Deputy Head of Legal Services

This is a senior leadership role at the heart of a complex, high-profile policing environment. As Deputy Head of Legal Services, you will play a pivotal part in shaping Police Scotland’s legal strategy and ensuring that operational policing legal needs are met. You will lead and develop legal teams, oversee high-value and high-risk litigation, and act as a trusted senior adviser to the Chief Constable and Head of Legal Services. The role demands exceptional judgement, strong communication skills, and the ability to influence at the highest level.

You will support the Head of Legal Services in driving service improvement, modernising legal processes, and strengthening the organisation’s governance framework. You will have primary responsibility for staffing and personnel management together with advising on critical policing operational matters. You will deputise for the Head of Legal Services when required.

This is an exceptional opportunity to help shape the legal function within Police Scotland. As Deputy Head of Legal Services, you will be at the centre of high-profile work that directly influences national policing priorities. You will have an important role to play in helping the Chief Constable deliver her 2030 vision for policing in Scotland. This role provides an opportunity to collaborate with senior officers, external partners and oversight bodies and contribute towards decisions that impact communities throughout Scotland. For an ambitious legal professional, this is a chance to make a meaningful difference.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Legal Leadership and Direction

• Assist the Head of Legal Services in the delivery of high-quality legal services across both operational and corporate functions, ensuring alignment with policing plans, governance arrangements, and organisational priorities.

Litigation and Representation

• Oversee and monitor the work of an in-house team of solicitors to provide a comprehensive litigation and advice service, representing the Chief Constable and the SPA in the Scottish Courts and Tribunals.

• Manage and evaluate the efficiency, effectiveness, and value for money of all claims and legal services provided by external third-party solicitors and counsel.

Corporate Governance and Risk Management

• Deputise for the Head of Legal Services as necessary at SPA meetings, assessing the legal implications of corporate reports and providing dedicated support for major projects, property conveyancing, and contract documents.

• Manage and assess legal risk across all areas of managerial responsibility, ensuring compliance and the delivery of Best Value for the legal services department.

Team Management and Professional Development

• Help to direct workload distribution, performance management, and the PDR process for Legal Services staff while ensuring department budgets are met.

• Ensure compliance with Continuing Professional Development (CPD) obligations and lead the selection, employment, and training of department personnel.

It is expected that you shall:

• Be educated to LLB Degree level (Bachelor of Laws) and hold a current, unrestricted Practising Certificate from the Law Society of Scotland.

• Possess significant post-qualifying experience as a Scottish solicitor, with proven achievements managing legal work of a complex or important nature at a senior level.

• Demonstrate effective managerial and supervisory skills, with a track record of leading a team of solicitors and overseeing departmental performance.

• Exhibit exceptional negotiating, drafting, and advocacy skills, with significant experience regarding practice and procedure in the Scottish Civil Courts and Tribunals.

• Understand that this is a politically restricted post, meaning you may not engage in political activity.

Why join us?

• Competitive salary with annual increments

• Full-time or part-time shift patterns

• 28 days annual leave and 6 public holidays (increases with service)

• Local government pension scheme for long-term security

• Ongoing training to develop your skills and maintain CPD compliance

• Opportunities for career progression and professional growth

• Comprehensive wellbeing support and dynamic work environment

• Exclusive discounts and savings through our rewards and benefits network

Every role in Police Scotland plays a part in Keeping People Safe.

This is an opportunity to join a national organisation serving communities across Scotland, where integrity, fairness and respect are at the heart of everything we do.

Police Scotland serves over 5 million people across Scotland’s cities, towns, rural and island communities.

Our 2030 vision is for safer communities, less crime, supported victims and a thriving workforce. We are committed to equality, human rights and building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

You should have been resident in the UK for a minimum of five years immediately prior to application for this role

Currently Police Scotland have guidance in place that allows appropriate roles to be operated on an agile basis, should you have an interest in working more flexibly then we would encourage your application