Professional Support Legal Assistant

The Scottish Government; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public sector organization in Edinburgh seeks two Professional Support Legal Assistants (PSLAs) to enhance legal research and provide critical support to solicitors. Ideal candidates will possess a law degree or relevant experience in legal research and be proficient in organizational and communication skills. The organization values equality and offers flexible working patterns to accommodate various needs while working towards delivering legal services responsibly.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Public service impact

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• First or upper second-class Honours degree in law is required.
• Excellent legal research skills with substantial work experience may qualify.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research for high-quality legal services.
• Maintain KM resources with updates and proposals.
• Support solicitors with legal developments and training.
• Contribute to the KM Group and infrastructure improvements.
• Maintain contact with other PSLAs and solicitors.

Skills

Legal research skills

Public law knowledge

Communication

Influencing

Organizing workload

Education

First or upper second-class Honours degree in law (LLB (Hons))

Postgraduate qualification in law (LLB or LLM)

Job description

Are you looking for a role that develops your legal research skills and helps deliver high quality legal services for the people of Scotland? We are looking to recruit two Professional Support Legal Assistants (PSLAs) to join the Scottish Government Legal Directorate (SGLD) to undertake legal research and provide Knowledge Management (KM) support to solicitors.

SGLD delivers a full range of legal services to the Scottish Government and various public bodies. This includes instructing primary legislation, drafting secondary legislation, and advising Ministers and officials across a broad range of legal issues. It is a fast‑paced and high‑profile environment, often involving complex and sensitive legal matters.

PSLAs provide a vital service to solicitors across SGLD. They contribute to the delivery of timely, high‑quality legal advice through research and KM activities, but do not provide legal advice or draft statutory instruments.

Divisions Covered

• Post 1 – Rural Affairs Division (RA) & Marine, Planning and Natural Resources Division (MPNR)
• Post 2 – Economy and Social Protections Division (ESP) & Transport, Commercial and Information Division (TCI)

PSLAs may also support colleagues outside their assigned divisions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research to support the delivery of high‑quality legal services. This may involve preparing accurate and concise summaries of legal topics, or research related to specific legislative or advisory matters.
• Maintain and enhance KM resources through regular reviews, propose improvements, and support the Division and Directorate in managing their KM systems effectively. This includes updating the internal knowledge management system (the Wiki) and contributing notes and articles for its content.
• Support solicitors in staying up to date with legal developments, attending training and CPD events, and preparing legal update notes for circulation within the Division or Directorate.
• Contribute to the KM Group within SGLD, helping to improve and develop the Directorate’s overall KM infrastructure and producing the regular Knowledge Management Update.
• Maintain appropriate contact with the other PSLAs and with solicitors in their Divisions.

Qualifications

• First or upper second‑class Honours degree in law (LLB (Hons)) or a first‑ or second‑class Honours degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification (LLB (graduate entry) or LLM in law).
• Alternatively, evidence of excellent legal research skills and substantial work experience in legal research.

Success Profile

Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on.

Technical / Professional Skills

• Lead criterion – The ability to undertake effective and efficient legal research and identify, interpret and clearly communicate relevant information.
• Knowledge and understanding of public law and its practical application to government in Scotland.

Experience

• Experience in organising and managing your own workload flexibly to respond to competing and changing priorities and deadlines.

Behaviours

• Communicating and influencing – Level 2.
• Working Together – Level 2.

How To Apply

Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (no more than 1000 words) that demonstrates how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile. If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation. Initial sift will be based on the lead criterion of Technical/Professional Skills; successful candidates will be fully assessed against all remaining criteria.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples must be truthful and taken directly from your own experience. Plagiarism or AI‑generated content presented as your own will result in withdrawal of applications.

About Us

The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for key policy areas including education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport, 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 that improve the lives of the people of Scotland.

Working Pattern

Standard hours are 35 hours per week. The role offers flexible working options, including flexi‑leave, and for hybrid‑compatible roles should aim to work in‑person 40% of the time. Victoria Quay, Edinburgh is the designated contractual place of work.

Security Checks

Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) before appointment. BPSS comprises identity, right to work, employment history and a criminal record check.

Equality Statement

We are committed to equality and inclusion and aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. We offer recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.

Further Information

Find out more on our Careers Website and read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.

Contact: Stephanie McGuinness – [e-mail] or Becky White – [e-mail]

Apply before: 15 February 2026 (23:59)