Principal Legal Adviser - 453692

Ktpws; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 96,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

An established public legal body in Scotland is seeking a Principal Legal Adviser to drive the delivery of legal advice and support to senior leadership. This role is vital in reshaping the legal aid system and providing strategic input on legislation and policy. The ideal candidate will be an enrolled solicitor with expertise in complex legal issues and a deep understanding of the Scottish justice system. A hybrid work model is offered, accommodating both remote and on-site work.

Qualifications

• Enrolled solicitor with a non‑restricted practising certificate.
• Substantial knowledge of the Scottish justice system.
• Experience tackling complex legal issues and providing sound technical and strategic advice.

Responsibilities

• Provide robust and reliable legal advice across the organisation.
• Lead legal engagement with the Scottish Government regarding legislative development.
• Deliver technical and strategic advice to senior stakeholders.

Skills

Knowledge of the Scottish justice system

Ability to tackle complex legal issues

Providing strategic advice

Education

Enrolled solicitor with a non‑restricted practising certificate

Job description

Principal Legal Adviser

• Ref no: 453692
• Published: 29/12/2025
• Closes: 14/01/2026
• Location: 91 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 5HD
• Salary: £96,350 – £108,270 per annum
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Position Type: Full Time
• Hours: 35 hours per week
• Work From Home: Hybrid

The Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB) was set up in 1987 to manage legal aid in Scotland. We are a non‑departmental public body responsible to the Scottish Government. Our main purpose is to fund, deliver and advise on services that enable people to exercise their rights and live in a fair society that respects the rule of law.

We are seeking to appoint a Principal Legal Adviser who, as SLAB’s senior solicitor, will provide legal support and guidance to the Chief Executive, Executive Team, Board and Committees, via legal advice and support on both specific technical aspects of legal aid legislation and wider matters of Scots Law. This is a pivotal moment for our organisation and this role is critical to the re‑shaping of the current legal aid system, designed in the 1950’s, to reflect what is needed in current times.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide robust and reliable legal advice, support and services across the organisation, working to drive SLAB forward to effectively discharge its functions, meet its obligations and deliver its corporate objectives.
• Lead legal engagement with the sponsor division of the Scottish Government in relation to legislative and regulatory development and reform, and the preparation of new legislative instruments.
• Deliver technical and strategic advice to senior stakeholders and influence policy and practice across the sector.

Key Qualifications

• Enrolled solicitor with a non‑restricted practising certificate.
• Substantial knowledge of the Scottish justice system.
• Experience tackling complex legal issues and providing sound technical and strategic advice.

Applications should comprise a tailored CV and a covering letter (no longer than two pages) highlighting your skills and experience pertinent to the role. Applications must arrive no later than Wednesday, 14 January 2026.

For a confidential, informal discussion about the role, or to request a Candidate Information Pack, please contact LHH directly on [phone] or email [e-mail].