Lawyer

Do you have an interest in social security law? Are you looking for an opportunity to undertake litigation in a new, fast-developing area of law, with opportunities to shape how the social security system will operate for years to come? If so, come and join the Appeals Branch in the Social Security Legal Services Unit.

The Scottish Government’s social security agenda is ambitious and strives to build a social security system that is human-rights based and centred around Social Security Scotland’s values of dignity, fairness and respect. The Social Security Legal Services Unit provides legal services to Social Security Scotland to enable the delivery of devolved benefits to the people of Scotland. The Unit works flexibly to support delivery of the Scottish Government’s priorities for the Scottish social security system.

As a Lawyer, you will assist in the work of the Appeals Branch, which advises Social Security Scotland on appeals to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland and the Upper Tribunal for Scotland. Our clients in Social Security Scotland are responsible for representing Social Security Scotland before the First-tier Tribunal.

The post-holder should have or be willing to develop advocacy skills as part of the role. You will also be expected to work flexibly across the Unit, with opportunities to assist other teams as the Unit responds to the changing and maturing needs of our clients.

Responsibilities

• Advise on the preparation and drafting of appeal responses.

• Advise on procedural matters.

• Review and advise on Tribunal decisions, principally on whether an appeal to the Upper Tribunal should be pursued.

• Utilise a case management system effectively and keep an up-to-date and accurate record of work at all times.

• Prepare and conduct their own appeals in the Upper Tribunal.

• Undertake appearance work, principally in the Upper Tribunal.

• Provide assistance with client training, knowledge management and participate in an ongoing programme of appeals improvement work.

Qualifications
You must be an advocate or solicitor admitted in Scotland.

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:

• Ability to conduct sound legal analysis taking account of multiple sources of information and data.
• Ability to organise your own workload in a flexible way to manage risk and respond to competing priorities, being open to innovation and seeking efficiency.

Experience:

• Proven track record of providing high quality legal advice on complex areas.

Behaviour: 

• Making effective decisions - Level 4.
• Working together - Level 4.
• Delivering at pace - Level 4.
• Communicating and influencing - Level 4.

How to apply

Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1500 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.  Please see our candidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment. 

If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation. Assessments are scheduled for w/c 9 March 2026, however this may be subject to change.

About usThe Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers 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 which improve the lives of the people of Scotland.We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer.As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules. Working patternOur standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role, including Flexi-leave. Scottish Government staff in hybrid-compatible roles should aim to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us. Security checksSuccessful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions). You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website, or read about the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide.  

Equality Statement
We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.  Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.

Further Information
Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.

Apply before: 10 February 2026 (23:59)

This role is open to internal candidates, OGD and Common Citizenship organisations only.