PDSO Inverness: Criminal defence solicitor

Role Details

Closing Date:	8th June 2020 11:59pm
Company / Division:	PDSO
Website:	https://www.pdso.org.uk/
Location:	Inverness
Salary:	From £38,200
Contract Type:	Full time, permanent

Job Description

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 Guardian article of interest.

Speculative applications are also welcome for our other PDSO offices – Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Ayr, Falkirk and Kirkwall.

Additional Information

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.

Experience Required

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.

Contact Details

Primary Contact:	Please contact our HR department using the contact details below.
Telephone Number:	0131 240 2027
Email Address:	recruitment@slab.org.uk