Criminal Defence Solicitors
This job is closed and is displayed for reference only.
Reference:0322
Salary:Circa £38,200
Working pattern:Full time, Permanent
Location:Inverness
Closing date:08 June 2020 at midnight
About us
The Public Defence Solicitors’ Office (PDSO) is a national network of publicly funded solicitors operating from seven offices across Scotland providing criminal legal assistance. Operating as a direct service of the Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB), we advise and represent clients, who are eligible for criminal legal aid, in relation to summary and solemn cases at every level and in Scotland’s busiest courts all over the country.
This is a permanent solicitor vacancy within our Inverness office, dealing with criminal cases at all levels with a focus on duty solicitor work both at courts and at police stations.
What we are offering
As an organisation, SLAB and the PDSO can offer a secure and potentially long term career opportunity with highly rewarding work that can have a considerable impact on people’s lives. Our benefits package includes learning and development opportunities, flexible working hours, availability of working from home, competitive holiday entitlement and a contributory defined benefit pension scheme.
Relocation expenses may also be available for applicants relocating to Inverness from the Central Belt. Inverness is a growing city with a choice of local schools and further education facilities, convenient transport links to other major centres in Scotland and further afield. It provides city amenities and a lifestyle with the opportunity for excellent work/life balance amid fantastic Highland landscapes and a rich history. A range of social and cultural facilities are immediately to hand, with outdoor sports and activities available throughout the area.
If you are considering relocation, you may find the following article of interest: The Guardian article “Let’s move to Inverness, Inverness-shire: wilderness on the doorstep” (link: https://www.theguardian.com/money/2019/nov/29/lets-move-to-inverness-invernessshire-wilderness-doorstep)
Speculative applications are also welcome for our other PDSO offices located around Scotland.
About you
This is an excellent opportunity for skilled solicitors who are driven and self-motivated to achieve the best possible result. By using your own initiative to make things happen you will work to high standards to produce high quality output and deliver the best possible service and case outcome for clients.
You should demonstrate excellent presentation skills with well-developed communication skills and be able to influence and persuade others, verbally and in writing, in such a way to be clearly understood.
You should have sound judgmental skills and be able to evaluate information and courses of action to reach logical and objective decisions about what is most likely to lead to the desired results.
You should also have good planning and organising skills to be able to achieve results in a qualitative, timely and cost-effective way. Be able to set priorities and plan the efficient use of resources in order to monitor progress against objectives.
About the role
Main responsibilities of Criminal Defence Solicitor:
- Provide advice and representation to clients who are subject to criminal investigations or criminal proceedings.
- Apply/adhere to practices, procedures and Codes of Practice to ensure the maximum efficiency and effectiveness of the PDSO.
- Build effective relationships with clients and key contacts through appropriate contact.
- Represent the PDSO in its relationship with outside bodies as required.
Please note that all candidates are required to hold a full, post-qualified and unrestricted practising certificate from the Law Society of Scotland, a valid driving licence and should have at least a year of criminal court experience in Scots Law and (desirably) experience in advising and assisting suspects in police detention.
Relocation expenses may also be available for applicants relocating to Inverness from the Central Belt. Inverness is a growing city with a choice of local schools and further education facilities, convenient transport links to other major centres in Scotland and further afield. It provides city amenities and a lifestyle with the opportunity for excellent work/life balance amid fantastic Highland landscapes and a rich history. A range of social and cultural facilities are immediately to hand, with outdoor sports and activities available throughout the area.
If you are considering relocation, you may find the following article of interest: The Guardian article “Let’s move to Inverness, Inverness-shire: wilderness on the doorstep” (link: https://www.theguardian.com/money/2019/nov/29/lets-move-to-inverness-invernessshire-wilderness-doorstep)
Speculative applications are also welcome for our other PDSO offices located around Scotland.
You should demonstrate excellent presentation skills with well-developed communication skills and be able to influence and persuade others, verbally and in writing, in such a way to be clearly understood.
You should have sound judgmental skills and be able to evaluate information and courses of action to reach logical and objective decisions about what is most likely to lead to the desired results.
You should also have good planning and organising skills to be able to achieve results in a qualitative, timely and cost-effective way. Be able to set priorities and plan the efficient use of resources in order to monitor progress against objectives.
- Provide advice and representation to clients who are subject to criminal investigations or criminal proceedings.
- Apply/adhere to practices, procedures and Codes of Practice to ensure the maximum efficiency and effectiveness of the PDSO.
- Build effective relationships with clients and key contacts through appropriate contact.
- Represent the PDSO in its relationship with outside bodies as required.
Please note that all candidates are required to hold a full, post-qualified and unrestricted practising certificate from the Law Society of Scotland, a valid driving licence and should have at least a year of criminal court experience in Scots Law and (desirably) experience in advising and assisting suspects in police detention.
