Job title: Senior Solicitor | Grade: 7 | Employment type: permanent | Hours: full time (35 hrs per week) | Starting salary: £61,820 | Directorate: Client Legal Services (CLS) | Department: Public Defence Solicitors’ Office (PDSO) | Location: Falkirk | Closing date: 24 May 2026 (23:55)
We’re looking for an experienced and motivated Senior Solicitor to join our PDSO team in Falkirk and deliver high-quality criminal defence services across summary and solemn courts, as well as at police stations.
You’ll play a key role in upholding ethical, independent legal representation while supporting the development of colleagues through mentoring and training.
Key Responsibilities
* Providing expert advice and representation to clients in criminal investigations and proceedings
* Representing clients in summary and solemn courts, and at police stations, as a duty and nominated solicitor
* Applying legal practices, procedures, and Codes of Practice to ensure high-quality service delivery
* Building and maintaining a strong client base within the local area
* Supporting the Head of Office in achieving operational and strategic objectives
* Representing the organisation in dealings with external bodies
* Mentoring and supporting solicitors in managing caseloads and developing their skills
* Contributing to the training and development of staff within the PDSO.
Qualifications
* A full and unrestricted practising certificate from the Law Society of Scotland
* In-depth knowledge of the criminal justice system and legal aid
* Strong practical experience in Scots criminal law, including court advocacy
* Experience advising and assisting clients in police detention
* The ability to handle complex cases requiring specialist legal knowledge
* Strong judgement and decision-making skills, with the ability to evaluate options effectively
* Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and persuade
* The ability to mentor, coach, and support the development of colleagues.
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.
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.
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