Scottish Legal Aid Board
Solicitor
Get notified of more jobs like this · No spam, ever
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
About the Role
We’re looking for a committed and confident criminal defence solicitor to join our Public Defence Solicitors’ Office (PDSO) in Ayr. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of clients, delivering high-quality legal representation in both solemn and summary proceedings.
Key Responsibilities
- Providing legal advice and representation to clients at police stations and in criminal courts as a nominated and duty solicitor
- Applying best practice and legal procedures to ensure effective case handling and operational efficiency
- Building and maintaining a local client base through excellent service and representation
- Representing PDSO in liaison with external organisations to support the wider objectives of Client Legal Services
- Contributing to staff training and development
Requirements
- A current, unrestricted practising certificate and enrolment as a solicitor with the Law Society of Scotland (or a pending application)
- Strong experience in Scots criminal law and criminal court procedure
- Experience advising clients in police detention and managing cases across summary and solemn courts
- Sound judgement and the ability to make objective, informed decisions under pressure
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills – persuasive, clear and client-focused
- Strong planning, organisational, and time management skills with an eye for quality
- A proactive, driven mindset with a high standard of personal ethics and professionalism
- A valid driving licence for travel to courts, client meetings, and other PDSO offices
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 arrangements 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
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Additional Information
This post is fixed term (12-month maternity cover) on a full-time basis. Interviews are likely to take place on or around Tuesday 6 – Thursday 8 October 2026.
For more details about this role and a full list of essential criteria and required competencies, please see the Job Description.
For assistance, please email People@slab.org.uk.
Completed applications should be returned by 23 September 2026 (23:55).
About PDSO
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.
About SLAB
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.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
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.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Location