CYPCS Legal Officer (Solicitor) (Full time, Permanent)

Monday, 25 August 2025

CYPCS Legal Officer (Solicitor) (Full time, Permanent)

Full time, 37 hours p/w, £45,428 – £54,166 Grade 4

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.

Why join us?

You’ll be valued as an essential part of a busy team, working every day to make an impact in children and young people’s lives in Scotland.

As a team, we work to our shared values of bravery, independence, leadership, participation and respect so that we can be the fierce champions of rights that children and young people need us to be.

We offer flexible working hours and excellent holidays and benefits within the public sector in Scotland.

Applications are welcomed and must be submitted before midnight on Wednesday 27th August 2025.

Interviews will take place at our offices.

To apply, please fill out the Application Form and return via email to [email protected] more information, 

Legal Officer (Solicitor)