Lawyer

We are currently seeking applications for lawyers to join the Government Legal Service for Scotland (GLSS) where we can offer a rewarding and challenging career.

We would be delighted to receive applications from candidates from all backgrounds and levels of experience - your exciting career in Scottish public law awaits.

The GLSS consists of legal offices that provide legal services to central government in Scotland (in particular the Scottish Government and the UK Government) and offers one of the most varied careers in law.

Lawyers within the GLSS are employed by the Scottish Government but may be assigned to any of the GLSS legal offices.

The legal work you will be doing will be wide-ranging, covering a whole breadth of topics. It will be varied, challenging, high profile and topical - frequently gaining media attention. Providing legal advice to government is unique and intellectually demanding. It is also rewarding, enjoyable and carried out in a supportive environment.

Responsibilities

Providing legal advice which may include drafting statutory instruments, instructing Bills, instructing litigation including inquiries, and commercial law as required (including attendance before Scottish Parliament committees where required).
Having responsibility for assessing lawfulness and legal risk, making recommendations to mitigate and manage legal risk as part of your role in providing legal advice.
Working collaboratively and flexibly with and supporting other lawyers including, where appropriate, providing peer support.
Undertaking in depth legal analysis to inform careful legal judgments, with support as appropriate.
Communicating effectively with colleagues across government, building strong, collaborative working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders and conveying complex issues clearly and concisely.

You must be a solicitor or advocate entitled to practice in Scotland.

Success Profile

We use an assessment framework called 'Success Profiles' which lists the elements we test and provides detailed descriptions of each. Find out more about how we assess the Success Profile elements:

Technical / Professional Skills:

1. Strong legal skills applicable, or transferable, to public law in Scotland.

2. Ability to conduct sound legal analysis taking account of multiple sources of information and data.

Experience:

Proven track record of providing high quality legal advice on complex areas.

Behaviours:

Making Effective Decisions - Level 4
Working Together - Level 4
Delivering at Pace - Level 4
Communicating and Influencing - Level 4

Lawyers within the GLSS are employed by the Scottish Government. The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles.

Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland.

We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer.

As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.