Job Description

Job title: Assessment Officer | Grade: 3 | Employment type: permanent | Hours: full time (35 hours per week) | Starting salary: 30,160 | Directorate: Corporate Services & Accounts | Department: Accounts | Location: Edinburgh | Closing date: 15 Feb 2026 (23:55)

You'll be part of a busy operational Accounts team and responsible for assessing solicitors' accounts accurately, fairly, and in line with legislation and policy. Your work will help ensure public funds are managed responsibly while maintaining constructive working relationships with legal professionals.


This role suits someone who is comfortable working with detailed information, making decisions using guidance and judgement, and managing a high-volume workload. You'll work closely with colleagues across Accounts Assessment and the wider organisation, with support from a Senior Assessment Officer and Team Leader.



Key responsibilities include:
Assessing solicitors' fees and outlays in line with legislation, policy, guidance, and fee tables Managing your own workload to meet defined timescales and accuracy benchmarks Reviewing accounts to ensure all required information is provided, requesting further details as needed Processing payments accurately within delegated authority limits Corresponding and negotiating with solicitors on assessed or queried accounts Working collaboratively with colleagues across teams and providing phone cover, when required.

To succeed in this role, you will need:
The ability to manage a high-volume workload with accuracy, attention to detail, and minimal supervision Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to explain decisions clearly Good judgement and the ability to interpret and apply legislation, policy, and guidance Strong numerical skills and confidence with complex calculations A strong work ethic and understanding of public sector values and accountability Good IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Teams, Excel, Word, and Outlook.

For more details about this role and a full list of essential criteria and required competencies,



Completed applications should be returned by Sunday, 15 February 2026.


For assistance, please email recruitment@slab.org.uk .

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.


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.