewards:
* 30 days holiday (rising to 35 days)
* 8 Public Holidays
* Private Health Care: Current Provider -Vitality
* Employer Pension Contribution of 9%
* Flexi Time Policy
* Cycle to Work & Tech Scheme
* Critical Illness & Life Cover
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Health Cash Plan
The post of Advocates' Clerk/ Practice Manager (non-devolved) will report to the Co-CEO's initially and will provide leadership and operational management for a Stable of Advocates within FSL. The primary role includes supporting the development of individual practices of Senior and Junior Counsel, ensuring efficient operations, providing fee advice and identifying growth opportunities. The position will be responsible for line managing and developing a team of Deputy Advocates' Clerks who provide daily operational support to the Stable, marketing, business development and administrative service to the Stable membership.
The successful candidate will be responsible for governance: ensure compliance with Faculty polices, procedures and central governance frameworks along with arranging and attending stable management meetings; financial management: analyse market rates, provide fee advice, draft and review terms of engagement, negotiate fees, prepare cost analysis and estimates and conduct taxations before Auditors of Court; marketing & business development: project manage events, seminars, marketing materials, legal directory submissions, promote Counsel, identify new opportunities, website maintenance, social media and engagement channels. The post holder will also be responsible for diary management and advocate support of their Members along with staff management and development of their team.
The successful candidate is expected to have a SCE Higher Grade English (or equivalent) and a minimum of eight years proven experience in a similar role. In addition, good working knowledge of the Scottish Courts system and previous experience in a legal environment are essential. Candidates should have previous management or supervisory experience along with strong organisation, communication and negotiation skills.
To apply for this vacancy, please email for an application form.
Closing Date: 12.00 noon on Wednesday 25 February 2026
Job Types: Full-time, Temporary, Fixed term contract, Temp to perm
Contract length: 12 months
Pay: £56,540.00-£68,725.00 per year
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Edinburgh EH1