Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:

Legal Officer (Solicitor)

Location: Edinburgh with travel across Scotland and internationally

Line Manager: Head of Legal

Role Summary:

Incorporation of the UNCRC into Scots law places the Commissioner at the leading edge of child rights strategic litigation. This is an incredibly exciting opportunity to influence the development of Scots law and drive real systemic improvements in children's lives.

This pivotal role helps promote and safeguard children's rights in accordance with the duties of the office as set out in the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2003. Reporting to the Head of Legal, our Legal Officers (Solicitors) are responsible for the lawful and effective discharge of the Commissioner's powers and duties.

As a key member of staff, you will exercise the Commissioner's power to undertake investigations and the new strategic litigation power brought in by the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024. Working as part of the Legal Team, you will be responsible for ensuring the office achieves maximum strategic impact by undertaking swift, robust assessment and human rights analysis of cases and issues, providing advice on the most appropriate response, drafting submissions/terms of reference, carrying out investigations, instructing counsel and directly legally representing the Commissioner where appropriate.

Where required by the Commissioner or Head of Legal, you will also provide advice on and exercise the Commissioner's statutory functions.

Alongside developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, you will be expected to work directly with children and young people to gain their views and understanding on various complex rights issues, this includes working with our Young Advisers Group.

We're looking for someone with experience of successfully undertaking litigation in a fast-paced environment, and who evidences a commitment to rights-based practice, collaborative working and the highest professional and ethical standards.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Litigation - ensuring that the office makes effective use of its litigation powers including by; undertaking swift and effective assessment and human rights analysis of cases providing advice on the most appropriate response, drafting submissions, instructing counsel and directly legally representing the Commissioner where appropriate.

2. Investigation - ensuring the office makes effective us of its investigation powers including by drafting terms of reference, carrying out and reporting on investigations

And

3. Where required by the Commissioner or Head of Legal, advising on and exercising the Commissioner's statutory functions.

4. Working directly with children and young people to ensure their voices appropriately inform the work of the office

5. Representing the office in various public arena

6. Maintaining and developing relationships and networks with stakeholders

7. Ensuring compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, policy and professional standards

8. Monitoring relevant case law domestically and internationally

9. Work collaboratively to achieve the Commissioner's strategic objectives

10. Any other such duties as the Commissioner or Head of Legal may reasonably require

DIMENSIONS

Financial- none.

Management responsibility - No direct reports

Individual responsibility - to model and live the Office's values of Bravery, Respect, Participation, Independence and Leadership.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Essential Criteria: Qualifications and Experience

Hold or be eligible to immediately apply for a valid Practising Certificate as a solicitor Sufficient satisfactory relevant post-qualification experience as a solicitor in a relevant area of law

Evidence of conducting high gravity litigation including at least one of the following;

o providing public law advice and instructing/conducting judicial reviews,

o Edinburgh agency work and instructing cases in the Court of Session,

o conducting complex child law proofs and appeals.

Essential Criteria: Knowledge and Skills

The capacity to undertake high volumes of work, prioritise efficiently and deliver to strict deadlines

Sound judgement and decision-making skills

An excellent ability to develop, manage and maintain internal and external stakeholder relationships

Experience in the use of appropriate technology e.g. electronic case management systems and other IT tools and suites such as Microsoft 365

Essential Criteria: Values, Ethics and Integrity

Commitment to a rights-based approach to work, and in particular to the meaningful participation of children and young people

Commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, trustworthiness and integrity

Commitment to a positive, constructive approach to collaborative working in a team

Desirable Criteria

Extended rights of audience

Experience of public law

Experience of undertaking strategic litigation

Experience of carrying out formal investigations and/or inquiries

A broader understanding of international law as it affects children and young people

Experience of working with the office's key stakeholders including the Scottish Parliament, Scottish Government, international organisations, or civil society

Experience of working with children and young people

Knowledge, understanding and/or experience of the office's work

To apply, please fill out the Application Form here - https://www.cypcs.org.uk/about/legal-officer-solicitor-full-time-permanent/

Return via email to recruitment@cypcs.org.uk

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 45,428.00-54,166.00 per year

Benefits:

Flexitime Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Work from home
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Edinburgh EH7 4NS

Application deadline: 21/07/2025