Vacancy: CLAO Solicitor – Highland and Islands

8 January 2026

Solicitor (Grade 6) – CLAO Highland and Islands
Ref no 34
Full time, permanent
Application deadline: Wednesday 28 January

We’re looking for a committed and capable Solicitor to join our expert and supportive team. The successful candidate will handle a varied and complex legal aid caseload, delivering high-quality, trauma-informed legal advice and representation in key areas like child law, public family law, Adults with Incapacity 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, adults seeking support for guardianship and detention under the Adults with Incapacity Act, or housing and homelessness law. It is also a great opportunity for newly or recently qualified solicitors looking to develop such skills in a highly rewarding work environment.

The role is based within the geographical area covered by our Inverness office and will involve regular attendance at in-person court and children’s hearings in Inverness and other areas within the Highlands and Islands, including Moray. Our preference is for the successful candidate to be based locally to attend the Inverness office on a regular basis, but consideration will be given to candidates who are outside the area.

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.

How to apply

Full details about the role and online application are available on our recruitment portal (external link).